Big Bear News – Big Bear, CA – Monday, August 11, 2025 – The Gold Fire has not grown and is holding at 1069 acres and now at 48% containment. There is a reduction in acreage due to better mapping. Crews in the north, northeastern portion of Marble Canyon will continue working on hazard assessment and mitigation plans. Helicopters will continue to assist with hot spots and flare ups in the north and northwest along the Arctic Canyon side. Crews on the ground will direct the aircraft for water drops of any active fire or smoke in this steep terrain. Occasional smoke may be seen and is well interior of the current footprint. The US Forest Service has closed the area surrounding the Gold Fire including Holcomb Valley, Holcomb Valley Campground, Tanglewood Group Campground and multiple forest roads and trails. No public entry is allowed in the closure zone. Violation of this order is punishable by fines up to $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization and/or up to 6 months in jail. Closures include 2N09, 3N02, 3N05, 3N07, 3N09, 3N10, 3N12, 3N16, 3N19, 3N23, 3N26, 3N32, 3N43, 3N54, 3N61, 3N76, 3N79, 3N82 and 3N83.
9:00am, Thursday, August 7th – The Gold Fire remains at 1079 acres but is now 15% contained. The fire is being managed under Unified Command with San Bernardino National Forest and CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit. Management of the fire will transition to California Incident Management Team 6 as of last night. Fire progression slowed allowing firefighters to take more direct action. Ground Crews and aircraft will focus their efforts on the northeastern side building handline and using dozers where possible. The terrain in this area is steep and rugged with loose, difficult footing.
3:00pm, Wednesday, August 6th – The Gold Fire has made minimal growth today now mapped at 1079 acres and 5% containment.
8:00am, Wednesday, August 6th – The Gold Fire is now at 1009 acres and remains at 5% containment.
2pm, Tuesday, August 5th – Smoke from the Gold Fire is minimal today due to the shift of winds primarily blowing smoke away from Big Bear. Overnight, the fire was mapped at 936 acres and, as of this afternoon, is now at 5% containment. Firefighting helicopter activity will remain active throughout the day. Boaters on the lake are asked to give the firefighting personnel extra space. Structures remain unthreatened at this time.
The Gold Fire is being managed under Unified Command with San Bernardino National Forest and CAL FIRE BDU Unit. The fire remains active with a moderate rate of spread allowing for continued fire growth to the northeast. Firefighters are working in steep, difficult to access areas. The Recreation Sites that are temporarily closed for fire personnel and public safety include the Holcomb Valley Campground and Pinnacles Climbing Area. Also, Forest Service Roads that are closed include 3N10 and all spur roads, 3N07 and all spur roads, 3N32 and 3N43.
1pm, Tuesday, August 5th – The Gold Fire remains at 936 acres and is now 5% contained with 500 firefighting personnel assigned to the fire.
12noon, Tuesday, August 5th – Smoke from the Gold Fire coming into the Big Bear Valley is minimal due to the shift of winds primarily blowing smoke away from Big Bear. Overnight, the fire was mapped at 936 acres with 0% containment. Holcomb Valley Campground was evacuated and remains closed. Local Forest road closures in the area of the Gold Fire are now in effect. Firefighting helicopter activity will remain active throughout the day. If you are boating on the lake, please give firefighting personnel extra space. Also, structures remain unthreatened at this time.
1:45pm, Monday, August 4th – The Gold Fire is now at 348 acres with a slow to moderate rate of spread and 0% containment. Full aircraft response with multiple engines and crews are on the scene. The fire broke out at 9:19am on Forest Service Road 3N10. No structures remain threatened at this time.
1pm, Monday, August 4th – The Gold Fire is now reportedly at 130 acres with a slow to moderate rate of spread. Additional resources have been requested by Incident Command.
12noon, Monday, August 4th – The Gold Fire is now reported to be at 80 acres with 0% containment. Firefighting authorities confirm that no structures are threatened from this fire with heavy resources battling the blaze. Heavy smoke is visible at the North East end of the Big Bear Valley with additional drift smoke visible throughout Big Bear from Santa Barbara’s Gifford Fire.
10am, Monday, August 4th – Smoke is visible from the Gold Fire that was reported this morning at 9:19am located in Holcomb Valley, 1 mile North of Baldwin Lake. The fire is now at 100 acres and groundcrews are working on putting a hose lay around the fire while air support is fighting the fire from above. The US Forest Service is the lead agency on the Gold Fire with support from CalFire. No structures are threatened at this time.
