El Dorado Fire: September 18, 2020 PM Update

Public Information: San Bernardino National Forest: Twitter: @SanBernardinoNF Phone: (909) 383-5688 Email: [email protected] Facebook: SanBernardinoNF https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7148 www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf

INCIDENT INFORMATION

UNIFIED COMMAND: CAL FIRE BDU/Yucaipa, San Bernardino National Forest, San Bernardino , San Bernardino County Sheriff, Highway Patrol

Start Date: 9/05/2020 Size: 22,071 acres Location: Oak Glen/West Yucaipa in Percent containment: 65% San Bernardino County CA Cause: Human-caused

ASSIGNED RESOURCES: Hand Crews: 21 Engines: 127 Water Tenders: 11 Helicopters: 8 Dozers: 14 Total Personnel: 1,232 Injuries: 12 Fatality: 1

Structures Threatened: 26,031 Residence: Damaged 2 Destroyed: 4 Other Str: Damaged 4 Destroyed: 6

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

The El Dorado Fire continued to burn actively along Hwy 38 and in and around Angelus Oaks. The fire spotted into the community but was quickly extinguished by crews in place to provide structure defense. The presence of these fire crews along with air support kept the fire on the east side of the Hwy.

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, Forest Falls, and threatens the areas of Glen Martin School, San Bernardino Peak, Anderson Peak, Pinezanita, Horse Flats, Barton Flats, Anderson Peak, and Heart Bar. Fire growth continues to the northeast and has slowed as it moves into the old Valley and burn scars.

A well-attended community meeting was held in Forest Falls. Residents practiced coronavirus protocols with masks and social distancing.

WEATHER:

Dry, warm, and breezy conditions will continue over the fire on Saturday and Saturday evening. Winds will be west and Southwest 10 MPH Sustained with gust to 20 MPH. Temperatures will be around 85 degrees

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.

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.

Management of the fire has transitioned to California Interagency Incident Management Team Team 13, Mike Wakoski commanding, today at 700 a.m. 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.

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.

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.