Big Bear, Ca, September 2, 2011, 4:36pm – A wildfire began today at approximately 12:30pm in the Cajon Pass near Oak Hills. The fire reportedly started in the center divider of the Southbound I-15, near Highway 395. The fire has since grown to 800 acres, and there are mandatory evacuations are being called for homes in the Oak Hills area, as 800 to 1000 homes are threatened in that area. According to John Miller with the US Forest Service the DC-10 air tanker has been called in, and water dropping helicopters are being utilized. Due to the fire Southbound lanes on the I-15 have been closed at this time between Highway’s 395 and 138, and the Northbound lane has been opening and closing as smoke visibility permits. There are also reports of a small 3-acre fire off of Highway 173 on the outskirts of Hesperia, North of Lake Arrowhead. Both fires are under investigation. Smoke may be visible this afternoon West of Big Bear, and is currently visible within a 50-mile radius of the fire. Keep it locked onto the Bear for further updates.
