[UPDATED FRIDAY 10:15PM 6/26/15]
The Lake fire has now exceeded 30,000 acres burned, but firefighters managed to raise containment from 19 percent yesterday to 20 percent tonight (Friday).
The U.S. Forest Service reports fire growth was minimal today compared to the previous two days. Weather conditions allowed firefighters to construct direct line on the east side of the fire from Onyx Peak south. The favorable weather also allowed helicopters and air tankers to drop water and retardant on the more active areas of the fire. Crews continue to mop-up, monitor, and patrol on the northwest side of the fire south of Highway 38.
Weather & Fire Behavior
Light rainfall this afternoon did not wet the ground. However, cloudy skies for most of the day resulted in the fire primarily creeping and smoldering. Fewer clouds are expected on Saturday and no thunderstorms are forecast. High temperatures should be in the high 70s to low 80s.
Closures
Highway 38 is closed from Angelus Oaks to Lake Williams, Jenks Lake Road and Maple Lane in Big Bear Lake. All hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit are closed.
The following campgrounds are closed: Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, South Fork, Skyline, Council, Heart Bar, Oso, Lobo, Heart Bar Equestrian, Wildhorse Equestrian, Coon Creek Cabin, Coon Creek Yellow-post Sites, and Mission Springs Pacific Crest Trail Camp.
Evacuations
Mandatory evacuations: all areas east of Angelus Oaks, including Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Rainbow Lane, Heart Bar; all cabins and campgrounds in the South Fork area and to the east; Burns Canyon; Rimrock.
Voluntary evacuations: Pioneertown.
Under alert: communities of Lake Williams, Erwin Lake, and Baldwin Lake.
Fire Information
(909) 383-5688 and inciweb.nwcg.gov (Lake Fire)
For the latest official U.S. Forest Service information on the 'Lake Fire' burning in the San Bernardino Mountains near Highway 38 (including road closures, evacuations, smoke advisories, and outlook), click on this link:
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/
