UPDATE: Morton Fire Expected to be Contained by 6pm This Evening

Mentone, CA, August 9, 2010, 4:30pm – The small fire that started earlier this afternoon off Highway 38 has increased to10 acres but authorities plan to have it contained by 6:00pm this evening.  The fire started at approximately 12:50pm this afternoon in the vicinity of Morton Peak Lookout near 1N12 off Highway 38 between Mentone and Forest Falls and above Mountain Home Village.  The fire is not a threat to Big Bear.  According to John Miller, Information Officer with the US Forest Service, they plan to have the fire contained by 6:00pm and he continues to say that there are no road closures.   San Bernardino County Fire, US Forest Service and Cal Fire have been assigned to the fire and are using air tankers, helicopters, engines and hand crews at the scene.  The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation.