The Valley Fire burning for more than a week – since Friday, June 6 - in the San Bernardino National Forest near Forest Falls, is holding at just under 1,400 acres burned, and remains 29 percent contained.
Thanks to a big response after the fire was reported, and thanks in large part to rainy, humid weather in the mountains for the past week, the Valley Fire’s size and containment have remained the same over the past several days. Current fire activity is minimal and little or no fire growth is projected. Therefore, as of this morning, management of the Valley Fire will transfer from regional to local command. Tactics will remain the same as crews continue fire suppression activities. Aircraft will be in areas that are inaccessible.
Highway 38 is open to all traffic, but authorities remind residents and visitors that the Valley Fire is located in an area of extremely steep and rugged terrain prone to landslides. Fire has increased the risk of slides by removing vegetation from the slopes. Precipitation events could cause additional slides, flooding, and subsequent road closures. Road users are urged to be cautious patient, and to keep tabs on the status of the road.