San Bernardino County Firefighter Injured Battling Vacant Building Blaze

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A San Bernardino County Fire Department firefighter was injured while battling a fire at a vacant commercial building in San Bernardino on Monday. Crews were called to the scene around 2 p.m. and entered the building to extinguish the base of the fire, but conditions rapidly deteriorated due to heavy smoke and high heat, prompting a defensive strategy. The fire was contained and prevented from spreading to nearby buildings, but one firefighter sustained moderate injuries and was hospitalized.

Why it matters

Vacant buildings pose significant fire risks, and this incident highlights the dangers firefighters face when responding to such emergencies. The quick actions of the San Bernardino County Fire Department crews likely prevented further damage and potential loss of life.

The details

Firefighters responded to a fire at an abandoned two-story commercial building at the corner of North E. Street and West Fourth Street in San Bernardino. Crews entered the building to extinguish the base of the fire, but heavy smoke and high heat quickly made the interior conditions untenable, forcing them to transition to a defensive strategy. A large contingent of firefighting personnel and equipment, including 15 engines, 3 trucks, a medic squad, and various support units, were deployed to the scene. An unmanned aerial system was also used to assist incident command. The fire did spread to two palm trees across the street, but firefighters were able to extinguish those flames as well.

• The fire was reported around 2 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2026.
• Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings.

What’s next

Investigators with the San Bernardino County Fire's Office of the Fire Marshall will continue their investigation to determine the exact cause of the blaze.