By Mary-Justine Lanyon
At 2:46 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 5, a fire broke out in a pile of split wood across from MacKay Park, in the area behind Mountains Community Health.
The fire spread into adjacent vegetation with what was called a “rapid rate of spread,” increasing from one acre to two. By shortly after 3:00 p.m., the fire was said to have spread to five acres in grass and oak woodland, with several structures threatened.
Both Cal Fire and San Bernardino County Fire responded with attacks by both water-dropping helicopters and an air tanker. The air tankers were released at 3:44 p.m.
With better mapping, the size of the fire was revised to two acres. Shortly before 4:00 p.m., the rate of spread was reduced to a slow speed. Helicopters continued to work hot spots.
Both air tankers and water-dropping helicopters were used to put out the MacKay Fire. (Photo: Mountains Community Health)
County Fire then reported that crews were making good progress and some ground resources had been canceled. Forward progress was stopped, per Incident Command, and the structure threat was also mitigated.
Meanwhile, Mountains Community Health released this statement at 4:21 p.m.:
We are aware of the fire behind the hospital. The fire is currently being actively addressed by fire crews and our team is closely monitoring the situation.
As a precaution, we have activated our Incident Command System to ensure our hospital team is prepared, coordinated and able to respond appropriately should conditions change.
Our hospital remains open and operational. The safety of our patients, visitors and staff remains our top priority.
We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed.
This was followed by a second statement from MCH at 4:52 p.m.:
ALL CLEAR: The fire behind Mountains Community Hospital has been contained, and the situation is under control. Our Incident Command response has concluded, and there is no further immediate concern for the hospital or surrounding community.
We sincerely thank Cal Fire, County Fire and the Forest Service for their rapid response and dedicated efforts to protect our hospital and community.
Thank you to our patients, visitors, staff and community for your cooperation and understanding.
Cal Fire listed the fire as contained as of 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 6. Three structures had been threatened but none were damaged. There were no civilian or firefighter injuries. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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