A new fire erupted nearby Thursday afternoon. The Snow Fire, in the Snow Creek neighborhood at the base of Mount San Jacinto just south of I-10, started at 2:38 p.m. from a car fire and quickly spread into vegetation. As of last night, it was 1,200 acres and 0 percent contained. A CalFire fire captain said the fire was intense and burning at a moderate to critical rate of speed. Evacuation orders have been issued for the entire Snow Creek area, with an evacuation center set up in Cabazon. Smoke from the Snow Fire is blowing into the Coachella Valley at this time.
The U.S. Forest Service said a firefighter died yesterday while fighting the nearby El Dorado Fire. No other information is available.
Smoke from the El Dorado fire, at more than 19,000 acres and 63% contained, continues to come into the Morongo Basin depending on wind direction.
The El Dorado fire burned more actively yesterday along Hwy 38 in the vicinity of Angelus Oaks. Ground crews continue to directly attack the fire utilizing hose lines and strengthening fire containment lines to protect the community. Spotting occurred within the indirect fire line and did not cross Hwy 38. The fire progressed past Forsee Creek and continues to burn northeast towards San Bernardino Peak. There is NO evacuation directive for Big Bear residents as of this morning but stay informed.
Over 17,400 firefighters remain on the frontlines of 26 major and three extended attack wildfires in California.
