The fire was reported shortly after 3 p.m. at an open field near Highland Avenue and Highway 330. It was first reported to be between 5 and 10 acres before it erupted to 300 acres within the hour. As of 8 p.m., fire officials estimated the acreage at 902 acres with no containment.
Highland residents prepare for evacuations
About 560 firefighters were taking on the fast-moving blaze from the air and the ground.
Highway 330, a major road that leads to mountain communities, was closed from Interstate 210 to Live Oak Drive near Running Springs for several hours and reopened at 9:55 p.m., according to San Bernardino County fire and sheriff's officials.
Mountain motorists were asked to drive cautiously and expect firefighters and equipment near the highway.
Mandatory evacuation orders that were in place east of Orchard Road, north of Highland Avenue and west of Church Street, a total of about 200 homes, were also lifted by about 9 p.m.
Heavy smoke impacted the areas of Arrowbear Lake, Big Bear and Running Springs. Residents of the high desert, including Victorville, Hesperia and Apple Valley also saw some smoke.
No homes or outbuildings were damaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Sheriff's officials said deputies were expected to stay in the area of the fire overnight.