Millions of Californians Evacuated Over Fast-Moving Wildfire -What to Know

A fast-moving Southern California wildfire sparked urgent evacuation orders Wednesday night, as firefighters scrambled to contain flames threatening homes in San Bernardino County.

The blaze-dubbed the "Grand Fire"- ignited shortly after 7:13 p.m. on May 13, 2026, near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Pleasant Hill Drive in Chino Hills, according to Cal Fire and local officials.

Within just an hour, the fire had rapidly expanded to around 30 acres, fueled by dry brush and spreading at a moderate rate, with officials warning it could grow to as large as 200 acres if not brought under control.

How the Chino Hills Fire Started

The exact cause of the wildfire remains under investigation, but early reports indicated a burning vehicle was spotted on Grand Avenue near the origin point, though authorities have not confirmed whether it played a role in igniting the flames.

Evacuations and Areas Affected

As the fire intensified, officials issued mandatory evacuation orders around 8:15 p.m., affecting multiple neighborhoods closest to the advancing flames.

Residents in Mill Stream Drive, Falling Star Lane, Valley View Lane, and Sweet Grass Lane were ordered to evacuate immediately, while surrounding streets-including Pleasant Hill Drive and nearby residential areas-were placed under evacuation warnings.

While officials haven't released a total number of evacuees, the orders impacted entire residential pockets of Chino Hills, forcing families to leave quickly as smoke blanketed neighborhoods and emergency sirens filled the air.

A temporary evacuation center was established at the Chino Hills Community Center, providing shelter for displaced residents.

Firefighting Response

Fire crews launched a second-alarm response as conditions worsened, signaling a significant escalation in resources.

Multiple agencies-including Cal Fire, San Bernardino County Fire, and neighboring departments-responded quickly, deploying both ground crews and aerial support, with helicopters repeatedly dropping water over the flames.

Roads in the area were shut down to allow emergency vehicles to operate, including closures along Chino Hills Parkway at Falling Star Lane and Country Walk.

Despite the rapid spread early on, by around 9 p.m., crews appeared to be gaining some control, though containment remained limited and conditions were still evolving.

What Happens Next

As of the latest updates, no injuries or structural damage have been reported, but officials caution that the situation remains fluid as firefighters work to contain the blaze fully.

The biggest concern moving forward is whether shifting weather conditions or terrain could allow the fire to expand beyond its current footprint. With the potential to grow several times larger, crews are prioritizing containment lines and structure protection overnight.

For now, residents in evacuation zones are urged to stay out of affected areas and remain ready for further alerts, as authorities continue to assess the fire's trajectory.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 14, 2026 at 12:20 AM.