The Blue Cut fire that sweeps across the San Bernardino County area this week (Aug 15-21, 2016) has already destroyed nearly 100 homes and in access of more than 200 other structures. Nasa has recently released satellite photos of the fire from space that shows the extension of the fire's fumes. Below are also the maps relative to the greater Los Angeles area that show the neighborhoods that are in immediate danger. The containment information and news updates are provided below as well.

Coupled with this week's Lake County wildfires, the raging blazes have already destroyed more than 300 structures, including several in the Lower Lake downtown area.

Current Situation: Containment, Total Dispatched Personnel, Evacuations and Planned Actions

Thus far, the blaze is reported to have stretched some 37,000 acres and remains just over 68 percent contained. At its peak, it forced the evacuations of more than 80,000 area residents. In total 82,649 people were evacuated as a result and currently 7,000 people remain evacuated.

There are currently 2,684 personnel dispatched who are working on this fire and based on Inciweb.gov the planned actions are to provide structure defense; complete containment lines, reinforce existing containment lines; continue to assess for damaged/destroyed structures; assist with repopulation where possible; prepare for the approval and integration of the suppression repair plan.

Dry, Humid Conditions Hampering Relief Efforts

In both instances, firefighters lamented there was little they could do as the blazes took full advantage of the area's vastly open regions and a five year drought that has left bone-dry conditions.

"They are just moving as fast as the wind can push them and that's leading to what we're seeing in terms of devastation," said Char Miller, a Pomona College professor who's an expert in wildfires. "Let's call it an imperfect storm of conditions: the drought, the heat, the low humidity. And let's be honest, this is not really big winds."

In the case of the Blue Cut blaze that erupted in the San Bernardino Mountains near I-15 early in the week, authorities expressed fear that it could be just a hint of what's to come as the fall season approaches, a time when Santa Ana winds traditionally cause many Southern California wildfires to pick up.

Through mid-April, 3,874 wildfires have raged across California this year, charring 112,950 acres and leaving seven dead.

Authorities Seeking Help Determining Cause of Blaze

The cause of the Blue Cut blaze remains under investigation and authorities are now asking the public for assistance in determining its origin. If you seen anything, heard anything have photos or videos, please call We Tip 1-800-47-ARSON or submit your tip online at: https://wetip.com/

Anyone with information about suspicious activity in the areas of Cleghorn and Kenwood Roads or on Old Cajon Boulevard or otherwise are encouraged to contact authorities.

"This has been a tough couple of weeks for the people of San Bernardino County," said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig said, also noting last week's Pilot fire, which combined with Blue Cut, required the services of more than 1,500 firemen.