Smiley Fire in Inland Empire now more than 60% contained

The Smiley Fire, which erupted Saturday afternoon in the Inland Empire, is more than 60% contained as of Sunday morning, according to fire officials.  

Cal Fire updated their incident page to reflect that crews had made significant progress in battling the flames overnight. As of 7:15 a.m. Sunday, the blaze was 65% contained and stood at just 83 acres.  

The fire was first reported around 2:30 p.m. Saturday near San Timoteo Canyon Road and Smiley Boulevard, south of Redlands, as a 15-acre vegetation fire, per officials. It had initially been spreading at a moderate rate of speed and threatened at least one structure, but forward progress was quickly stopped.

“Firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines throughout the day,” Cal Fire said around 7 a.m. Sunday.

No injuries have been reported. The Smiley Fire incident page indicates 100 personnel have been dispatched to fight the flames, as well as multiple air units and nearly a dozen fire engines.  

The cause of the blaze is under investigation. Crews will remain in the area throughout the day to work on full containment and control of the fire.

Also breaking out in the Inland Empire on Saturday was the larger Lake Fire, burning near Silverwood Lake and Hesperia. As of Sunday morning, that blaze stood at nearly 500 acres.