New Threat from Lake Fire: Flooding
Firefighters are advising this morning thtat heavy monsoonal rains could fall over the Lake Fire in the next few days. They note that the landscape in some areas has been dramatically altered, and that the charred and denuded conditions created by the fire absorbs rainfall poorly, resulting in prime flash flood conditions in impacted areas.
Warnings note that those most at risk are properties directly affected by the fire and those located downstream of burn areas. Floodwaters can transport downed trees, boulders and rocks, gravel, and ash from the fire. Even intense brief local rainstorms over a particular burn area can produce severe flash flooding downstream.
Firefighters have now noted that one structure and three outbuildings have been destroyed by the fire in the Burns Canyon area.
The Lake Fire, now 30,716 acres at 50 percent containment, with all mandatory evacuations lifted except for Burns Canyon, saw minimal activity overnight, with creeping and smoldering, isolated tree torching, and occasional small uphill runs.
There are 2,291 personnel assigned to fight the fire, and there have been four firefighter injuries to date, remarkable considering the terrain and heat firefighters have had to endure from the beginning of the fire on June 17. Cost of fighting the fire is now at $27 million.
Highway 38 has been reopened, but most recreational opportunities in the vicinity of the fire remain off limits. Campgrounds along Highway 38 remain closed, all hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area remain closed, and the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit.
DRIVING HAZARDS
• Do not attempt to drive through a flooded road. The depth of the water is not
always obvious. The road bed may be washed out under the water.
• Do not drive around a barricade. Turn around and go the other way.
• Be especially cautious driving at night when it is harder to recognize flood dangers.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most cars, causing loss of control and
possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including SUVs and
pickups.
For more information: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/