Weather Slows Fire Overnight but Remains a Wild Card (7/17/06)
Crews have 70% containment on Sawtooth, with full containment expected tomorrow night. There are no evacuation orders for Big Bear, and all highways remain open. Motorists are asked to avoid Route 38 if possible for greater ease of movement with firefighting equipment. The Millard Complex is 25% contained with its total burned acreage at 22,103 acres.

Rain last night assisted firefighters in slowing the fire in Whitewater Canyon and the Mission Creek drainage, but erratic, gusty winds may occur with a possible sudden change in fire behavior. Overall, the fire had minor movement overnight, and the fire line on the southeast side of the fire held well. Structure protection remains in place in Whitewater Canyon, but there is a low chance for growth on the southeast corner of the fire. Contingency lines are being put in place with bulldozers on tribal lands south of the fire to protect tribal interests in and around Cabazon. Air operations continue to play a significant role in suppression efforts with 24 helicopters and 6 fixed wing aircraft assigned.

Firefighters are being flown into remote areas as extremely rugged topography continues to constrain access to the fire. Incident Command says they'll provide an evening update on the fire situation at about 7pm.