California brush fires damage homes and spark evacuations

A brush fire in Lucerne Valley, San Bernardino County, spread quickly across a quarter‑acre near Sunset Road and Allen Way, expanding to about five acres. Firefighters reported that several structures were involved and that ammunition inside a burning home was discharging. Capt. Eric Sherwin said, “We do have structures that are involved,” but no injuries were reported.

Later Thursday, a separate blaze dubbed the Grande fire ignited on the Los Angeles–Ventura county border near Lake Piru. The fire grew to roughly 30 acres despite steep terrain, prompting evacuation warnings for nearby residents. More than 100 firefighters attacked the blaze, assisted by two fixed‑wing aircraft and three helicopters dropping water and fire retardant. Ventura County Fire spokesperson Andrew Dowd noted the rapid water supply and aerial support helped contain the fire. The incident occurred amid a regional heat advisory with temperatures reaching the 90s‑100s.