Mandatory Evacuations Ordered for Rimrock and Burns Canyon as Lake Fire Spreas
The Lake Fire took a turn for the worse yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, June 24, 2015). After appearing to be heading toward containment, which was reported at 27 percent, the fire decided it wasn't through with us yet, exploding from around 18,000 acres to more than 23,000 acres, reducing containment to about 21 percent this morning and pushing the fire toward the upper Pipes Canyon area.
The fire, which began on June 17, now threatens several communities. Approximately 360 campers were safely evacuated yesterday from Camp Oakes in the Lake Williams area. Meanwhile, while authorities were reportedly telling residents of the Pioneertown area not to worry yesterday morning, just after 10 p.m. the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department issued mandatory evacuation orders for the Burns Canyon and Rimrock areas, with a voluntary evacuation order in place for the Pioneertown area. Some residents reported receiving reverse 911 notifications for the fire at 2:15 this morning, approximately four hours after mandatory evacuations were implemented. The hills near Pioneertown were burning when the photo above was taken looking down Mane Street near 9 p.m. last night.
More potential evacuations for areas in the San Bernardino Mountains were announced this morning by the Sheriff's Department:
The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department has issued a message in order to give residents in the areas of Lake Williams, Erwin Lake, and Lake Baldwin advance noticed to prepare for evacuation, in the event it becomes necessary. As of 8:00 am today the Lake Fire is approximately 1.5 miles east of the first trigger point that affects Lake Williams. If the Lake Fire reaches the pre-designated trigger points, residents in these areas will be notified to evacuate. Residents in the affected areas, particularly those with live stock that may need to be moved, are encouraged to make arrangements now for relocation of their animals.
Evacuees from Rimrock, Burns Canyon, and Pioneertown, have resources available for themselves and their animals. According to the Town of Yucca Valley, an emergency shelter has been opened at Copper Mountain College at 6162 Rotary Way, Joshua Tree. Small animals may be taken to the former Town of Yucca Valley Animal Shelter located at 56460 Paseo Los Ninos, Yucca Valley, adjacent to the new Animal Shelter located at 4755 Malin Way, Yucca Valley. San Bernardino County Animal Control Officers are at the shelter, ready to assist. Large animals and livestock may be taken to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center located at 7429 Avalon Ave. Yucca Valley.
As of last night the estimated cost for fighting the Lake Fire was at $14 million, with nearly 1,900 personnel assigned to fighting the fire. While wind appeared to be the main cause of the fire's growth yesterday, at least one human factor played a role as well. Just before 6 p.m. a drone was spotted in the area of Onyx Summit, and all firefighting aircraft were forced to land. Flying drones anywhere near the flight restriction area for the fire is irresponsible and interferes with aerial firefighting efforts.
There are numerous road, trail, and campground closures. For ongoing updates please check:
or call (909)383-5688.
All photos: Steve Brown, The Sun Runner.
Southern California Interagency
Incident Management Team 1
Lake Fire Update June 25, 2015
8:00 AM
Acres Burned: 23,199
Containment: 21% Structures Threatened: 7,390
Structures Destroyed: 0
Fire Started: June 17, 2015
Cause: Under Investigation Injuries: 4
Engines: 102
Crews: 54
Helicopters: 18 (T1-20,T2-9,T3-2)
Air Tankers: 4
Water Tenders: 16
Dozers: 8
Total personnel assigned to the Fire: 1874
Estimated Cost: $14,600,000
Big Bear, Calif., June 25, 2015 - Firefighters continued to battle the 23,199 acre Lake Fire overnight in the San Bernardino Mountains with a reduced containment of 21 percent.
The fire was active overnight in the Rainbow area and West Pipes Canyon; however, no structures were lost.
Hindering firefighting efforts were two incidents of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) which are commonly known as drones. Once drones enter the airspace over a fire incident the fixed wing aircraft are immediately grounded for pilot safety. Losing the ability to utilize these aircraft has a serious impact on the success of the firefighters on the ground.
The increased fire activity in the eastern area of the fire prompted mandatory evacuations in the communities of Burns Canyon and Rimrock. A voluntary evacuation was put into place for Pioneertown.
Because of the increase in personnel on the incident, a second camp will be set up in the Big Bear Mountain Ski Resort in Big Bear.
Today’s weather will continue to be warm and dry with temperatures near 85. The winds will be from the west with 5-10 mph with a relative humidity of 13 percent.
Closures:
Highway 38 from Angelus Oaks to Lake Williams, Jenks Lake Road and Maple Lane in Big Bear Lake
All hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit
Campgrounds: Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, South Fork, Skyline, Council, Heart Bar, Oso, Lobo, Heart Bar Equestrian, Wildhorse Equestrian, Coon Creek Cabin, Coon Creek Yellow-post Sites, and Mission Springs PCT Trail Camp.
Evacuations:
All areas east of Angelus Oaks including: Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Rainbow Lane, Heart Bar, and all cabins and campgrounds in the South Fork area.
Burns Canyon
Rimrock
Pioneertown (voluntary)
Fire Information - (909) 383-5688 and inciweb.nwcg.gov (Lake Fire)