Big Bear, CA, August 9, 2016 – The Pilot Fire, which started on Sunday, August 7, grew almost 2000 acres since yesterday. This morning, the fire is currently 6,298 acres with 6% containment. The Hwy. 173 closure has been extended from SR-138 to North Bay Road. Voluntary evacuations have been extended into the Lake Arrowhead area north of Peninsula Road, east of Brentwood Road, and west of North Bay Road.
A shelter has been set up at Oak Hills High School in Hesperia and a second American Red Cross Reception and Care Center will be open at Rim of the World High School in Twin Peaks. Apple Valley Unified and Hesperia Unified School Districts are both closed today due to unhealthy air quality.
There are currently 842 firefighters assigned to this fire, including 91 engines, 15 water tenders, 14 crews, 11 dozers, 8 helicopters, 8 air tankers, including the VLAT. The night flight helicopter is assisting firefighters overnight. Additional firefighters have been ordered and will be responding to the fire.
