Monrovia Bobcat Fire

Press release from the City of Monrovia:

September 06, 2020

Update - Monday, September 7 at 7:12 a.m.

Monrovia Fire & Rescue continues to monitor and assess the Bobcat Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest. As of Monday morning, residents of Monrovia will notice flames are now visible on the hillside and an increase in smoke and ash. The City’s Fire Department is actively working with the United States Forest Service (USFS) and USFS has ordered additional support to fight the fire.

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 preparations efforts, our police and fire personnel are on alert to diligently serve our community. We ask our community to only call 911 for an emergency.

Should an evacuation effort be mandated, the Monrovia Police Department will coordinate the process and every residence will be contacted individually to ensure safety during the evacuation process. Instead of calling the Police Department or Fire Department,

We will continue to assess the situation, and if the situation changes, City personnel will be deployed to your home to notify you of pending fire threats. Residents are encouraged to stay informed by checking the City’s website.

Additional ways to stay connected:

• Facebook: facebook.com/MonroviaCalifornia
• Instagram: instagram.com/cityofmonrovia
• Twitter: twitter.com/MonroviaCA

Update - Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m.

It is important to note that at this time, there is no immediate threat to Monrovia. The Bobcat Fire continues to burn away from Monrovia in a northerly direction. Due to the fire, South Coast AQMD issued a smoke advisory from Sunday, September 6 through Monday, September 7. During this time, the Monrovia community may notice an increase in smoke or ash.

Protect Yourself During a Wildfire

If you smell smoke or see ash due to a wildfire, here are ways to limit your exposure:

• Remain indoors with windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter;
• Avoid vigorous physical activity;
• Run your air conditioner if you have one. Make sure it has a clean filter and that it is recirculating the indoor air to prevent bringing additional smoke inside;
• Create a clean air space in your home by using a portable air cleaner instead of or in addition to your air conditioner. Use in one or more rooms with both the doors and windows closed;
• Avoid using a whole-house fan or a swamp cooler with an outside air intake;
• Avoid using indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces and candles.
• Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with heart diseases or lung diseases (such as asthma) may be especially sensitive to health risks from wildfire smoke.

Update - Sunday, September 6 at 2:30 p.m.

A wildfire named the Bobcat Fire began at 12:21 p.m., on Sunday, north of the City of Azusa and Glendora in the Angeles National Forest. Monrovia Fire & Rescue is monitoring the situation and is in contact with Angeles National Forest. It is important to note that at this time, there is no immediate threat to Monrovia. The fire is currently burning in a Northernly direction. We will notify residents if conditions change.

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