Arcadia Bobcat Fire Evacuation Ordered

Press release from the City of Arcadia:

September 14, 2020

Click here for the latest incident information

Stay Informed!

City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov/BobcatTwitter: @ProtectArcadiaNational Forest Service: (626) 574-5208City of Arcadia Hotline (recorded): (626) 574-5463Sign Up for Emergency Alerts!Nixle: Text zip code to 888777AlertArcadia (Reverse 9-1-1): ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert to sign up.

***Update as of 9/14/2020 @ 9:39 AM***

Fire crews worked overnight to protect the foothill neighborhoods of Arcadia. The Bobcat Fire made its way into the Chantry Flat area above Arcadia and approached Wilderness Park. Although the fire burned the hillside above the park, the park was not damaged. No structures in Arcadia have been impacted. The fire has grown to over 36,000 acres and is 6% contained.The mandatory evacuation order for all residents north of Elkins Ave. and east of Santa Anita Ave. in the City of Arcadia is in effect until further notice. The remaining residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave. are still under an evacuation warning. Fire officials are meeting later this morning to discuss the status of the fire and will make a determination regarding changes to evacuation orders and warnings.

Residents in the affected areas advised to evacuate the area using Santa Anita Ave. A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at Santa Anita Race Track, located at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA, 91007. Residents are advised to enter through Gate 5.

The Arcadia Police Department will continue to provide routine patrols within the mandatory evacuation area. Elderly, disabled, and high-risk residents who require evacuation assistance are advised to dial 9-1-1.

The Angeles National Forest will be hosting a virtual public meeting via Zoom on today, Monday, September 14, 2020, at 6:30 PM. Representatives from agencies fighting the Bobcat Fire will be available to provide an update.

Join us online at: http://usfs.zoomgov.com/J/1609926478 Meeting ID: 160-992-6478 Dial-In: (669) 254-5252Latest Fire Map

***Update as of 9/13/2020 @ 3:49 PM***

The mandatory evacuation order for all residents north of Elkins Ave. and east of Santa Anita Ave. in the City of Arcadia will remain in effect overnight. Residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave. remain under an evacuation warning.Residents are advised to evacuate the area using Santa Anita Ave. A Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at Santa Anita Race Track, located at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA, 91007. Residents are advised to enter through Gate 5.The Arcadia Police Department will continue to provide routine patrols within the mandatory evacuation area, and elderly, disabled, and high-risk residents who require evacuation assistance are advised to dial 9-1-1.

The Bobcat Fire has grown to nearly 32,000 acres and is 6% contained.

***Update as of 9/13/2020 @ 3:15 PM***The Angeles National Forest will be hosting a virtual public meeting via Zoom on Monday, September 14, 2020, at 6:30 PM. Representatives from agencies fighting the Bobcat Fire will be available to provide an update. Join us online at: http://usfs.zoomgov.com/J/1609926478Meeting ID: 160-992-6478Dial-In: (669) 254-5252

***Update as of 9/13/2020 @ 9:49 AM***EVACUATION ORDER

The City of Arcadia is ordering all residents north of Elkins Ave. and east of Santa Anita Ave. to evacuate due to dangerous wildfire conditions. Residents in the area are advised to use Santa Anita Ave. to leave the area.

Evacuation Map List of Streets within Evacuation ZoneAngelo PlaceCanyon RoadCarolwood DriveChantry Flat RoadCielo PlaceElkins AveElkins PlaceHighland Oaks DriveHighland Vista DriveHillgreen PlaceMarilyn PlaceMonte PlaceOaks PlaceTopaz PlaceVista AveWilson AveA Red Cross Evacuation Center has been established at Santa Anita Race Track, located at 285 W. Huntington Drive, Arcadia, CA, 91007. Residents are advised to enter through Gate 5. To find out more information regarding the Evacuation Center, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).For elderly, disabled, and high-risk risk residents who need evacuation assistance, please dial 9-1-1.Fire Progression Visualization as of 9/13/2020 @ 5:00 AM - Unofficial

***Update as of 9/12/2020 @ 7:36 PM***

The Bobcat Fire has grown to over 29,000 acres and is still at 6% containment. Fire crews saw heavy fire activity in the north and south ends of the Bobcat Fire today. On the south end, the fire reached Santa Anita Canyon near Chantry Flat where fire activity will remain high overnight. Priorities remain to hold containment lines and protect the foothill communities as the fire continues to progress south. On the northeast end of the fire, near the intersection of Highway 2 and Highway 39, crews used strategic firing operations to keep the fire south of Hwy 2 and west of Hwy 39. Both the eastern and western ends of the fire remain moderated by the Ranch2 and Station Fire burn scars allowing for lesser fuel loads. This fire has mainly been driven by steep terrain and dry fuels, some of which have not seen fire activity in at least 60 years. As smoke lifted, aircraft operations were able to monitor growth and make water drops. Tonight, smoke and flame will remain visible to surrounding communities as fire activity remains in the south.

