Full containment expected by Wednesday
The wildfire that has blackened more than 27,000 acresof the San Bernardino National Forest since breaking out a week ago today isexpected to be contained on Wednesday, authorities said.
As of mid-morning Monday, the Mountain Fire was 68 percent contained andhad scorched 27,265 acres — numbers virtually unchanged since Sunday night,according to the U.S. Forest Service. Additional thunderstorms and flashflooding were possible through today, following more than 3 inches of rain overthe weekend that helped crews make substantial progress in fighting the blaze.
“Firefighters will continue to patrol and monitor the fire perimeter toguard against any potential escape. When conditions permit, crews willcontinue to construct direct line, mop up and patrol, and engage in suppressionrepair,” according to the latest Forest Service update, which noted thatefforts would be adjusted to ensure firefighters’ safety.
The number of fire personnel was trimmed by nearly half, with 1,861remaining as of this morning, down from 3,347 on Saturday. The ramping-downincluded reducing 228 engines to 87; 68 hand crews to 57; and 11 bulldozers totwo. Thirteen helicopters remain available if needed, officials said.
The blaze has claimed 23 structures, including seven homes, but no majorinjuries have been reported.
On Sunday, the evacuations of Idyllwild and Fern Valley were lifted,along with previous evacuation orders. Evacuation centers closed at 8 p.m.Sunday, leaving anyone needing help to contact the American Red Cross.
Highway 243 was reopened in the area, but the Palm Springs AerialTramway, San Bernardino National Forest and Humber Park remained closed, alongwith the Pacific Crest Trail and and trails connecting to it.
The fire is believed to have started around 1:45 p.m. a week ago todaynear the junction of Highways 243 and 74. The 23 structures swallowed by theblaze were all destroyed last Monday.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation but Jeanne Pincha-Tully, a U.S. Forest Service fire chief, said Thursday the fire had beendetermined to be “human-caused.”
The Forest Service has estimated the cost of fighting the fire at $20.1million.
