Blue Cut fire continues to march forward as it burns more than 35,000 acres

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif. (KFSN) -- The fast moving flames of the Blue Cut fire in San Bernardino County have blackened more than 35,000 acres in the Cajon Pass. Currently, the fire is 22-percent contained.

The fire broke out Tuesday as a small brush fire near Interstate 15 and spread quickly. It forced thousands from their homes in the Cajon Pass-- a mountain pass between the San Bernardino Mountains and the San Gabriel Mountains.

"The conditions have been brutal. They've been extremely hot, the weather has been over 100 degrees, although today is probably the first day we've had temps below 100," said Major Adrien Leon, San Bernardino County Firefighter.

Containment is low-- the gusty winds and heat making it hard for firefighters to keep the fast-moving flames from destroying more land.

"It's not Santa Anna wind season for us. That doesn't come until October. So really, that's fire season for us-- this isn't supposed to be fire season," said Mark Hartwig.

Evacuation orders are still in place for more than 80,000 residents. Thursday morning, the fire, once again, came dangerously close to homes and a major freeway.

Even with the extreme conditions, firefighters are doing whatever it takes to slow the fire down.

"I know for the majority of the guys here, the firefighters, the fire service, it's just a job that we do and we'll fight this fire to the end," said Leon.

Interstate 15 from Southern California to Las Vegas through the Cajon Pass has now reopened to travelers. It was one of the first things shut down by this fire.