Photos show the Blue Cut fire blazing a path of destruction in California

The fast-moving Blue Cut fire continues to rage through southern California, prompting large-scale evacuations.
 By 
Lili Sams
 on 
Photos show the Blue Cut fire blazing a path of destruction in California
PHELAN, CA - AUGUST 16, 2016: A firefighter radios that the Blue Cut Fire is burning on both sides of Highway 138 on August 16, 2016 in Phelan, California.(Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) Credit: Gina Ferazzi/LA Times/Getty Images

A fast moving wildfire continued raging near San Bernadino, California, forcing the evacuation of at least 82,000 and putting more than 30,000 structures at risk. The fire is one of 8 large fires burning across the state, where more than 10,000 firefighters are deployed.

As of Tuesday morning, the Blue Cut fire has already engulfed 30,000 acres and was expected to spread amid hot, dry and windy conditions.

Despite the efforts of 1,250 firefighters with more on the way, the blaze was 0 percent contained. The devastating blaze came as California is suffering through its worst drought on record. Dried out soils and widespread tree deaths, make trees and other vegetation more susceptible to fast spreading flames.


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A firefighter radios that the Blue Cut Fire is burning on both sides of Highway 138  in Phelan, California. Credit: Gina Ferazzi/LA Times /Getty Images
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Firefighters battle the Blue Cut wildfire near Cajon Pass, north of San Bernardino. Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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Firefighters cut a chain link fence to provide access for firefighting equipment. Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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Burned structures and vehicles are left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire that broke out in Devore near the Cajon Pass, California. Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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Firefighters monitor the progression of the Blue Cut wildfire as it burns burning near Cajon Pass, California. Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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Fire crews attempted but could not stop the wildfire from spreading along Highway 138 in Phelan, California. Credit: Gina Ferazzi/LA Times via Getty Images
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A firefighter battles the Blue Cut wildfire near Cajon Pass, north of San Bernardino. California. Fire spokeswoman, Lynne Tolmachoff, told AFP, the wildfire poses "imminent threat to public safety, rail traffic and structures." Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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The Blue Cut wildfire burns housings and trees near Cajon Pass, north of San Bernardino, California. Credit: RINGO CHIU/AFP/Getty Images
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The Blue Cut Fire roars out of control towards home off Highway 138 in Phelan, California. Credit: Gina Ferazzi/LA Times/ Getty Images
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An air tanker drops fire retardant on the Blue Cut wildfire in Lytle Creek, California. Credit: RINGO CHIU /AFP/Getty Images
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Lili Sams

Lili Sams is a Photo Editor at Mashable, where she works to tell compelling stories utilizing the visual medium of photography. She graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism .

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