Apple Valley brush fire 50% contained; evacuation orders lifted

APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A massive brush fire burning near Apple Valley is 50% contained as of Thursday evening, according to Cal Fire.

Video shared Wednesday by Cal Fire shows some of the destruction from the 4,293-acre Ranch Fire burning near Bowen Ranch Road and Coxey Truck Trail.

The Ranch Fire was reported sometime after 1:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Mandatory evacuations were issued from Milpas Drive to High Road, south of Highway 18, but the orders were lifted Wednesday.

An evacuation shelter for people and domestic pets were set up but have since closed.

Crews were focusing on strengthening containment lines, protecting structures, and continuing mop-up efforts.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.