LAKE FIRE STATUS
The Lake Fire, burning south of Big Bear, is officially the largest forest fire in California so far this year. The fire, which started about 4 p.m. Wednesday, increased in size to 1,000 acres by 7 am Thursday; by 10 a.m. it was 1,500 acres, by 2 p.m. it was 7,500 acres, and by 5 p.m., Thursday, it was 10,000 acres. Friday night at 8 pm it was listed at 13,000 acres and was only 10 percent contained. On Wednesday, a brush engine with three firefighters from Yucca Valley’s fire station 41 went to help fight the blaze, and Thursday night a gel task force from the Yucca Mesa fire station 42 was deployed. There were approximately 500 structures threatened, however no structures were believed to be damaged or destroyed by the time of the Friday night report. Camping areas and homes southeast of the Jenks Lake and Barton Flats areas in the San Bernardino National Forest have been evacuated. Highway 38 is closed in the area of the fire, as well as all hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, and the Pacific Crest Trail from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit.
The cause of the fire is still unknown. For more information about the fire, call the US Forest Service at 909-383-5688 or go online at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.
SMOKE ADVISORY ISSUED FOR THE MORONGO BASIN
The smoke advisory which had been issued for Yucca Valley, Morongo Valley, Lucerne Valley, and surrounding communities on Thursday is in effect until further notice. If you see or smell smoke, be cautious and use common sense to protect your family’s health. Everyone—especially people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children—should limit their time spent outdoors and avoid outdoor exercise when smoke is in the area. If you experience repeated coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, or chest tightness or pain, contact your doctor.
