Fire in Cajon Pass Today: Greenwood Incident Prompts I-15 Lane Closures and Major Traffic Delays

A vegetation fire burning near Interstate 15 in the Cajon Pass triggered a significant emergency response Friday, August 28, 2026, with firefighters battling the Greenwood Fire near Kenwood Avenue in the Devore area of San Bernardino County.

The fire prompted closures on the northbound side of I-15 and created substantial traffic delays as emergency crews worked near the freeway.

According to CAL FIRE, the Greenwood Fire began at approximately 2:20 p.m. on August 28 near I-15 and Kenwood Avenue. The agency’s latest incident information lists the fire at 7 acres, with 0% containment at the time of the latest update. The U.S. Forest Service’s San Bernardino National Forest is the agency with jurisdiction over the incident, and the cause remains under investigation.

Details & Current Information

Greenwood Fire Breaks Out in Cajon Pass

The Greenwood Fire was reported in the Cajon Pass near Kenwood Avenue, close to the northbound lanes of Interstate 15.

Early incident information indicated that the fire was burning vegetation on a slope near the freeway.

Initial reports described a relatively small fire, but firefighters quickly increased their response because of the location, terrain and potential for the flames to spread.

Incident information later indicated that the fire had grown to several acres. CAL FIRE’s latest available incident listing subsequently placed the fire at 7 acres.

The fire’s proximity to one of Southern California’s major north-south transportation corridors made traffic management an important part of the emergency response.

I-15 Lane Closures Cause Major Traffic Delays

The Greenwood Fire had a direct effect on traffic through the Cajon Pass.

CAL FIRE reported lane closures on northbound I-15 near the fire and advised motorists to avoid the area when possible to protect both the public and firefighters.

Traffic reports indicated that lanes on the northbound freeway were closed while emergency crews operated near the fire.

ABC7 reported that two northbound lanes were closed at Kenwood Avenue, with traffic backing up toward the 210 Freeway. The station reported that a SIG Alert was issued as firefighters continued working at the scene.

For motorists using the Cajon Pass, even a temporary reduction in freeway capacity can produce extensive delays because I-15 carries heavy passenger and commercial traffic between the Inland Empire and the High Desert.

Firefighters Respond to Greenwood Fire

Multiple agencies responded to the incident as the fire developed.

Early incident reports indicated that the U.S. Forest Service requested a second-alarm response as firefighters assessed the fire’s potential spread.

Additional engines were dispatched, while aircraft were also brought into the firefighting operation.

Incident reports indicated that air resources were placed over the fire as crews worked to slow its spread and protect the surrounding area.

The response was particularly important because the fire was described as burning on a slope with light vegetation, conditions that can allow flames to move quickly when weather and wind conditions are unfavorable.

Greenwood Fire Size Changed During Initial Reports

The reported size of the fire changed as firefighters and aerial resources obtained better information.

Early reports described the fire as approximately one acre.

Subsequent incident information indicated an estimated three to four acres, with a potential for additional spread.

CAL FIRE later listed the Greenwood Fire at 7 acres.

Differences between early and later acreage figures are common during the initial stages of a vegetation fire because firefighters and aircraft often obtain more accurate measurements as the incident develops.

The latest official acreage figure available at the time of publication should therefore be used rather than relying on the earliest estimate.

No Confirmed Structures Destroyed

The latest CAL FIRE incident information does not list any structures destroyed or damaged by the Greenwood Fire.

The agency’s incident record also does not list civilian or firefighter fatalities or injuries.

That information can change as an incident develops, particularly while crews are still working to establish control of a fire.

At the time of the latest available update, the primary documented impact was the fire itself and the resulting disruption to northbound I-15 traffic.

Cause of Greenwood Fire Under Investigation

The cause of the Greenwood Fire has not been established.

CAL FIRE lists the cause as under investigation.

No reliable information currently establishes whether the fire was accidental, equipment-related, human-caused or the result of another circumstance.

Speculation circulating online should therefore not be treated as a confirmed explanation until investigators release additional information.

