Fire Containment Creeps Up Slowly (7/27/06)
The Forest Service says they've got the Heart-Millard Complex 75% contained and on monitor status. Two crews and two helicopters are still assigned to the fire, and they're keeping their eyes on a couple of hot spots smoldering in inaccessible areas. If necessary, they'll drop more water from the air.
Thursday, July 27, 2006
SLOPE REHAB PROJECT BEGINS ON ROUTE 330
San Bernardino County – Caltrans has begun staging work for the State Route 330 Slope Rehabilitation project, which is located about one mile uphill from Highland Avenue as you exit SR-30. The 90-day project will repair three storm-damaged lower slopes. Earthwork and a 53-day closure of the route will begin on Monday, August 7, 2006. The 53-day closure is included in the 90-day work period.
Beginning on Monday, August 7, escorts (with flaggers) will be available for the duration of the project, Monday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The beginning point for escorts will be located on the upper end of the project in Running Springs at City Creek Rd. and on the lower end just above Highland Avenue. Motorists are advised to get in line early since the contractor will not escort after 8:30 a.m. or 8:30 p.m.
The contractor plans to work Monday through Saturday. If the contractor does not work on a Sunday, there will be an 8-hour escort window provided. The availability of Sunday escorts will be announced on Fridays prior to the weekend in question. You may sign up for alerts for the Sunday escort schedule with Terri Kasinga at (909) 383-6799 or email her at terri_kasinga@dot.ca.gov.
Caltrans notifies travelers that you can take a short detour to mountain communities or resort destinations. The detours are as follows:
Ø Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and Running Springs – take SR-30 to SR-18 (Waterman Avenue) and go north.
Ø Big Bear and Fawnskin – take I-10 to Redlands and exit at Orange Street. From eastbound I-10 exit, go to second signal and turn left on Orange St. Travel about one mile to Lugonia Ave. and turn right. Lugonia Ave. and Orange Street are SR-38. Continue on SR-38 uphill to Big Bear and Fawnskin.
Caltrans advises the public that due to the nature of this project, unforeseen circumstances such as weather or additional slides may cause the project schedule to be extended. Escorts may also be canceled without notice in the event that the highway is not safe for passage.
For more information on roadwork please go to our website at www.dot.ca.gov/dist8. And always remember to slow for the cone zone. Lives depend on it!
San Bernardino County – Caltrans has begun staging work for the State Route 330 Slope Rehabilitation project, which is located about one mile uphill from Highland Avenue as you exit SR-30. The 90-day project will repair three storm-damaged lower slopes. Earthwork and a 53-day closure of the route will begin on Monday, August 7, 2006. The 53-day closure is included in the 90-day work period.
Beginning on Monday, August 7, escorts (with flaggers) will be available for the duration of the project, Monday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The beginning point for escorts will be located on the upper end of the project in Running Springs at City Creek Rd. and on the lower end just above Highland Avenue. Motorists are advised to get in line early since the contractor will not escort after 8:30 a.m. or 8:30 p.m.
The contractor plans to work Monday through Saturday. If the contractor does not work on a Sunday, there will be an 8-hour escort window provided. The availability of Sunday escorts will be announced on Fridays prior to the weekend in question. You may sign up for alerts for the Sunday escort schedule with Terri Kasinga at (909) 383-6799 or email her at terri_kasinga@dot.ca.gov.
Caltrans notifies travelers that you can take a short detour to mountain communities or resort destinations. The detours are as follows:
Ø Crestline, Lake Arrowhead, and Running Springs – take SR-30 to SR-18 (Waterman Avenue) and go north.
Ø Big Bear and Fawnskin – take I-10 to Redlands and exit at Orange Street. From eastbound I-10 exit, go to second signal and turn left on Orange St. Travel about one mile to Lugonia Ave. and turn right. Lugonia Ave. and Orange Street are SR-38. Continue on SR-38 uphill to Big Bear and Fawnskin.
Caltrans advises the public that due to the nature of this project, unforeseen circumstances such as weather or additional slides may cause the project schedule to be extended. Escorts may also be canceled without notice in the event that the highway is not safe for passage.
For more information on roadwork please go to our website at www.dot.ca.gov/dist8. And always remember to slow for the cone zone. Lives depend on it!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Resources Redistributed in Forest (7/25/06)
Forest officials say the forest has experienced several lightning strikes over the past three days, causing many small fires. Most of these were single-tree strikes and include Big Pine, Calvary, Cedar 2, Sierra, Chas, Shah, and Toro Peak, Ten Thousand, Solver, Meadow and Dam fires. The Heart Millard Fire continues to burn within the contingency lines in the inaccessible portion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, south and east of Big Bear.
It has burned 23,917 acres since its lightning start on July 7. Currently there are 240 personnel on the fire, and it is between 60 and 65% contained. The San Gorgonio Wilderness is closed indefinitely to the public. On Sunday, July 23, lightning ignited the Oak Fire northeast of Red Mountain, in the Anza/Sage area of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The Oak Fire has burned 190 acres and is 75% contained, with 146 personnel on the fire. Today, the incident management team that has been overseeing the Heart-Millard Complex is turning that fire back over to the forest for continual monitoring, in order to manage the Oak Fire. The current weather prediction calls for thunderstorms until the end of the week, which will result in further lightning strikes on the forest. Many have been spotted today.
