Six firefighters became entrapped by wildfire today while defending homes and assisting evacuations in the Swarthout Canyon area west of Cajon Pass. The six firefighters were part of two San Bernardino County Fire (SBCoFD) engine companies assigned to the area northwest of Cajon Blvd. Firefighters were able to shelter in place within a nearby structure, but two firefighters sustained minor injuries. Both firefighters were transported to a local hospital where they were treated and released and are now back on the fire line defending structures. One SBCoFD fire engine sustained moderate fire damage.

The department started moving equipment into the newly completed station earlier this month. The $1 million facility was built off Highway 282, in Montana City's commercial center.

The department previously had one station on Saddle Mountain, and a small satellite station on the west end of town. Abraham says they barely had enough room for the department's trucks.

"In the case of the ladder, when it backed in, you couldn't walk around it in any way - you had to open the door to go out around the truck," he said. "There were less than three inches of clearance in the whole building for the truck."

The new station includes a meeting room, sleeping quarters, and space for training equipment. Even the gear locker is a big step up for the fire department.

"The guys kept their gear in bags, and when they'd show up at the station, they'd just stand on the floor next to the truck and put their gear on," Abraham said. "We've never had anything like this."

The department will also have more space for offices. Eventually, Abraham says the building could host local offices for the Jefferson County sheriff, commission and county attorney.

There were five people total inside the car and they were all transported to area hospitals. Four firefighters involved in the crash were evaluated at the scene. All of their conditions are unknown at this time.