Big Bear News – Big Bear Lake, CA – UPDATE: 10/3/20, 4PM – Smoke is visible today from the El Dorado Fire now at 22,744 acres and 93% containment. Trees and stumps continue to burn within the containment line and does not present a threat to Big Bear. Please do not call 911 if you see smoke coming from this area.
UPDATE: 9/27/20, 12NOON: Fire activity near containment lines continue to be minimal. The El Dorado Fire is now at 22,666 acres and 92% contained.
UPDATE: 9/24/20, 9AM – As of this morning, the El Dorado Fire had not growth overnight and remained at 22,601 now with 81% containment. For future containment updates, check the KBHR scroll.
UPDATE: 9/23/20, 9PM – The El Dorado Fire is now at 22,601 acres and 74% containment. Today, firefighters were looking to find additional hot spots, and mop up around Angelus Oaks, Jenks Lake, and near the west fork of Barton Creek. Firefighters continue to build and re-enforce containment lines. Trees that are burning out could fall across containment lines crews are addressing these hazardous trees throughout the day. Fuels remain critically dry, spot fires, and rolling hot material remain a concern, but is diminishing daily. All of the lower portions of the fire remain in patrol status. The large rock and debris slide that had caused the closure of Highway 38 between mile marker 16 and 17 has somewhat stabilized with less rocks coming down onto the roadway. The highway remains open only to emergency vehicles. The Evacuation order for community of Rainbow Lane near Onyx Summit has been lifted and residents have been allowed to return with proper identification. The Travel Advisory for the Big Bear area has been lifted although fire personnel request that the public be aware of fire fighting vehicles and equipment in and moving through the area.
UPDATE: 9/22/20, 9PM – Firefighters continued to build containment lines, check for hot spots and mop-up around the fire line. Helicopters and Fire Boss Airtankers made airdrops throughout the day supporting firefighters on the ground attacking flare ups and hot spots. They made great progress now at 68% containment and little growth at 22,597 acres. Firefighters remain vigilant as fire backs down slopes and burns off the fuels in the remaining areas that have not reached Hwy 38. Within the full scope of the fire, there have been 5 destroyed and 4 damaged homes as well as 15 destroyed other structures.
UPDATE: 9/22/20, 9:30am – The El Dorado Fire is holding within existing containment lines with occasional short runs and tree torching when fire finds receptive fuel beds. The fire is at 22,588 acres and 60% containment. Firefighters continue to construct containment line, attack flare ups and mop-up around the fire line. While, good progress is being made along Hwy 38, rock and debris slides of burning material along Hwy 38 still remain a threat to the fire perimeter. Caltrans continues to patrol the highway and clear rocks and debris. Fuels remain critically dry and spot fires continues to be of concern as containment lines remain at risk due to hot rolling material along the Hwy 38 corridor. Evacuation orders remain in effect for residents from Angelus Oaks up to Onyx Summit. Residents of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls have been allowed to return with valid identification but, remain under an evacuation warning. The El Dorado Fire Unified Incident Commanders continue to ask visitors for their understanding and consider rescheduling planned visits to the Big Bear area due to fire activity. All four Forests in Southern California, the Cleveland, San Bernardino, Angeles, and Los Padres remain closed to all public use due to the extreme fire conditions and critical limitations on firefighting resources. There remains no evacuation orders for Big Bear.
UPDATE: 9/21/20, 9AM – No fire activity is expected in the Oak Glen, Yucaipa and Beaumont portions of the fire and is in patrol status. Rock and debris slides along Hwy 38 are continuing to be a threat to the fire perimeter. Fire will continue to back down slopes and burn off the fuels in the remaining areas that have not reached Hwy 38. Upslope winds will favor day shift resources but can be erratic in the larger drainages. Downslope winds will create holding issues at night especially in the narrow parts of the highway. Fire moderated overnight due to lower temperatures and higher relative humidity’s. The fire held within containment lines and continued to flank and back within the perimeter, with occasional short runs and torching when fire finds receptive fuel beds. Fuels remain critically dry and receptive to spot fires. Containment lines remain at risk due to hot rolling material along the Hwy 38 corridor. A large rock and debris slide had caused the closure of Highway 38 between mile marker 16 and 17 but, is now open to emergency vehicles. The fire has met the highway on the slopes to the south of Angelus Oaks, and down the north aspect slopes to Highway 38.