Evacuation warnings are in effect for Monrovia, Arcadia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena. At this time, no Evacuation Orders in these communities have been issued—however, it’s important to stay well-informed as this is an evolving incident. An Evacuation Order has been issued for Camp Williams.

***Update as of 9/12/2020 @ 6:16 PM***The Bobcat Fire continues to burn in the Angeles National Forest. Flames will be visible in the hills above Arcadia this evening. There is no change to our current status as a warning at this time.Personnel will continue to be on the fire line throughout the evening. Continue to monitor the City's website and Twitter @ProtectArcadia for the latest fire information.

***Update as of 9/12/2020 @ 10:46 AM***

Fire crews will continue to focus on increasing containment lines along the south end of the fire to protect the foothill communities. Throughout the day, heavy fire activity will continue to be seen on both the south and north ends. The eastern portion of the fire is burning downhill and entering into a burn scar from the Ranch2 Fire, creating less intense fire behavior for firefighters. Much of the western side of the fire is entering an old burn scar as well, which reduces the rate of spread. Steep terrain and dry fuels, some of which haven’t burned in the last 60 years, will create challenges for crews. Local fire departments will continue to conduct structure protection within the foothill communities. Crews will also be working on the north end to keep the fire south of Highway 2 and west of Highway 39.Click here for the latest Bobcat fire map.Evacuation warnings are in effect for Monrovia, Arcadia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena. At this time, no Evacuation Orders in these communities have been issued—however, it’s important to stay well-informed as this is an evolving incident.A hotline has been established at (626) 574-5463 for the most current and up-to-date information regarding the fire’s impact on Arcadia.

For the latest information on the Bobcat Fire, please visit:

City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov/BobcatTwitter: @ProtectArcadiaNixle: Text zip code to 888777AlertArcadia (Reverse 9-1-1): ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert to sign up.National Forest Service: (626) 574-5208

***Update as of 9/11/2020 @ 8:50 PM***Fire crews saw the most activity in the north and south ends of the fire. The priority remains to strengthen containment lines and halt forward progression of the fire as it makes its way south towards the foothill communities. Additionally, crews are trying to hold the fire north of Hwy 39, while monitoring for spot fires. Both western and eastern sections of the fire continue heading into previous fire scars, lessening the fuel intensity for crews. The recent Ranch 2 Fire, Fish Fire, and the 2009 Station Fire are helping to slow fire progression, however, the Bobcat Fire continues to burn north and east where there is no fire history in the last 80 years and in the San Gabriel Wilderness. Smoke hindered growth today by keeping temperatures down. Night operations will continue to patrol the perimeter of the fire across Angeles Crest Highway 2 and State Route 39, as priorities remain to keep infrastructure to the south safe and maintaining the fire to the south and west. Aviation resources arrived later in the day to assist with suppression efforts. Firefighter and overhead resources on this fire remain valuable due to the ongoing wildfires across the state.Evacuation warnings are in effect for Monrovia, Arcadia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena. At this time, no Evacuation Orders in these communities have been issued—however, it’s important to stay well-informed as this is an evolving incident.

***Update as of 9/11/2020 @ 9:53 AM***

The Bobact fire has grown to nearly 24,000 acres and is 6% contained. Fire crews will continue to focus on increasing containment lines along the south end of the fire as smoke lifts. Throughout the day, heavy fire activity will continue to be seen on the south end. More fire activity is expected in the north side of the fire where crews will work to contain it at Angeles Crest Highway 2. The eastern portion of the fire is entering into a burn scar from the Ranch2 Fire creating less intense fire behavior for firefighters. Heavy fuels in the west end of the fire are also expected push the fire into an old burn scar. Steep terrain and dry fuels, some of which haven’t burned in the last 60 years, will create challenges for crews. Fire crews will also continue working on opening dozer lines and utilizing the road system to slow progression of the fire. Local fire departments will continue to conduct structure protection planning and triage efforts within the foothill communities.

Evacuation warnings are in effect for Monrovia, Arcadia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena. At this time, no Evacuation Orders in these communities have been issued—however, it’s important to stay well-informed as this is an evolving incident.

