‘Etiwanda Fire’ prompts evacuations in Rancho Cucamonga

Schools and homes are being evacuated as dry, gusty winds fan a smoky wildfire in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains in California.

The Etiwanda Fire in Rancho Cucamonga has scorched 1,000 acres and more than 1,000 homes are under evacuation.

The blaze broke out Wednesday just after 8 a.m. north of the 210 Freeway and north of Etiwanda. Heavy smoke was sent billowing over the city or Rancho Cucamonga and 20 acres quickly grew to 200 acres by 10 a.m. It’s currently at 1,000 acres.

Only ground crews are battling the fire because aircrafts can’t help because of the high winds in the area.

Wind gusts in the canyon reached 70 MPH. More than 1,600 homes are under evacuation. Some homeowners were getting ready to leave before the evacuation order was issued.

Fire officials said one structure has been damaged. The cause of the fire is under investigation.