Arcadia: Bobcat Fire Update

Press release from the City of Arcadia:

September 09, 2020

***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***Click here for the latest incident information

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.