UPDATE: 9/20/20, 8:00PM – The evening status report of the El Dorado Fire has it at 22,576 acres and 59% containment. There was a heavy firefighting aircraft presence today in Big Bear with water scooping Beach-craft AT 802 planes making multiple stops into Big Bear Lake for water throughout the morning and afternoon. The fire behavior has moderated however, critically dry fuels still exist, and spot fires continue to occur. A large rock and debris slide has the caused the closure of Highway 38 between mile marker 16 and 17 and will be closed through the night. CalTrans will attempt to clear the slide tomorrow. Meanwhile, expect to see fire equipment passing through Big Bear to reach this side of the rockslide. The fire has met the highway on the slopes to the south of Angelus Oaks, and down the north aspect slopes to Highway 38. Fuels remain critically dry and receptive to spot fires. Containment lines remain at risk due to hot rolling material along the Hwy 38 corridor. There still remains no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear.
UPDATE: 9/20/20, 10AM –
As of this morning, the El Dorado Fire is at 22,489 aces with 59% containment. Close to 1200 personnel are still working the fire which has decreased to the east as the fire has reached the old Lake Fire burn scar. Firefighters continue to make progress building containment line and putting in hose lays around in key areas on the fire. It continues to backdown to Hwy 38 with some upslope runs. Spot fires remain a concern along the 38 corridor. Warmer weather is predicted to return to the area on Wednesday. With the increased temperatures and decreased relative humidity’s, fire behavior is likely to increase but will remain inside the existing perimeter. According to a Facebook post by a family member, the firefighter who died on September 17th was Big Bear Hot Shots Crew Boss Charles Edward Morton. His death is under investigation. The community mourns his death and offer condolences to the family.
UPDATE: 9/19/20, 11:30AM – The El Dorado Fire grew slightly overnight adjusting the containment to 59% and size to 22,071 acres. The fire continues to burn actively along Hwy 38 and in and around Angelus Oaks. Spot fires remain a concern in this area. The spot fires that occurred have been rapidly managed by air and ground resources in the area. Fire growth continues to the northeast has slowed as it moves into the old Valley and Lake Fire burn scars. The fire continues to impact the communities of Angelus Oaks, Mountain Home Village, and Forest Falls. Structure defense resources remain in these communities. Fire threat remains in the areas of Glen Martin School, San Bernardino Peak, Anderson Peak, Pinezanita, Horse Flats, Barton Flats, Anderson Peak, and Heart Bar. A trough of low pressure will continue into the area through Saturday bringing continued southwest winds during the day and evening hours. There is NO evacuation directive for Big Bear residents at this time.
UPDATE: 9/18/20, 7PM –The El Dorado Fire did not progress very much today which is great news. Today’s air quality was better than expected as winds were in our favor pushing smoke to the east and south of Big Bear. Fire officials have revised the size of the fire to 22,071 acres with 65% containment. Crews are working diligently to keep the fire from overtaking the northern side of Hwy 38. Structure defense continues from Pinezanita to Jenks Lake by increasing defensible space, hose line placement and securing fire line. Today, the evacuation order was lifted for the communities of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls and is now open to residents only with valid identification. The evacuation warning still remains in place for those communities. The announcement of the confirmed death of one firefighter was disheartening news for the entire community. The cause of death is under investigation and the name of the victim has not yet been released. There remains no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear but please be mindful to check updates regularly on 93.3, 102.5FM and here on our Big Bear News website.
UPDATE: 9/18/20, 9:30AM – Last night, the El Dorado grew to 21,678 acres and is at 66% containment. Last night, the fire burned actively along Hwy 38 into Angelus Oaks. Fire was spotting into the community and was quickly extinguished by fire crews providing structure defense. The fire continued to burn with high intensity along Hwy 38 near the Pinezanita area. Fire embers were cast across Hwy 38 and quickly extinguished by ground crews directly attacking the fire with hose lines. Structure defense continues from Pinezanita to Jenks Lake by increasing defensible space, hose line placement and securing fire line. The fire has progressed to the Lake Fire scar and continues to make active runs to the north as topography and upcanyon wind influences comes into alignment. Fire is spotting ½ mile ahead of the main body of fire and has a potential for spotting up to 1 mile this afternoon. There remains no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear at this time but residents are reminded to monitor updates on the fire to be aware of the current status of events. USDA Forest Service officials have confirmed the death of a firefighter on the El Dorado Fire yesterday. The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. The cause of death is under investigation.
