A fast-moving Southern California wildfire sparked urgent evacuation orders Wednesday night, as firefighters scrambled to contain flames threatening homes in San Bernardino County.
The blaze—dubbed the “Grand Fire”— ignited shortly after 7:13 p.m. on May 13, 2026, near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Pleasant Hill Drive in Chino Hills, according to Cal Fire and local officials.
Within just an hour, the fire had rapidly expanded to around 30 acres, fueled by dry brush and spreading at a moderate rate, with officials warning it could grow to as large as 200 acres if not brought under control.
How the Chino Hills Fire Started
The exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, but early reports indicated a burning vehicle was spotted on Grand Avenue near the origin point, though authorities have not confirmed whether it played a role in igniting the flames.
Evacuations and Areas Affected
As the fire intensified, officials issued mandatory evacuation orders around 8:15 p.m., affecting multiple neighborhoods closest to the advancing flames…