Lake Fire determined to be human-caused
The Lake Fire remains at 98% containment as firefighters have worked for nearly a month on the blaze that’s burned 31,359 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest.
Nearly four weeks after the fire ignited, investigators determined it was human-caused, however, they haven’t elaborated on the details. According to the incident report, the human-caused fire remains under investigation at this time.
The Lake Fire sparked on Wednesday, June 17. All evacuation orders were lifted within two weeks. The fire activity is minimal with heavy fuels smoldering within the perimeter, officials said.
Pockets of unburned fuel continue to burn especially in areas that didn’t burn in the 2006 Sawtooth and Millard fires.
Officials said one home and three outbuildings were destroyed. The structures were at the eastern edge of the fire in Burns Canyon. The structures burned while mandatory evacuations were in place.
Highway 38 was reopened, however, all areas affected by the fire remain closed to recreational purposes.
Firefighters began using DC-10’s and air tankers to drop water in the Rainbow Lane area last week after the fire breached containment lines and entered an area of unburned timber, causing excessive smoke in the air.
Video: Lake Fire shifts, breaks containment, summer camp evacuated
According to the San Bernardino County National Forest’s incident report, there were plenty of evacuations after the fire first ignited, including areas east of Angelus Oaks, Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, and home off of Rainbow Lane.
Mandatory evacuation orders were issued Wednesday for the Burns Canyon and Rimrock areas as well. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said a voluntary evacuation notice was also issued for Pioneertown.
An evacuation center was set up in Joshua Tree at 6126 Rotary Way.
The Town of Yucca Valley Animal Shelter was accepting small animals from evacuees at 4755 Malin Way in Yucca Valley. Large animals were taken to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center at 7429 Avalon Avenue in Yucca Valley.
Officials said the equestrian center took in 21 horses, three goats and a donkey during the first days of the evacuation order. The facility was also expecting two more horses Thursday afternoon and some pot-bellied pigs.
Excessive smoke was seen in the Coachella Valley, causing some residents around Desert Hot Springs to think that a different fire had ignited. While some flames can be seen at nighttime on the eastern ridge of the fire, all of the activity is originating from the Lake Fire.
Officials explained to News Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 that the increase in smoke is due to a backburn operation. They said it wasn’t intentionally set, but firefighting efforts are forcing the flames upward into unburned timber.
Expanded burn restrictions ordered for San Bernardino National Forest
According the incident report, four people have been injured fighting the fire but the extent of their injuries hasn’t been disclosed.
A portable water tank was set up in the Forest Falls area on Wednesday and another water source is in place in the area of Pioneertown.
Morongo Valley and Pioneertown are dealing with heavy smoke from the fire. The Southern California Air Quality Management District issued a Smoke Advisory has been issued for the areas.
If you’re in an area impacted by smoke, people with respiratory issues or heart disease, the elderly and children should all remain indoors. Officials said you should keep your windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one but don’t use a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside, according to the release from SCAQMD.
Highway 38 is at the northern perimeter of the fire, where most of the fire-line has been built, and crews are making good progress in the Heart Bar area, according to the incident report.
Hot Shot crews were working the extreme terrain of the northern portion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness area.
The Lake Fire was first reported east of Camp de Benneville Pines and south of Jenks Lake Road.
Firefighters said all hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area have been closed due to the proximity of the fire to many hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit.
Firefighters began attacking the blaze from the ground and the sky as multiple helicopters were brought in to assist.
Time lapse video of Lake FireNews Channel 3 and CBS Local 2 will keep you updated as firefighters continue to make progress.
Smoke from ‘Lake Fire’ seen throughout Coachella Valley