Traffic Through Cajon Pass Remains a Major Concern

The Cajon Pass is a critical transportation route, and the Greenwood Fire created immediate complications for drivers using northbound I-15.

ABC7 reported that traffic backed up significantly following the lane closures, with congestion extending toward the 210 Freeway.

Drivers approaching the area were urged to expect delays and exercise caution around emergency personnel.

Motorists should not stop in active emergency areas to observe the fire, as doing so can interfere with firefighting operations and further slow traffic.

Is the Greenwood Fire Still Burning?

The latest CAL FIRE listing available for the incident identifies the Greenwood Fire as a 7-acre fire with 0% containment.

Because wildfire conditions can change rapidly, the status may change as crews make progress.

The fire was being managed under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Forest Service – San Bernardino National Forest, rather than as a CAL FIRE-managed incident. CAL FIRE’s incident page states that it is not a CAL FIRE incident but provides updates as they become available.

What Drivers Should Know About I-15

Anyone traveling through the Cajon Pass should be prepared for changing traffic conditions while emergency operations continue.

Drivers should:

• Slow down near emergency vehicles.

• Follow instructions from law enforcement and traffic-control personnel.

• Avoid stopping on the freeway shoulder to watch the fire.

• Allow additional travel time through the Cajon Pass.

• Consider an alternate route when practical.

• Check current traffic information before entering the affected area.

Lane closures can change as firefighters complete operations, so motorists should rely on current official traffic information rather than older social-media posts.

No Confirmed Evacuation Order in Latest Information

The latest information reviewed does not identify a confirmed evacuation order associated with the Greenwood Fire.

However, the absence of an evacuation order does not mean conditions cannot change.

Wildfires near major highways can spread unpredictably, particularly when vegetation, terrain and wind conditions contribute to fire growth.

Residents and travelers near the Cajon Pass should continue to follow instructions from local authorities and the agencies managing the fire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in Cajon Pass today?

A vegetation fire known as the Greenwood Fire broke out near I-15 and Kenwood Avenue in the Devore area of San Bernardino County on August 28, 2026. The fire prompted a significant firefighting response and northbound I-15 lane closures.

How big is the Greenwood Fire?

The latest CAL FIRE incident information lists the Greenwood Fire at 7 acres.

Are I-15 lanes closed because of the Cajon Pass fire?

Yes. Northbound I-15 lanes were closed near the fire as emergency crews operated in the area. ABC7 reported that two northbound lanes were closed at Kenwood Avenue and that traffic backed up significantly.

Where is the Greenwood Fire?

The fire is located near I-15 and Kenwood Avenue in Devore, in San Bernardino County.

What caused the Greenwood Fire?

The cause remains under investigation. No confirmed cause has been publicly established in the latest official incident information.

Are there injuries or deaths?

The latest CAL FIRE incident information does not report civilian or firefighter injuries or fatalities associated with the Greenwood Fire.

Are homes or buildings threatened?

The latest CAL FIRE information does not list structures destroyed or damaged. Conditions can change, however, and fire officials continue to assess the situation as firefighting operations proceed.

Conclusion

The Greenwood Fire in the Cajon Pass prompted a major emergency response on August 28, 2026, after flames broke out near Interstate 15 and Kenwood Avenue in the Devore area.

The vegetation fire quickly became a traffic concern because of its proximity to northbound I-15. Lane closures were implemented to provide a safer operating area for firefighters, while motorists faced significant delays through the Cajon Pass.

The latest official information lists the fire at 7 acres, with containment reported at 0%. The U.S. Forest Service’s San Bernardino National Forest has jurisdiction over the incident, and the cause remains under investigation.

At the time of the latest available information, no structures, civilian injuries or firefighter injuries had been reported in the official incident record.

For drivers, the immediate concern remains the impact on northbound I-15. Traffic conditions may continue to change as firefighters work the incident and authorities adjust lane restrictions.

Disclaimer

This article is based on information available at the time of publication and may be updated as officials release additional details. Fire size, containment, traffic restrictions, injuries, evacuation information and other incident conditions can change rapidly during an active wildfire. Readers should rely on current instructions from fire officials, law enforcement and transportation authorities for immediate safety decisions.