UPDATE: 9/17/20, 6:30PM – As southwest winds picked up late this afternoon, the El Dorado Fire had a run up towards east San Bernardino and Anderson Peaks. It also caused a huge amount of dark smoke and falling ash in the Big Bear Valley. The calmer early evening winds have helped fire fighting efforts. As of this evening, the fire is at 19,098 acres with 66% containment. Fire crews continue to provide structure protection in Angelus Oaks and along the Hwy 38 corridor with heavy resources attacking small spot fires as they occur. There remains no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear at this time. However, the proximity of the fire is of concern and residents should monitor closely daily updates and be prepared if a warning or order for evacuation is initiated. Additionally, the travel advisory to reschedule planned visits to Big Bear at this time remains in place. Keep tuned to KBHR at 93.3 or 102.5 FM and check our website frequently for updates.
UPDATE: 10:30AM, 9/17/20 – Little change occurred overnight with no revision to the size and containment of the El Dorado Fire at 18,506 and 63% contained. Efforts continue to contain the fire south of Hwy 38. Yesterday, the fire reached Forsee Creek overnight and continues to burn northeast towards San Bernardino Peak. Structure protection continues in Angelus Oaks and along the Hwy 38 corridor today. There are no active spot fires that have crossed Hwy 38. Fire authorities emphasize that the online Modis, which uses satellites to measure thermal and infrared detections, can create the perception that spot fires are crossing Hwy 38. They assure the public that that is not the case. Firefighters working in this area are monitoring this possibility very carefully. Fortunately today, the high elevation winds in the fire area are predicted to blow in the opposite direction back towards San Bernardino Peak. There remains no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear at this time. Additionally, the travel advisory to reschedule planned visits to Big Bear at this time remains in place.
UPDATE: 6:30PM, 9/16/20 – Firefighters diligent work today on the El Dorado fire greatly helped to stop the progression now at 18,506 acres and 63% contained. The fire slowly backed down at a low intensity into a retardant line placed along Hwy 38 in the vicinity of Angelus Oaks. Ground crews were able to directly attack the fire utilizing hose lines to protect that community. The El Dorado Fire did burn to a dozer line at Spruce Ave in Angelus Oaks and was contained by the fire line that was created and reinforced throughout this week. The fire did not reach any structures. Structure protection continues from Pinezanita to Jenks Lake by increasing defensible space, hose line placement and fire line construction along Hwy 38 due to the potential for increased fire activity with the alignment of topography. The fire is expected to burn actively upslope northeast towards the San Bernardino Peak and the Lake Fire scar. The shift of wind conditions to an on-shore flow moved a lot of smoke into the Big Bear Valley this afternoon. There remains NO evacuation for Big Bear at this time. Residents of the communities that were previously evacuated are anxious to return home. Fire authorities ask for their continued patience as they are re-evaluating the conditions and safety for residents and firefighters.
UPDATE: 11:00AM, 9/16/20 – As of this today, the El Dorado Fire is at 18,092 acres and the containment percentage has been readjusted to 60%. Public Information Officer for the El Dorado Fire, Chip Favor, tells Kbear that the fire crept to the west last night then progressed east with moderate fire behavior. Fire crews are hitting the fire hard today trying to keep it south of Highway 38 and out of Angelus Oaks. Currently, four large VLAT air tankers, two type-2 air tankers and various helicopters are hitting the fire as well as engines and hand crews on the ground. Last night the fire progressed to the edge of Angelus Oaks. Their evacuation decision making markers will be if the fire crosses Highway 38, a Fire Warning will be put in place for Big Bear. A Fire Warning is a ready, set, go mode which we commonly refer to as a voluntary evacuation. A Fire Order to evacuate would be considered if the fire enters and/ or crosses into the Santa Ana River drainage area. As of now, there are NO evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear.
UPDATE: 7:30AM, 9/16/20 – As of this morning, the El Dorado Fire is at 18,092 acres and the containment percentage has been readjusted to 60%. New details of last night’s fire progression will be available by later this morning.
UPDATE: 6:30PM, 9/15/20 – San Bernardino County Fire held a virtual town hall meeting this afternoon to provide details of today’s fire events and to answer questions predominantly from residents who have been evacuated due to the El Dorado Fire. The fire is now at 17,892 acres and 61% containment. The efforts of the firefighters for the last two days has been around Angelus Oaks and holding Highway 38. There is still significant amount of fire north on the downhill side of Wilshire Peak. The fire continues to burn in Forest Falls with heavy fuels burning slowly. The left flank of the fire grew about a quarter mile closer to Angelus Oaks today. Structure firefighters are ready to defend that area. There is a large air force presence along with engines and hand crews putting in the direct line in helping to secure the fire. Fire authority officials have explained that the complexity of this fire includes fuels, weather and a lack of additional resources making this a difficult incident to manage. Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and the Barton Flats area. No evacuation warnings or orders have been given for an areas of Big Bear at this time.
