Evacuations ordered as brush fire in Apple Valley grows to 4,200 acres

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- Evacuation orders were issued Tuesday afternoon for a brush fire in the Apple Valley area that has grown to more than 4,200 acres.

The Ranch Fire was reported some time after 1:30 p.m. in the area of Bowen Ranch Road and Roundup Way, according to fire officials.

An evacuation order was issued for the area from Milpas Drive to High Road, south of Highway 18, San Bernardino County sheriff's officials said on X.

The blaze quickly charred more than 1,500 acres within a few hours and expanded to 2,000 acres by 5:30 p.m.

As of Tuesday evening, Cal Fire says the fire has charred 4,205 acres and is 0% contained.

"Please evacuate safely and immediately," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said.

An evacuation site was established at Sitting Bull Academy at 19445 Sitting Bull Road.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.