A blaze broke out in the mountains above San Bernardino Mountain, bringing out more than 200 firefigthers to battle the flames. The "Panorama Fire" was 70 percent contained as of Tuesday morning. (File photo.)
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Trial Begins in 2003 "Old Fire" Arson, Murder Case
Tom Wayman, who lost his home in the 2003 Old Fire, says he attended opening statements Monday to see the suspect, Rickie Lee Fowler, and the evidence for himself. Fowler, 30, is accused of starting the a 91,000-acre fire that burned 1,000 homes in the San Bernardino Mountain foothills that resulted in six deaths – five from heartattacks – that the prosecution says he is responsible for. Craig Fiegener reports from San Bernardino for the NBC4 News at 6 p.m. on July 9, 2012.
San Bernardino Fire: SoCal is Overdue for Major Fire
The summer season always brings hot temperatures. Add to that dry brush conditions and that becomes a dangerous recipe for a major fire. Local officials are preparing for what is expected to be a busy fire season. Jacob Rascon reports from San Bernardino for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on July 4, 2012.
A brush fire in Waterman Canyon in the San Bernardino Mountains has grown to 75 acres, and three firefighters who responded were transferred to a local hospital due to heat-related complications.
Officials have dubbed the blaze, which is burning in the mountains north of San Bernardino, the "Panorama Fire." Flames began in 100-degree weather just before 2 p.m. Monday in a steep and rugged area.
The fire burned 75 acres near Panorama Point on Highway 18 (map), causing portions of roadway to be closed for a few hours. Southbound traffic remained reduced to one lane on Tuesday morning, according to InciWeb, an inter-agency fire website.
A voluntary evacuation was set in place for locals with homes on Old Waterman Canyon Road. The road reopened to evacuated residents later that evening, according to the U.S. Forest Service's website.
The fire was 70 percent contained as of about 8:30 Tuesday morning, according to InciWeb. A recording on the San Bernardino National Forest's fire information line said firefighters were working Tuesday to "improve containment lines."
The fire area is not far from where the 2003 Old Dire blazed. That fire burned some 1,000 homes and killed five area residents. The arson suspect in the Old Fire, Rickie Lee Fowler, was in court Monday facing murder charges.
The U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino City Fire Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department and other fire agencies responded, sending 263 firefighters to the blaze, the forest service site reported on Monday.
"Firefighters did an excellent job today, considering the high temperatures and low humidity in Southern California today. We want to remind the public to be extra cautious, and report any suspicious activity," District Ranger Gabe Garcia said in a press release Monday.
Investigators are seeking public assistance in determining a cause of the fire. If you have information, call the San Bernardino City Fire Department at 909-384-5777.
New Aquarium Gallery: Wonders of the Deep
