PHOTOS: Over 80,000 forced to evacuate as Blue Cut fire rages east of Los Angeles

By Brian Lada, Meteorologist

August 17,2016; 6:44PM,EDT

 

The Blue Cut fire erupted in Southern California on Tuesday, burning thousands of acres and forcing evacuations for entire communities.
The Blue Cut Fire started burning late on Tuesday morning east of Los Angeles in the Cajon Pass. The blaze spread rapidly in dry, hot and breezy conditions.
The fire has burned over 25,000 acres and is only four percent contained, according to InciWeb. The cause of the blaze is still unknown.
The fire poses an "imminent threat to public safety, rail traffic and structures" in the region, InciWeb warned on Wednesday.
More than 80,000 people were placed under mandatory evacuation orders due to the effects of the fire, including the entire town of Wrightwood, California.
Those forced to evacuate have found it difficult to leave town as portions of Interstate 15 and Highway 138 have been shut down, according to the Los Angeles Times.
(Photo/San Bernardino County Fire District)
On Tuesday evening, California Governor Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency for San Bernardino County.
Six firefighters were entrapped by the raging wildfire on Tuesday afternoon while defending homes and assisting with evacuations. Two of the firefighters sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.
NBC 4 Los Angeles reported that some homes around the fire have been burned as the blaze spread through communities.
RELATED:
Detailed Los Angeles forecast
Interactive weather radar
Researchers accidentally discover blue firenado that could efficiently clean up oil spills
The weather over the next several days will make it challenging for fire crews to gain ground containing the blaze.

"Very dry, very warm air will remain in place through at least Thursday with relative humidity dropping to less than 20 percent in many areas threatened by the Blue Cut Fire," AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dave Houk said.
Houk added that wind gusts will range from 25 to 35 mph that can fan the flames and create a dangerous situation for those battling the blaze.
Smoke from the fire was visible across the entire area and was also able detected on weather radar.
In this Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016, photo fire threatens a house on Mt Shadow Manor Ln. near Hwy 138, north of Devore, Calif. (AP Photo/Rick McClure)
Cal Fire firefighter sets a backfire as he is silhouetted against the fire on Lone Pine Canyon Rd. in Wrightwood, Calif. early Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Rick McClure)
Burned property at Hess Road and Highway 138 shows the devastation of the Blue Cut fire in West Cajon Valley, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)
(Photo/San Bernardino County Fire District)
Smoke billowing over a shopping center near the Blue Cut Fire. (Twitter photo/@dogwifi)
The burned-out hulk of a 1960s Ford Falcon is seen Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016, after flames from the Blue Cut wildfire overnight swept through a rural area near Phelan, Calif. (AP Photo/Christine Armario)
A DC-10 air tanker delivers flame retardant to the Blue Cut fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)