Valley Fire: Blaze Forces Evacuations, Grows To 1,000 Acres

PASS AREA, CA — A large smoke plume was visible Friday in the Banning and Beaumont areas as a fire broke out in the San Gorgonio wilderness. Dubbed the Valley Fire, the blaze grew to 1,000 acres by Friday evening near Forest Falls, according to San Bernardino National Forest officials.

Due to the fire's location, mandatory evacuations were ordered for the community of Forest Falls, Cal Fire's San Bernardino Unit said on Twitter at 3:40 p.m. An evacuation center was established in Yucaipa.

As of 9 p.m., here is the latest on the fire, courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service:

Current Situation: The Valley Fire started at approximately 1:30 PM on July 6th. The fire is currently 1,000 acres in size, with zero percent containment. The fire is moving north and east, higher into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area.

Mandatory evacuations: The Forest Falls Community east of Highway 38 has been evacuated. Structure protection and security are in place if the fire moves toward the community.

Evacuation Center: Inland Leaders Charter School-12375 California Street, Yucaipa CA 93299 (Animals are not being accepted at this time, please check back for additional information on animals shelters)

Recreation Closures: Momyer Trail, Vivian Creek Trail, San Bernardino Peak Trail & Big Falls Picnic Area

Roads Closures: Highway 38 from Bryant Street (Yucaipa) to Lake Williams Drive (South of Big Bear) closed to all access including residents.

Personnel: There are currently over 500 personnel actively fight this fire including 21 Engines, 2 Crews, 1 Water-tender, and 2 Fixed-wings. A Type 2 Management Team as been order to take command of the fire.

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Evening Update for the #ValleyFire
- 1000 Acres, Fire continues to move North and East into the San Gorgonio Wilderness.@SBCOUNTYFIRE @sbcountysheriff @CALFIREBDU pic.twitter.com/smy9SMQryw
— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) July 7, 2018

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#ValleyFire: Based on current conditions, @sbcountysheriff has ordered MANDATORY EVACUATIONS for the entire community of #ForestFalls. Evac center information will be released as it becomes available. Those in the affected area are asked to leave. #ReadySetGo ^eas
— SB County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) July 6, 2018

This is a breaking news story. Refresh for the latest. / PHOTOS: Images show the Valley Fire as residents were forced to evacuate on Friday afternoon. CREDIT: Katie Goff