VALLEY FIRE NEAR FOREST FALLS MAY BRING SMOKE INTO OUR MORONGO BASIN

Smoke from a fire burning in the San Bernardino Mountains could be blown into the Morongo Basin, depending on wind direction, impacting air quality in the area. A smoke advisory was issued Sunday for the Valley Fire, which has been burning in the San Bernardino National Forest near Forest Falls, north of Oak Glen, which said that air quality could reach the “unhealthy for sensitive group” levels or higher. The fire started Friday afternoon and has scorched more than 1,100 acres and was 5 percent contained as of Sunday afternoon; 500 structures are threatened and 612 fire personnel are on scene. A spokesman said, “Minimal growth is expected today except for roll out—the downhill movement of rocks and burning material.” This terrain is rugged and steep and burning in chaparral and large timber. Conditions are difficult for firefighters with high temperatures and accessibility. Weather conditions are expected to be similar today, but changes may occur Tuesday.