According to a report Saturday morning from inciweb, the El Dorado Fire, accidently sparked from El Dorado Park in Yucaipa by a gender reveal party smoke bomb on September 5, has now burned 22,071 acres and is 59% contained. The El Dorado Fire continues to burn actively along Hwy 38 and in and around Angelus Oaks. Spot fires remain a concern in this area. The spot fires that occurred have been rapidly managed by air and ground resources in the area. Fire growth continues to the northeast has slowed as it moves into the old Valley and Lake Fire burn scars.
USDA Forest Service officials on the San Bernardino National Forest have confirmed the death of a firefighter on the El Dorado Fire. The incident took place on Thursday, September 17, 2020. The name is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. Our deepest sympathies are with the family, friends and fellow firefighters during this time. More details will be made available as they are confirmed.
The fire continues to impact the communities of Angelus Oaks, Mountain Home Village, and Forest Falls. Structure defense resources remain in these communities. Fire threat remains in the areas of Glen Martin School, San Bernardino Peak, Anderson Peak, Pinezanita, Horse Flats, Barton Flats, Anderson Peak, and Heart Bar.
WEATHER: A trough of low pressure will continue into the area through Saturday This will continue southwest winds during the day and evening hours for most locations. Temps 90-94 degrees at 3000’ and 77-80 degrees at 6000’
Management of the fire transitioned to California Interagency Incident Management Team 13, Mike Wakoski commanding, on September 18, 2020. The fire remains in Unified Command with Cal Fire BDU/Yucaipa, San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino County Fire, San Bernardino County Sheriffs, and California Highway Patrol.
ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 38 is closed between Bryant St. to the south and Onyx Summit to the north. Residents of Forest Falls and Mountain Home Village are allowed into their residence with proper identification.
All residents waiting to return home: we ask for your continued patience. We are re-evaluating repopulation daily with CHP, and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The utility companies, and CalTrans continue repairing critical infrastructure. Please be cautious and aware of crews working in the area.
EVACUATIONS: Evacuation Orders remain in effect for Angelus Oaks and Seven Oaks. Residents of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls have been allowed to return but, remain under an EVACUATION WARNING. There is NO evacuation directive for Big Bear residents AT THIS TIME. Please monitor official sources for any changes including the San Bernardino National Forest information listed at the top of this update, San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, the CAL FIRE San Bernardino Unit and San Bernardino County Fire.
Updated evacuation information: https://sbcounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=9b818cd8a7a24c9a96361f5fc3be0803
TRAVEL NOTES: The El Dorado Fire Unified Incident Commanders continue to ask visitors for their understanding and consider rescheduling planned visits to the Big Bear area due to fire activity. Please check the Big Bear Fire Department Travel Advisory for the reasons why: https://bigbearfire.com/
SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST RECREATION CLOSURES: The entire Forest was closed to all public use at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7. Please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD799192 for more information.
