SAN DIEGO — FEMA announced Monday afternoon that it approved assistance for the Line Fire that’s burning in San Bernardino County.
The wildfire has grown to 23,601 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest and is just three percent contained. Thousands of people have been evacuated.
More than 11,000 people have been impacted by the evacuation orders in the Line Fire in San Bernardino County.
“We have the fuel, the weather, topography, like a normal wildfire, but now we have thunderstorms on top of it, creating that unpredictability that makes it so dangerous,” said Brent Pascua, Cal Fire Battalion Chief.
He said there’s potential for dry-lighting ahead of the midday storms that’s making the Line Fire unique.
“It’s the wind. We don’t know where the wind is going to shift this fire until it happens. So we have crews surrounding this fire on all sides, in the mountain communities, prepared to stand their ground,” said Pascua.
Another threat is triple digit temperatures. During a firefighter's 24-hour shift, they are taking more breaks during the day. Cal Fire said three firefighters were treated for unknown injuries.
Since Thursday, when the Line Fire erupted west of Big Bear Lake, the number of crews from around the state grew from 600 to 1,700. The San Diego Metro Zone Strike team and Heartland Fire deployed over the weekend.
“At night, they’re able to put in more work because it’s not as hot, the humidity is up and the fire’s been laying low,” said Pascua.
Night crews also have aerial support to douse the flames.
“We’ve been lucky enough to use the nighttime water dropping helicopters to pinpoint those hot spots and help put water on them at night,” said Pascua.
Cal Fire said no structures have been destroyed but thousands are being threatened. The cause of the fire has not been determined.
On Saturday, Governor Gavin Newsom ordered a State of Emergency, which can help long term shelter and the cleanup.
“Bottom line is I want to get back home,” said Michael Lee, Arrowbear Lake resident.
FEMA said federal assistance will help state agencies mitigate, manage and control active wildfires in California.
WATCH RELATED: An Escondido battery storage facility caught fire this week. It's what neighbors have feared