Yesterday afternoon San Bernardino County Firefighters were dispatched to a reported vegetation fire near Elk Trail and San Andreas, Yucca Valley. Due to the fire being adjacent to the National Park boundary, the National Park Service also sent a full response.
Crews arrived in the area to find 2-3 acres of vegetation involved, wind driven, in medium fuels burning a moderate to rapid rate of spread. The fire was burning in a remote portion of Yucca Valley, with very difficult ground access for fire crews. Dry fuels and wind continue to drive the fire where it continued to burn rapidly North and East from the origin. Additional resources including air assets were requested. Approximately 10 structures in the area were threatened by the fire. Arriving firefighters deployed to these homes to set up for structure defense.
Due to the fire burning in both San Bernardino County Fire’s jurisdiction and the Joshua Tree National Park, both agencies entered “Unified Command” working hand in hand to manage the wildfire. San Bernardino County Sheriff was also on-scene assisting with traffic control, evacuation messaging and investigation.
Throughout the afternoon strong erratic winds pushed the fire through the dry vegetation. By 5PM the fire had grown to more than 200 acres. Ground crews continued to work on containment lines, perimeter control and structure defense. Fixed Wing and helicopters continued to work on retardant and water drops to help the firefighters on the ground. Despite these challenges, firefighters were able to gain the upper hand by nightfall, stopping the fire’s progression at approximately 250 acres.
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Elk Fire Photos
Firefighters worked through the night working on mop-up and patrol around the fire’s edge. Firefighters were successful overnight keeping the fire to minimal growth. All evacuation warnings were lifted by nightfall as well.
At the height of the fire more than 150 firefighters were on-scene working to control the fast-moving fire. Interagency cooperation from local government, County, State and Federal partners were instrumental in keeping the fire from spreading to nearby homes. We are happy to report no homes were damaged or destroyed by the fire. The fire remains under investigation by Fire Investigators.
Today’s plan is to continue to work on containment, hot spots and mop-up operations. Please use caution in the area as fire apparatus will be traversing the area. The fire is currently approximately 250 acres and is 30% contained.
San Bernardino County Fire responded with 8 Engines, Two Hand Crews, a Dozer, Water Tender, six Chief Officers, logistical support and two Fire Investigators. CALFIRE San Bernardino, CALFIRE Riverside Unit, Bureau of Land Management California Desert Division, Redlands FD, United States Forest Service (USFS) San Bernardino National Forest, Chino Valley, Rancho Cucamonga, Big Bear, Apple Valley, and San Manuel Fire assisted with the incident.
