Blue Cut Fire leaves a destroyed Summit Inn in its wake

The Blue Cut Fire, which has destroyed 96 homes and over 200 other buildings also turned the iconic Summit Inn to ash and rubble. A group of volunteers showed up at the Route 66 site to help dig through the rubble.

Former Summit Inn manager, Jenny Blackburn started working there as a teenager and stopped by to help with the cleanup efforts. “It’s pretty heartbreaking,” she said. Her customers and co-workers were a family to her. “A lot of memories here. I’ll always treasure the people I’ve worked with, the family, and the people, the people are so awesome, the customers, a lot of family has been through here. I mean we all love each other, it’s great, that’s my memories.”

Blue Cut Fire

The fire reached the Summit Inn, an iconic Route 66 diner in the Cajon pass.

Photos: Saul Gonzalez