Firefighters struggle to control explosive Blue Cut fire in Southern California

CAJON PASS, Calif., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- The Blue Cut fire east of Los Angeles continues to scorch more acreage as fire fighters struggle to gain control of the explosive blaze, which has jumped to nearly 36,000 on Thursday.

Cal Fire said the blaze has now grown to 35,969 acres and is now 22 percent contained. Though some evacuation orders have been lifted, most of the 82,000 evacuees are still waiting to go home, if they have a home to go to.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County.

"It hit hard, it hit fast -- it hit with an intensity that we haven't seen before," said San Bernardino County Fire Chief Mark Hartwig.

Stretches of California Highway 138 and Interstate 15, the major route between Las Vegas and Los Angeles, remain closed.

Parts of other roadways -- including State Route 2, Highway 38 and Highway 395 -- are also closed.

More than 1,300 firefighters were battling the blaze, along with 152 engines, 18 crews, eight air tankers, two Very Large Air Tankers, and eight helicopters, including night-flying choppers.

There is still no tally of destroyed homes and structures, but officials are bracing for a high count. Among the structures lost to the explosive fire is the historic Summit Inn along Route 66, a spot once a favorite of Elvis Presley's.

"There will be a lot of families that will come home to nothing," Hartwig said.

Gov. Jerry Brown declared a state of emergency in San Bernardino County.