HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) — A bushfire fueled by high temperatures and dry scrub, prompting widespread evacuation orders and warnings, exploded in the Highland region, growing to 17,459 acres.

The Line Fire began Thursday night, but flames didn’t become truly intense until Saturday, spreading quickly as winds shifted and lightning struck the area. Communities in the area were ordered to evacuate and roads were closed.

According to Cal Fire’s website, at least three firefighters were injured, but further details on their conditions were not released.

As of Sunday morning, no home destruction had been reported, but 8,733 structures in the area were threatened, including homes, commercial buildings and other smaller structures.

Containment was at 0%.

Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County because of the fire and announced new federal grants to fight the fire. The emergency declaration allows the government to override certain regulations so that people affected by the fire can, for example, receive unemployment benefits more quickly or obtain lost documents such as marriage licenses and birth certificates. Certain regulations for hospitals and child care facilities will also be overridden.

The state also received a Fire Management Assistance Grant from FEMA, Newsom said. The grant allows local agencies to apply for reimbursement of up to 75% of their firefighting costs.

Officials said the fire created its own weather conditions as pyrocumulus clouds – also known as fire clouds – formed in the sky. The National Weather Service said there were about 3,700 lightning strikes recorded in the clouds – and more than 270 lightning strikes on the ground, which had the potential to spark new fires.

According to Chris Prater of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, thunderstorms created downdrafts that drove the fire in unpredictable directions.

“The firefighters are fighting a very tough battle,” said Prater. “They are fighting in temperatures of over 38 degrees Celsius. Very steep terrain. And today there are new weather conditions with approaching thunderstorms.”

Authorities issued evacuation orders and warnings that remained in effect Sunday, and several roads were closed.

Evacuation orders

• The area from Calle Del Rio to Highway 38, including north of Greensport Road.

• All vacant lots east of Highway 330 to Summertrail Place and north of Highland Avenue.

• Areas of Running Spring east of Highway 330 and south of Highway 18

• The communities of Running Springs and Arrow Bear Lake

• The area east of Orchard Road to Cloverhill from Highland Avenue north to the foothills

• North of Highland Avenue and east of Palm Avenue to Highway 330

Evacuation warnings

• Neighborhood east of Church St. and north of Highland Ave.

• Districts east of Weaver, north of Greenspot to Iron Bridge

• Cedar Glen, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline and Valley of Enchantment

Road closures

Highway 330 is closed in both directions between Base Line Street Interstate 210 in Highland and Highway 18 in Running Springs. Base Line Street from Fairwood to Brockwood is closed for fire operations. Aurantia Park at Greenspot Road is also closed to the public.

An evacuation shelter for those affected has been set up at the Immanuel Baptist Church at 28355 Base Line Street.

Animals may be brought to Devore Animal Shelter, 19777 Shelter Way.

Meanwhile, the cause of the fire is being investigated.