Nearly 1,000 Personnel Continue Battling Deadly El Dorado Fire

INLAND EMPIRE, CA —The El Dorado fire that has burned for 18 days and has claimed the life of a firefighter charred 22,601 acres and was 68 percent contained as of Wednesday morning, Cal Fire reported.

"Overnight, fire activity lessened due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity," the agency said in a morning update. "Firefighters continue to find hot spots up slope from Highway 38 below the 5,000-foot level and near the west fork of Barton Creek."

Firefighters are continuing to build and re-enforce containment lines, attack flare ups and conduct mop-up.

"While, good progress is being made in these critical areas, trees that are burning out could fall across containment lines. Crews are addressing these hazardous trees throughout the day," the agency said. "Fuels remain critically dry, spot fires, and rolling hot material continue to be of concern as containment lines remain at risk due to hot rolling material along the Highway 38 corridor."

The large rock and debris slide that forced a Highway 38 closure between mile marker 16 and 17 "has somewhat stabilized, with less rocks coming down onto the roadway," according to Cal Fire.

The highway remains open only to emergency vehicles, and Caltrans continues to patrol the roadway to clear rocks and debris.

Charles Morton, 39, a Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss, died Thursday while engaged in suppression operations on the blaze.

"Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times," said U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. "Our hearts go out to Charlie's loved ones, coworkers, friends and the Big Bear Hotshots. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers."

A search and rescue operation was underway late Thursday after Morton went missing on the fire line. By early Friday morning the USDA Forest Service confirmed his death, although the manner in which he died was not disclosed.

Read more: Hotshot Killed In Inland Empire's El Dorado Fire Identified

In addition to Morton's death, the blaze has injured 13 people. Five homes and 15 outbuildings have been destroyed. Four other homes have been damaged, according to Cal Fire's Wednesday morning update.

Fire personnel on the blaze as of Wednesday morning numbered 966, Cal Fire said.

Evacuation orders remain in effect for residents from Angelus Oaks up to Onyx Summit. Residents of Mountain Home Village and Forest Falls have been allowed to return but, remain under an evacuation warning.

The entire San Bernardino National Forest remains closed.

Highway 38 is closed between Bryant Street and Lake Williams Drive. Residents of Forest Falls and Mountain Home Village will be allowed through with proof of residency.

Cal Fire officials said the fire was sparked Sept. 5 by a smoke-emitting firework used at a gender-reveal gathering of family members at El Dorado Ranch Park in Yucaipa.

Record heat and dry conditions helped the fire quickly spread north to the Yucaipa Ridge, fire officials said.

The Desert Sun reported that the family who planned the small gathering was cooperating with authorities.

Fire officials told the publication that the family called 911 after trying to extinguish the blaze themselves. They remained on the scene until firefighters arrived, according to the report.
Cal Fire Capt. Bennet Milloy said the blaze remains under investigation.

"Those responsible for starting fires due to negligence or illegal activity can be held financially responsible and criminally responsible," Cal Fire officials said.

Milloy said investigators are testing the mechanism used at the family gathering to see if it's considered a "safe and sane" firework.

But he said "safe and sane" pyrotechnic devices are illegal in Yucaipa.