UPDATE: AM, 9/15/20 – Kate Kramer, Public Information Officer for the El Dorado Fire, reported on the latest status of the fire on KBHR this morning which will continue through the 5pm hour today. Last night was relatively calm with the fire at 17,598 acres and 54% containment. The fire remains south of Highway 38 between Barton Flats and Angelus Oaks. The weather remains dry and the fire will align with topography and burn actively up slope towards the San Bernardino Peak (northeast) towards the Lake Fire scar. The fire is both east and west of the community of Angelus Oaks gently moving downslopes which is what the firefighters want it to do. Firefighters are poised and ready to conduct firing operations around Angelus Oaks if needed with fire crews in position to directly attack the fire with both hand lines and hose lines. Along Highway 38, the fire activity continues to slowly back down the slope and burn eastward along Mill Creek. The fire line behind Forest Falls continues to hold and firefighters continue to work in and around this community. Crews also continue working to secure the fire line along Mill Creek from Vivian Creek to last month’s Apple Fire scar. There is NO evacuation directive for Big Bear residents AT THIS TIME. Please monitor official sources for any changes to evacuation warnings or orders.
UPDATE: 6:50PM, 9/14/20 – Today the El Dorado Fire increased to 16,490 acres and is now at 53% containment. Heavy smoke was visible in the Valley today due to gusty winds. Winds decreased in the early evening. The fire is in rugged and difficult to access terrain running up towards San Bernardino Peak. If winds remain calm, crews may do some backfiring operations tonight behind Jenks Lake to run the fire east into the Lake Fire scar. The lack of fuels in the Lake Fire scar will greatly benefit firefighting efforts in that area. A fire retardant has been established around the community of Angelus Oaks. Evacuations remain in place for Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and Barton Flats to Onyx Peak. There are no evacuation warnings or orders for the Big Bear Valley.
UPDATE: 8:45AM, 9/14/20- The El Dorado Fire became active overnight and the smoke plume is very visible in the Big Bear Valley. Gusty downslope winds contributed to the fire growing northward into the upper area of Mountain Home Creek. This morning, SBSO and CAL FIRE have issued the order for any residents who have not evacuated Angelus Oaks to leave immediately. Crews will continue to cut firelines and will be supported by air resources to reduce the momentum of the fire with water and retardant. Ground crews continue constructing a contingency line between Hwy 38 and the 2015 Lake Fire burn scar. The hand line behind Forest Falls is holding and firefighters are patrolling with mop up efforts. Firefighters remain in position to provide structure protection. Also, crews continue working to extend the fire line along Mill Creek from Vivian Creek to last month’s Apple Fire scar. The El Dorado Fire is currently estimated at 14,478 acres with 44% containment. Damage assessment teams have completed assessments in the Oak Glen Area. Four residences were destroyed and two were damaged; Six minor outbuildings were destroyed and four were damaged.
UPDATE: 9:45AM, 9/13/20 – The El Dorado Fire had minimal growth overnight as fire fighters continue securing the perimeter. The fire is now at 14,283 acres and 41% contained. Dozer lines have been established south of Angelus Oaks along Highway 38 to protect the community. Ground crews remain actively constructing a contingency line between the highway and the 2015 Lake Fire burn scar. Hot Shots crews continue direct line construction in the Skinner Creek area above Highway 38. Air resources will continue to support the ground operation with retardant and water drops as the fire aligns with topography making a push to the north. The fire continues to slowly back down the slope above Forest Falls. Firefighters remain in position to provide structure protection with direct hose lines and increasing defensible space. Fire crews will continue working to extend the fire line along Mill Creek from Vivian Creek to the old Apple Fire scar. The good news is that the evacuation orders, warnings and restrictions are now lifted for all areas in Yucaipa, Oak Glen and Mentone. Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks.
