Big Bear, CA, August 12, 2016 – Effective Friday, August 12, 2016, at 9:00 a.m., all evacuation orders and advisories for the
mountain communities affected by the Pilot Fire have been lifted. Highway 173 will remain closed between Grass Valley Road and Rock Camp, and all previously closed forest roads shall be restricted to fire traffic to support ongoing suppression and rehabilitation operations. The fire has burned 8,115 acres and is at 80% containment.
Residents returning to the evacuation zone are asked to exercise caution. Firefighters, engines, and heavy equipment will continue to operate in the area. The San Bernardino County Sheriff shall continue enhanced patrols through these areas with four additional 2-deputy units.
Incident Command has based its decision on the effectiveness of containment lines and decreased fire activity throughout the Pilot Fire. Yesterday’s tactical firing operation, while producing significant smoke and visible flames, was instrumental in reducing the threat to the mountain communities and decreasing the time residents were kept from their homes.
Incident Commanders wish to thank the residents of Deer Lodge Park and north Lake Arrowhead for their patience and understanding during the past few days while firefighters and law enforcement protected their communities.
WELCOME HOME!!!
