The flames, the sheep pile up when fire breaks out in the Lytle Creek area near Fontana

LYTLE CREEK, California (KABC) – Animals, including flames and sheep, were seen crowded together in their enclosures as a brush was burned Wednesday between Lytle Creek and Fontana.

As firefighters continued to fight the flames, saving lives and animals is the most important thing for front-line crews.

The owners did not have much time to prepare for evacuation, as the fire, which ignited around 1:30 p.m., spread so quickly. The fire, called South Fire, burned in an area west of Highway 15 and south of Lytle Creek Road.

Some residents were seen opening enclosures to release the animals as quickly as they could from their rancher-like properties.

A family of llamas, sheep and goats could be seen crowding in groups under thick layers of smoke.

Some horses were seen on an adjacent property, although fortunately the structures of this specific site were not on fire. Residents could be seen trying to corral and rescue the horses.

Other structures and vehicles parked in Lytle Creek were burned.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, a large animal evacuation center was set up at the Devore animal shelter. The shelter is located at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino.

The cause of the fire was unknown.

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IN DEVELOPMENT: More details will be added to this report as they become available.