***Update as of 9/10/2020 @ 8:45 PM***Fire crews focused on maintaining protection on the south end of the Bobcat fire as winds pushed the fire northeast today. Two LA County Blackhawks are currently flying working perimeter control in the southwest portion of the fire. A containment of 6% was attained near the eastern edge of the fire where there is a burn scar from the recent Ranch2 Fire creating less intense fire behavior for fire crews. The northern portion of the fire has reached up into ridges near Angeles Crest Highway where retardant drops have been made. Steep terrain and dry fuels, some of which haven’t burned in the last 60 years, will create challenges for crews. Fire crews will continue working on opening dozer lines and utilizing the road system to slow the progression of the fire. Local fire departments will continue to conduct structure protection planning and triage efforts within the foothill communities. Similar to today, poor air quality due to smoke cover will continue into tomorrow.Evacuation warnings are in effect for Monrovia, Arcadia, Bradbury, Sierra Madre, Altadena, Duarte and Pasadena. At this time, no Evacuation Orders in these communities have been issued—however, it’s important to stay well-informed as this is an evolving incident.

***Update as of 9/10/2020 @ 7:27 PM***

Effective immediately, the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region will close the temporary evacuation point at Santa Anita Park (285 W Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007) and will continue providing assistance virtually to those impacted by the Bobcat Fire.The Red Cross will continue to monitor the situation and has teams on standby to reopen the evacuation site, if needed. Click here to read a copy of the full press release.

***Update as of 9/10/2020 @ 1:05 PM***

The Bobcat fire has continued to grow in size to 23,890 acres, moving in a northeasterly direction away from Arcadia, with 0% containment. Over 530 Firefighting personnel are continuing to aggressively attack the fire. Smoke and ash can be seen miles away from the many active fires throughout the region. The City of Arcadia has lifted our voluntary evacuation notice, but to be clear, Arcadia residents who live east of Santa Anita Ave. and north of Foothill Blvd. are to remain in Evacuation WARNING status, meaning residents should have evacuation plans in place, their emergency evacuation supplies organized, and their essential personal belongings easily accessible should fire conditions change. Vehicles should be fully fueled, facing out in the driveways, and ready to leave.The Red Cross evacuation center at Santa Anita Park, located at 285 W. Huntington Dr. inside of Gate 5 will continue to remain open until they receive word from LA County fire to close. For additional information regarding evacuation centers, please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Fire Department will continue to monitor the Bobcat Fire and will keep the community informed.

Please continue to visit us at:

City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov/BobcatTwitter: @ProtectArcadiaArcadia Bobcat Fire Hotline (626) 574-5463National Forest Service Hotline: (626) 574-5208

To sign up for emergency alerts and notifications, please go to the following:

Nixle: Text your zip code to 888777AlertArcadia: ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert to sign up

***Update as of 9/9/2020 @ 4:51 PM***Voluntary evacuations lifted for residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave.

The Bobcat Fire has generally progressed away from the City of Arcadia. The current weather forecast suggests that Santa Ana winds will dissipate this evening and the Red Flag Warning will be removed after 8:00 p.m.Based on these factors, the City of Arcadia is removing the recommendation for residents to evacuate. However, residents are advised to remain on alert for any changes to weather conditions that may affect the fire. Evacuations may be necessary for your safety if conditions change.The Bobcat Fire has burned nearly 12,000 acres and is 0% contained. Smoke, ash, and other particulate matter remains high and air quality is extremely poor. Residents in poor health, children, and older adults are encouraged to remain indoors until conditions improve.The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Fire Department will continue to monitor the Bobcat Fire and will keep the community informed. Please continue to visit us as at:

City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov/BobcatTwitter: @ProtectArcadiaArcadia Bobcat Fire Hotline (626) 574-5463National Forest Service Hotline: (626) 574-5208

To sign up for emergency alerts and notifications, please:Nixle: Text zip code to 888777AlertArcadia (Reverse 9-1-1): ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert to sign up.

***Update as of 9/9/2020 @ 1:09 PM***

Fire behavior has been relatively moderate due to favorable weather conditions. Although there is no immediate threat of fire to Arcadia residences at this time, circumstances can change quickly and residents should remain vigilant.For residents who are concerned about the fire and smoke, the Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at Santa Anita Park, located at 285 W. Huntington Dr. inside of Gate 5. For additional information regarding evacuation centers, please contact the Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Residents seeking assistance with their pets should contact the Pasadena Humane Society at (626) 792-7151, extension 281. Additional information is available on their website at www.helpingpaws@pasadenahumane.org.

We encourage our residents and businesses to stay informed and be prepared. The City of Arcadia will continue to monitor the Bobcat fire and keep our community informed. A hotline has been established at (626) 574-5463 for the most current and up-to-date information regarding the fire’s impact on Arcadia.

***Update as of 9/8/2020 @ 8:58PM***

The American Red Cross Los Angeles Region has opened an evacuation point at Santa Anita Park (285 West Huntington Dr. Arcadia, CA 91007) for those affected by the Bobcat Fire near Azusa, CA.

