Blue Cut Fire

VIDEO: Cross burns in Blue Cut Fire

Wednesday, August 17, 2016
A cross was destroyed as the Blue Cut Fire ravaged the hillsides of the San Bernardino National Forest.
SWARTHOUT CANYON, Calif. -- A cross perched atop a ridgeline in the Swarthout Canyon was disintegrated by the Blue Cut Fire on Tuesday.

PHOTOS: Wildfire burns San Bernardino National Forest hillsides
A burned out residence stands amid rubble on Highway 138 after the Blue Cut Fire burned through Phelan, Calif., on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2016.AP
Firefighters battle a wildfire on Cajon Boulevard in Keenbrook, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.AP
A helicopter drops retardant and water over flames during the Blue Cut fire in West Cajon Valley, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.AP
A DC-10 air tanker delivers flame retardant to the Blue Cut fire in Wrightwood, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.AP
A property is devastated along Highway 138 during day 2 of the Blue Cut fire in West Cajon Valley, Calif., Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.AP
Photo shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
Photo shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
Photo shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
The Blue Cut Fire threatens a house on Mt. Shadow Manor Ln. near Highway 138, north of Devore, Calif. , on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.AP
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 shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
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 shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
This Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016 photo Heavy fire envelopes Hwy 138 at Hess Rd in Phelan, Calif. as firefighters prepare to battle a wildfire spreading through San Bernardino County.KABC
A photo of the Blue Cut Fire submitted to ABC7 via the ABC7 app on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2016.KABC
Photo shows the devastation left in the wake of the Blue Cut Fire in San Bernardino County.KABC
Photo of the Blue Cut Fire submitted to ABC7 by Instagram user @sweethorchata using #abc7eyewitness.KABC
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
A plane drops fire retardant while battling the Blue Cut Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
The Blue Cut Fire rages in the San Bernardino National Forest on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
A cross burns in the Blue Cut Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest above Devore on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Photo taken of the Blue Cut Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest from Fontana, California, on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
A small patch of brush burned near a railroad and the 15 Freeway near Devore before exploding into a large brush fire on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Photo taken of the Blue Cut Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest from Chino, California, on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Flames burn close to a cross on a hill above Devore on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Smoke billows from a fast-moving brush fire near Devore on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Photo taken of the Blue Cut Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest from Hesperia, California, on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
Flames burn near a power line and smoke billows into the air near Devore on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC
A structure burns during the Blue Cut Fire as it raged in the San Bernardino National Forest on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2016.KABC


One of the most powerful images that gripped viewers showed flames surrounding the cross, eventually catching fire.
[Ads /]
The cross appeared to be near All Nations Mission, which is located along Swarthout Canyon Road.

AIR7 HD flew back over the area Wednesday and little of the cross remained.
[Ads /]
The Blue Cut Fire has left a trail of destruction, destroying several structures and homes while torching thousands of acres in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Click here for full coverage on the Blue Cut Fire.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.