Big Bear, CA, August 8, 2016 – The Pilot Fire started at about 12:10 pm on Sunday, August 7, near the Miller Canyon OHV area off of Highway 138. The Forest Service is in Unified Command with CALFIRE, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and California Highway Patrol. This morning, the Forest Service used infrared mapping on the fire and updated the acreage to 4,500 acres with 5%containment.
Highway 173 is closed between State Route 138 and Arrowhead Lake Road. Hwy 138 is now open between I-15 and Crestline/Hwy 18. Forest roads 2N33, 2N17X, 2N36, and 2N37 are closed. Miller Canyon OHV Area is closed. Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Deep Creek Hot Springs to Lake Silverwood.
Evacuations have been ordered for the Summit Valley area east of Cedar Springs Dam. Evacuees may shelter at the American Red Cross Reception and Care Center located at Oak Hills High School in Hesperia. Individuals with large and small animals may bring their animals to the San Bernardino County Devore Animal Shelter.
There are currently 400 firefighters assigned to the fire, including 36 engines, 8 crews, 5 dozers, 8 helicopters, 8 air tankers, including the VLAT. Additional firefighters have been ordered and will be responding directly to the fire.
