Four homes destroyed, others damaged, as El Dorado fire burns 12,610 acres
Update: The fire is currently estimated at 12,610 acres with 23% containment, destroying 4 homes and damaging 2 in Oak Glen. The El Dorado Fire started at approximately 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 5 at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa.
Smoke will continue to impact portions of the Inland Empire and the San Gorgonio Pass area today and tonight, although much of the smoke in the upper atmosphere is from fires in central California.
Officials announced an immediate evacuation order has been issued for the residents in all areas between Angelus Oaks and Onyx Summit.
Residents have been told to evacuate via Highway 38 North toward Big Bear.
As of Thursday morning, the El Dorado Fire has burned an estimated at 12,610 acres, an increase of nearly 1,000 acres since yesterday. Containment went up from 19% to 23% from Wednesday to Thursday.
Last night, an evacuation warning was issued Oak Glen Rd to Hwy 38 West of Bryant to Garnet.
Evacuations Orders (red)
- Areas east of Bryant from Highway 38 South to Yucaipa Blvd, then east on Yucaipa Blvd at Bryant intersection to Freemont Street, then South to Grande View Drive, then along Ave E southeast to the intersection of Mesa Grande, east to Wildwood Canyon Rd to include all portions of Hidden Meadows, and east to Edgar Canyon Road.
- The portion of the Cherry Valley Community that is north of Orchard St to the County Line, and East of Nancy Ave. and west of Beaumont Ave.
- Oak Glen (partial, see road closures), Mountain Home Village, and Forest Falls
Evacuation Warning (yellow) - Voluntary, but you should be prepared to leave at any time.
- Evacuation warning in place for east of Beaumont Ave east to Hillside Place in the Highland Springs area , North to Cherry Valley Blvd to the County Line Road.
- North of Oak Glen Road, West of Bryant, South of Highway 38, East of Garnet. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
Emergency Notification Systems:
- San Bernardino County Residents: Sign up for San Bernardino County Telephone Emergency Notification System, or call 1-888-435-7565.
- Riverside County Residents: Sign up for the Riverside County Swift911 System. Visit https://www.rivcoready.org/ for updated information and preparedness information.\
The El Dorado Fire was sparked by a smoke-generating 'pyrotechnic device' at a gender reveal party Saturday at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa.
Watch: Gender reveal parties gone wrong over the past few years
CalFire Public Information Officer, Capt. Bennet Milloy said the family attempted to put the fire out, but it was too late.
MORE: How family responsible for El Dorado Fire could face criminal charges
"I could imagine this is a terribly traumatic experience for them, they were going to have a happy family moment, that obviously went terribly wrong," Capt. Bennet said.
The fire started about 50 miles west in Yucaipa but winds carried smokey conditions into the Coachella Valley.
Over 700 firefighters are at the frontlines pushing through difficult terrain to gain the upper hand on containment. Not only are resources stretched thin but that smoky sky and wind making it difficult for air support.
“If there's no good visibility. then we won't have the planes up," said Kramer. "And i think people don't realize that when it gets really windy, we can't fly.”
Santa Ana winds are expected to pick up as well but firefighters are prepared.
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