UPDATE: 11:30AM, 9/12/20: Ground crews are making an incredible effort in containing the El Dorado Fire now at 39% containment and 14,043 acres. Last night fire conditions were calm and allowed for good progress on securing the fire line, particularly in the Mill Creek drainage area. The fire is aligning itself with Skinner Creek along Highway 38, east of Mountain Home Village. As the wind transitions to up canyon winds this afternoon, there is the potential for large fire growth as weather and terrain align. Ground crews continue securing fire lines and air resources are utilizing retardant and water drops to slow fire progression. A dozer line has been established north of the fire perimeter and south of Angelus Oaks along Highway 38 eastward to the 2015 Lake Fire scar for structure protection. The fire continues to slowly move laterally behind Forest Falls along the creek. Firefighting efforts continue as crews extend the fire line from Vivian Creek to the old Apple Fire scar. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the El Dorado Fire Unified Incident Commanders continue the advisory for visitors to consider rescheduling planned visits to the Big Bear area due to fire activity.
UPDATE: 10:30AM, 9/12/20: Ground crews are making an incredible effort in containing the El Dorado Fire now at 37% containment and 13,920 acres. Air resources have aided in the fire fight with continuous water and retardant drops. A dozer line has been established north of the fire perimeter and south of Angelus Oaks from Highway 38 eastward to the 2015 Lake Fire scar. Ground crews are actively working to secure the contingency line with hose line placement. California has issued a fuels advisory for excessively dry fuels due to the lack of precipitation in the area and excessive temperatures throughout the state. This allows the potential for active terrain driven fire behavior as wind and topography align. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the El Dorado Fire Unified Incident Commanders continue the advisory for visitors to consider rescheduling planned visits to the Big Bear area due to fire activity.
UPDATE: 7:30AM, 9/11/20: The El Dorado Fire actively burned on the steep western perimeter near Highway 38 yesterday and is now at 13,592 with 31% containment. Crews are working diligently to patrol and work on the control line in very difficult terrain. Ground crews have been able to successfully hold the fire behind Mountain Home Village along the fire control lines. Crews continue mop up and extinguish hot spots to protect that community. Just east of Mountain Home Village, where the fire previously crossed Highway 38, the fire continues to burn up the slopes along the dozer contingency line. Crews are deploying hose and utilizing both water and retardant drops to slow the fire progression. The fire crossed Highway 38 a second time above the hairpin curve and is now burning into the old Valley Fire scar which slowed its progression due to a reduction in fuels. Fire crews are working diligently to build an indirect control line to the north of the fire perimeter due to the considerable threat to Angelus Oaks and Big Bear. The fire has also burned into the western portion of Oak Lane in Forest Falls. The continued efforts of fire crews building and reinforcing controls lines as well as structure protection have allowed for active engagement on the fire by ground resources. On the south side of Yucaipa Ridge, fuels continue burning inside of the fire perimeter. Fire lines are holding and continue to be reinforced on the southern edge of the fire. Evacuation orders for those communities directly effected remain in place. There are no evacuation warnings or orders for Big Bear at this time.
UPDATE: 12:20PM, 9/10/20: As of this afternoon, the El Dorado Fire has burned 12,610 acres with 23% containment. The El Dorado Fire is now active on the northern edge, on the north side of Yucaipa Ridge and north of Highway 38. Late yesterday afternoon, the fire crossed Highway 38 east of Mountain Home Village and quickly grew up to 100 acres. The fire has been active due to dry and hot weather with no relative humidity recovery and very dry vegetation. The Red Flag wind warning has expired, however, the predominant wind is expected to continue gusting up to 24 mph allowing for aggressive upslope fire runs during the day and transitioning into a downslope down canyon influence at night. Firefighters continue to work in and around Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls by directly extinguishing fire with hose lines and constructing and securing fire lines to increase defensible space around threatened structures. Fire resources are now focused on the fire burning north of Highway 38. Structure defense is in process at Angelus Oaks with structure protection measures and fire line construction around the community. As of yesterday, mandatory evacuation orders were put into place for the communities of Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and from Barton Flats up to Onyx Summit.
UPDATE: 7:00AM, 9/10/20: As of today, the El Dorado Fire has burned 12,474 acres with 18% containment. Yesterday was particularly challenging for firefighting efforts due to Santa Ana wind conditions. Crews continued working on protecting structures and increasing perimeter containment and patrolling for hot spots on the southern portion of Yucaipa Ridge. On the northern portion of the ridge, the fire held at the containment lines and moved laterally along Mill Creek wash with no impact to Mountain Home Village. The fire burned to the western edge of Forest Falls where crews were actively engaged in structure protection and successfully defended multiple structures. In the late afternoon, the fire crossed Highway 38 east of Mountain Home Village and quickly grew up to 100 acres. The immediate mandatory evacuation orders were put into effect for Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks. Last night, mandatory evacuation orders were added for Barton Flats up to Onyx Summit. Today, ground crews and dozers operators are working to build containment lines, structure protection, securing fire lines and increasing containment.
