Lake Fire burns past containment efforts
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Wednesday for the Burns Canyon and Rimrock areas as the Lake Fire intensified and burned past containment efforts.
The fire has grown to 29,813 acres and is at 19% containment. No structures have been lost but fire officials said 7,390 structures are threatened.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department said Wednesday a voluntary evacuation notice was also issued for Pioneertown. Potential evacuations could be in place for Lake Williams, Erwin Lake and Baldwin Lake if the fire breaches trigger points set up by firefighters.
Other mandatory evacuation areas include homes and camps along Highway 38 east of Angelus Oaks to Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, South Fork, Heart Bar, and Rainbow Lane.
An evacuation center has been set up at Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree at 6162 Rotary Way.
Highway 38 remained closed Thursday morning between Angelus Oaks to Lake Williams.
The fire remained active Wednesday and overnight into Thursday morning in it’s northeast flank. A shelter is set up for evacuees at Copper Mountain College located at 6162 Rotary Way in Joshua Tree.
The Town of Yucca Valley Animal Shelter is accepting small animals from evacuees at 4755 Malin Way Yucca Valley. Large animals may be taken to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center at 7429 Avalon Avenue in Yucca Valley.
The Lake Fire was burning in timber and grass areas, it’s containment down to 21%. It was 38% contained early Wednesday.
The Lake Fire was reported just before 4:00 p.m. on June 17. Investigators have not yet released information on the fire’s cause.
The south side of the fire continued to burn Thursday morning in steep and rocky terrain with minor growth downhill.
The U.S. Forest Service reports resources on scene include:
103 engines
3 air tankers
2 DC-10 VLAT (Very Large Air Tankers)
18 helicopters
4 support planes
54 crews
19 water tenders
8 dozers
1874 personnel assigned to the fire
There have been four firefighter injuries.
Fire management is under Unified Command with Cal Fire, San Bernardino County Sheriff, San Bernardino County Fire, Big Bear Fire Department and California Highway Patrol. The Incident Command Post is located at Big Bear High School.
There are Smoke Advisories for Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Lucerne Valley and surrounding communities.
