The lifting of evacuation orders and the reopening of a stretch of highway heralded more progress against the Blue Cut fire Friday, Aug. 19.
And a favorable overnight weather forecast -- from decreased winds to lower temperatures -- was expected to help firefighters overnight.
But for families returning to burned-out ruins instead of homes, the massive wildfire’s destructive wake was nothing to celebrate.
Officials are asking for the public’s help in finding the fire’s cause.
The public's help is needed as the investigation into the cause of the Blue Cut fire continues, fire officials say.
Investigators are asking for photos or video of the area either the southbound Interstate 15 between Cleghorn Road and Kenwood Avenue or along Cajon Boulevard in the same area on Tuesday between the hours of 10 and 11 a.m.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or may submit tips on the web at www.wetip.com. All calls can remain confidential.
The conflagration in the San Bernardino Mountains had consumed 37,020 acres as of Friday morning with 40 percent containment, up from 22 percent going into Friday. Fifty-seven square miles - the city of Ontario takes up about 50 - have been burned.
At least 105 single-family homes and 216 outbuildings were lost as of Friday, San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig said at a news conference. The count could rise in the days ahead.
Numerous animals also died in the blaze, although no human deaths have been reported.
'FLAMES WERE SO HOT'
Ronnie Moore’s home was among those lost.
“I tried to run back in to save some things,” said Moore, who is married with four children. “But the smoke and flames were so hot I couldn’t make it.”
Moore said he didn’t have insurance on the property.
“We knew when we bought the home that the previous homeowner didn’t pull permits when they built, so we couldn’t get insurance.” he said.
Because he lacks insurance and all his receipts burned in the fire, Moore said San Bernardino County can’t help him. But he’s determined to rebuild.