This morning, representatives from the Forest Service, Cal Fire, CHP, and the Sheriff’s department met to discuss the status of the fire, along with any safety concerns. During the meeting, these members from the Incident Management agreed to reopen Highway 38 as of 8:00 a.m. Evacuation orders have been lifted for the residents in the surrounding communities with the exception of Burns Canyon, which remains under mandatory evacuation. The camps in the area will be accessible for staff to conduct maintenance. The camps will not be operational with children at this time due to concerns of flash floods in the area from a possible thunderstorm over the weekend. The CHP and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will maintain a presence along Highway 38 to ensure there are no traffic issues.
The previously-cancelled Gunfighters for Hire show has been un-cancelled. It will take place as originally-scheduled, at 2:30 pm on Sunday on Mane Street in Pioneertown.
Evacuation centers will remain open for residents until further notice.
Fire crews are continuing efforts to extinguish the blaze and have been very productive in limiting its growth over the past several days. Fire experts do not anticipate a change in the fire’s behavior today. All U.S. Forest lands in the affected fire areas remain closed for recreational purposes.
By Friday evening, the Lake Fire burning in the mountains above the Morongo Basin had grown to 30,526 acres, with 20% containment. Fire growth was minimal compared to the previous two days. Weather conditions allowed firefighters to construct a 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 mopup, monitor, and patrol on the northwest side of the fire south of Highway 38. Light rainfall during 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.
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors declared an emergency Friday. The proclamation will enable the County to seek State and/or Federal reimbursement for the cost of fighting the fire. So far, the cost of all resources in response to this fire has been estimated at $17.6 million.
For the latest fire report, go to http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4302/
SMOKE AND HEAT ADVISORY
A smoke advisory has been issued for Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Lucerne Valley, and surrounding communities. If you see or smell smoke, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Everyone should limit their time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke is in the area. An excessive heat warning remains in effect until 9:00 Saturday night with temperatures expected between 110 and 115.