UPDATE: 3:30PM 9/9/20: The communities of Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks are under an immediate evacuation order as of 3:30 PM on 9/9/20 due to significant fire activity in the Highway 38 and Valley of the Falls Area, with fire jumping on to the North side of Highway 38. With the closure of Highway 38, those residents have been instructed to use Highway 38 North to Big Bear so expect heavy traffic activity through the Valley. Firefighting crews are forming structure protection for Angelus Oaks. Heavier smoke from the El Dorado fire is visible in Big Bear.
UPDATE: 9/9/20 at 10:30am – Crews worked the El Dorado Fire throughout the night extinguishing flare ups and hot spots around structures and reinforcing the perimeter of the fire. Winds developed over the fire causing unburned islands of fuel to burn and produce a lot of smoke in the area. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 8 pm tonight. Santa Ana winds cleared most of the smoke out of the Big Bear area overnight with some smoke still visible at the west end of the Valley. The perimeter of the fire held last night with the total acres burned at 11,479 and 19 % containment. New evacuation warnings are now in effect for residents in the vicinity of Mentone and other areas of Yucaipa. Highway 38 remains closed and the El Dorado Fire is currently not a threat to Big Bear.
UPDATE: 9/8/20 at 12:45PM – Firefighters are aggressively working to contain the El Dorado Fire now at 10,574 acres and 16% containment. A successful burnout operation was conducted on the eastern fire perimeter, between Oak Glen Road and the Apple Fire burn scar, yesterday. The strategy in this area is to clear the vegetation and reinforce the fire line to prevent the fire from escaping and moving toward homes. A burnout was also completed around Mountain Home Village on the north side of the fire. They are making good progress on securing the perimeter lines, but they are not complete. With Santa Ana winds predicted this afternoon through Thursday morning, there is the potential for the fire to spread into neighborhoods and communities. Evacuation orders for the fire zone areas remain in place and Highway 38 remains closed.
UPDATE: 9/7/20: As of 2pm, the fire is currently estimated at 8,600 acres with 7% containment.
UPDATE: 11:00AM 9/7/20- The fire is currently estimated at 7,386 acres with 7% containment. On the south slope of Yucaipa Ridge, the El Dorado Fire continued to burn actively throughout the night making a significant push downslope from Wilshire Peak to below Pine Bench Road impacting structures in that area. Damage assessment teams are currently working in the area to confirm the extent of the damages, the number of structures involved and their locations. Highway 38 remains closed and smoke will be seen again in Big Bear but remains no threat at this time.
UPDATE: 8:00PM – The fire is currently estimated at 7,050 acres with 5% containment. The fire burned actively through the day. The fire continues move across Yucaipa Ridge threatening Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls. Highway 38 remains closed and smoke will be seen again in Big Bear but remains no threat at this time.
UPDATE: 8:00AM, SUNDAY – With better mapping overnight, the El Dorado Fire is now estimated at 2,727 acres and 5% containment. The fire burned actively overnight and smoke will continue to be visible in the Big Bear Valley today. Highway 38 remains closed in both directions. Evacuation orders remain in place for Oak Glen, Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls and a portion of Yucaipa named North Bench. Recreation closures in the area include the San Gorgonio Wilderness area. This fire is still not a threat to Big Bear.
UPDATE: 9:00PM – Air Attack now reporting that the fire is at 3000+ acres.
UPDATE: 7:45PM – The El Dorado Fire is now at 1500 acres. Fire is spreading down the slope on the other side of Yucaipa just east of Mountain Home Village. With growth of the fire, structure protection is in place for Mountain Home Village. Additional resources continue to arrive. Aircraft support will be difficult as night falls.
A vegetation fire started this morning just before 11am in El Dorado Park in Yucaipa. Smoke is visible in Big Bear but this fire is not a threat to Big Bear. The El Dorado Fire is currently at 1000+ acres and burning up the Yucaipa Ridge prompting evacuations in areas of Yucaipa as well as Oak Glen, Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls. Highway 38 is closed in both directions. Massive resources are on the scene and enroute including dozens of strike teams.
