Blue Cut fire continues to rage in San Bernardino County

SAN BERNANDINO COUNTY (KFSN) -- Fierce flames continue to light up the night sky and more than 80,000 forced to evacuate their homes. The Blue Cut fire in San Bernardino County continues to destroy structures. The blaze has quickly burned more than 25,000 acres and is currently four percent contained.

"We don't like losing homes and it's challenging when we're up against a fire that's burning so aggressively," said Glen Barley, Cal Fire's San Bernadino Unit Chief.

The firestorm came dangerously close to the Lytle Creek on Wednesday and Wrightwood on Tuesday. Several people stay at a Red Cross shelter just waiting and watching to see if they will return home.

"If my house comes down there's nothing I can do about it, but I've, you know, heard about some looting and, um, there's some things going on up there that I have no control over it," said Lillian Esparza, Lytle Creek resident.

Fire officials said many residents in Wrightwood and Lytle Creek have decided to ignore the mandatory evacuations-- a deadly decision, according to fire personnel.

"It's possible that this fire can move through, close off their escapes routes and put themselves in jeopardy. It's very unlikely that a firefighter is going to put their life now in jeopardy for someone who has made the decision not to evacuate," said Frank Mosbacher, PIO for Blue Cut Fire.

Fire officials said about 1,500 firefighters were battling the flames while aircraft worked the top of the hills. Fire officials said the fire will be scattering embers like it did Wednesday and advancing that fire.

The California Air National Guard also announced Wednesday it would be sending aircraft to support the firefighting efforts.

Fire officials also announced Wednesday night that northbound I-15 has reopened.