Evacuations Ordered As Massive Wildfire Spreads Through San Bernardino Mountains

Firefighters are working to contain a massive fire that started Wednesday afternoon near Big Bear. Meanwhile, a smoke advisory was issued today by the regional air quality agency for areas downwind of the massive wildfire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest, including parts of the Mohave Desert.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the fire is burning east of Camp de Benneville Pines south of Jenks Lake Road and structures are being threatened as temperatures today reached the triple digits.

Heavy smoke from the 10,000-acre Lake Fire was billowing northeast and east, toward northern portions of the Coachella Valley, and some areas could experience air quality that reaches unhealthy levels or worse, said Sam Atwood, spokesman for the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

People in the smoke’s path were advised to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities and children or people with respiratory problems or heart disease should stay indoors, according to the AQMD.

Windows should be kept closed and swamp coolers and whole-house fans should not be used, to avoid bringing smoke indoors.

The U.S. Forest Service released an update about the evacuation areas and road closures just after 12 p.m.:

Evacuations include: Areas east of Angelus Oaks, Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, and homes off of Rainbow Lane.

120 people from Camp de Benneville Pines, 1 person from Camp Ta Ta Pochon, 24 people from Camp Alpine Meadows, 23 people from Camp Edwards, and 10 people from Camp Tulakes. Children from the camps were bused to Citrus Valley High School in Redlands to be reunited with their parents.

All Hiking Trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area have been closed due to the proximity of the fire to many hiking trails. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

By City News Service and Autumn Johnson

Photos courtesy Renee Schiavone