The evacuation point, which was activated by the Los Angeles County Fire Department and is being supported by the Red Cross, is a rest site for residents to gather and assess their needs and for the Red Cross to present lodging options. Residents can access the evacuation point at Santa Anita Park via the Gate 5 entrance on Huntington Drive. Partnerships have been established with local businesses to make sure every resident has safe lodging and food. To find out more information regarding the evacuation centers, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

***Update as of 9/8/2020 @ 7:52PM***Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Arcadia is suggesting residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave. to voluntarily evacuate as current forecasts anticipate strong winds during the overnight hours, between 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m.Although there is no immediate threat of fire to Arcadia residences at this time, predictive modeling of both the weather and the Bobcat Fire suggests that circumstances could become more concerning overnight. Affected residents in the voluntary evacuation area may want to consider relocating for the evening to a family member’s house, hotel, or other temporary living arrangements if possible.The City of Arcadia is continuing to monitor the situation and will notify residents of a mandatory evacuation if conditions change. The City of Arcadia Emergency Operations Center has been activated at its lowest level. The City Manager has issued a Declaration of Local Emergency paving the way for the City to enact emergency provisions in response to the fire in order to save lives and protect property.A hotline has been established at (626) 574-5463 for the most current and up-to-date information regarding the fire’s impact on Arcadia.

***Update as of 9/8/2020 @ 4:13PM***

The City of Arcadia is advising all residents north of Foothill Blvd. and east of Santa Anita Ave. to prepare for evacuation due to the Bobcat Fire.

The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Fire Department are actively monitoring the situation. Santa Ana Winds and high heat are forecast throughout the evening, creating a potential for shifting fire patterns that may threaten homes in the City’s urban-wildland interface.

Residents should make evacuation plans now, including overnight accommodations. Evacuation sites for those displaced are being prepared—more information will follow should an Evacuation Order be issued.

***Update as of 9/8/2020 @ 11:43AM***

The Bobcat Fire has consumed over 8,500 acres and is currently burning north and east. The US Forest Service has indicated there is currently zero percent containment. The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for a Santa Ana wind event, with the potential for driving the fire west towards Arcadia.Evacuations have not been ordered for Arcadia, but residents along the urban-wildland interface are encouraged to have an evacuation plan and prepare a “Ready, Set, Go” Bag in the event that evacuations are ordered.For regular updates regarding the Bobcat Fire residents can visit:City Website: ArcadiaCA.gov/BobcatTwitter: @ProtectArcadiaNixle: Text zip code to 888777AlertArcadia (Reverse 9-1-1): ArcadiaCA.gov/Alert to sign up.National Forest Service: (626) 574-5208

***Update as of 9/7/2020 @ 4:03PM***The Bobcat Fire continues to burn above Monrovia at Monrovia Peak. As of 7 a.m., the fire has consumed over 4,800 acres of Angeles National Forest. The US Forest Service has indicated there is currently zero percent containment. The National Weather Service issued a Red Flag Warning for a potential Santa Ana wind event through 10 p.m. on Monday night.

The City of Arcadia and the Arcadia Fire Department are currently monitoring the situation. The City is requesting all residents to continue to prepare for potential evacuations by doing the following:

• Prepare your “Ready, Set, Go” Bag and ensure you have all necessary belongings.
• Have a planned location to stay in the chance the evacuation lasts several days.

Review the Statewide Evacuation Terminology shown below:

1. Evacuation Order – Immediate threat to life. This is a lawful order to leave now. The area is lawfully closed to public access.
2. Evacuation Warning – Potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.
3. Hard Closure – Closed to all traffic except Fire and Law Enforcement
4. Resident only Closure – Closure with the additional allowance of residents and local government agencies assisting with response.

The City is planning for the possibility that the fire breaches the City limits. As such, we are making plans for potential evacuations in the event evacuation is needed. The Bobcat Fire is moving in heavy brush, which makes the fire very visible. All residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and on alert. All residents are encouraged to have a plan in place and prepare for the possibility of evacuations.

In addition, we respectfully request residents refrain from calling the Police Department or Fire Department regarding fire updates. Due to preparation efforts, our police and fire personnel are on alert to diligently serve our community. We ask our community to only call 9-1-1 for an emergency. Should an evacuation effort be mandated, the Arcadia Police Department will coordinate the process and every residence will be contacted individually to ensure safety during the evacuation process.

For residents knowledgeable of the terrain, the fire is near Deer Park and has been slowly burning toward Monrovia. While the City is not ordering evacuations at this time, every resident - especially those living north of Sycamore Street and east of Santa Anita Boulevard - should prepare for the possibility.

The City of Arcadia will provide regular updates. Please check back for more information or visit us at ArcadiaCA.gov/Bobcat. Stay connected, stay informed. Sign up for Nixle Alerts by texting your zipcode to 888777. By creating an account through the link above, you can receive reverse 9-1-1 instructions from public safety during an emergency. Follow us on Twitter @ProtectArcadia

This press release was produced by the City of Arcadia. The views expressed are the author's own.