Forest officials say the forest has experienced several lightning strikes over the past three days, causing many small fires. Most of these were single-tree strikes and include Big Pine, Calvary, Cedar 2, Sierra, Chas, Shah, and Toro Peak, Ten Thousand, Solver, Meadow and Dam fires. The Heart Millard Fire continues to burn within the contingency lines in the inaccessible portion of the San Gorgonio Wilderness, south and east of Big Bear.
It has burned 23,917 acres since its lightning start on July 7. Currently there are 240 personnel on the fire, and it is between 60 and 65% contained. The San Gorgonio Wilderness is closed indefinitely to the public. On Sunday, July 23, lightning ignited the Oak Fire northeast of Red Mountain, in the Anza/Sage area of the San Jacinto Mountains.
The Oak Fire has burned 190 acres and is 75% contained, with 146 personnel on the fire. Today, the incident management team that has been overseeing the Heart-Millard Complex is turning that fire back over to the forest for continual monitoring, in order to manage the Oak Fire. The current weather prediction calls for thunderstorms until the end of the week, which will result in further lightning strikes on the forest. Many have been spotted today.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
As of 7pm Tuesday, the Sawtooth Complex Fire is 100% contained with total burned acreage of 61,700.The Millard Complex is 57% contained at 24,210 acres. The Heart Zone of Millard is 10% contained at 800 acres. Evacuations have been lifted in communities south of Route 38, and all highways into Big Bear are open.
Supervisors Commend Fire Response Team (7/18/06) At their meeting this morning, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency proclamation requesting emergency declarations by the state and federal governments in connection with the Sawtooth Complex and Millard fires. The Board of Supervisors also heard reports from fire and emergency response officials, who said the most important challenge facing the disaster area and its residents is the threat of flash flooding. Forecasters are expecting thunderstorms to strike the burned hillsides, creating the potential for significant flooding and debris flows. They say this will be especially critical during the next 7 to 10 days. Supervisors commended firefighters, Sheriff's deputies, and all of the personnel who have responded to the fires, saying they did a “remarkable job” in creating and coordinating so many services so quickly. For its part, the County created a toll-free phone line to provide service information to fire victims and used the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to deliver recorded flood warning information to all land-line telephone numbers in the disaster area. They also placed electronic signboards flood warnings along highways 62 and 247, and pre-positioned emergency response resources in the Yucca Valley area for potential flood assistance.
Supervisors Commend Fire Response Team (7/18/06) At their meeting this morning, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors ratified a local emergency proclamation requesting emergency declarations by the state and federal governments in connection with the Sawtooth Complex and Millard fires. The Board of Supervisors also heard reports from fire and emergency response officials, who said the most important challenge facing the disaster area and its residents is the threat of flash flooding. Forecasters are expecting thunderstorms to strike the burned hillsides, creating the potential for significant flooding and debris flows. They say this will be especially critical during the next 7 to 10 days. Supervisors commended firefighters, Sheriff's deputies, and all of the personnel who have responded to the fires, saying they did a “remarkable job” in creating and coordinating so many services so quickly. For its part, the County created a toll-free phone line to provide service information to fire victims and used the Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to deliver recorded flood warning information to all land-line telephone numbers in the disaster area. They also placed electronic signboards flood warnings along highways 62 and 247, and pre-positioned emergency response resources in the Yucca Valley area for potential flood assistance.
Monday, July 17, 2006
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.
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.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
July 16 UDATE ON FIRES: The Millard Fire is about 15,500 acres with 10% containment, and Sawtooth at 62,000 acres with 60% containment. No evacuations have been called in the Big Bear Valley, and Route 38 remains open, however heavy equipment is being moved on Route 38 for firefighting efforts, so there will be delays. The weather will be better today, with lower temps/higher moisture.
ONYX EVACS:The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the Unified Incident Fire Command, has issued an evacuation order for the following area: Hwy. 38, south of Onyx Summit, including the Rainbow and Heartbar areas (this does not extend west of Heartbar). The order is voluntary for residents and MANDATORY for non-residents. This order does not apply to the Big Bear Valley area. All residents and visitors are advised to stay prepared in case conditions change and to monitor local information sources
COUNTY EOP: Potential Flood Danger Downstream of Burn Areas (7/15/06 7pm)The recent fires have increased the chance of flash floods, and mud and debris flows from thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has announced the possibility of thunderstorm activity in San Bernardino County starting within the next 24 hours. With these thunderstorms, areas downstream of the lands burned by the Sawtooth Complex and Millard Complex Fires may experience large amounts of storm flows carrying mud and fire debris, clogging streambeds, bridges and culverts. Flooding can occur far from the burned areas. With no vegetation left to hold water, streams will fill rapidly and increase the possibility of flooding in regions below the burned areas.
Residents in low-lying regions should take precautions to protect their properties through the use of sandbags or other measures. Information on the location and use of sandbags can be found on the County's web site at http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/flood/. Area residents should review their family emergency plans and make provisions for possible power outages and disruption to roads and services. Parents are advised to caution their children to avoid flooded areas and washes. Extreme caution should be used when crossing washes and arroyos, since these natural drainages can experience flash flooding. Motorists should never drive through running water.
County agencies are preparing to meet this potential flood emergency. During an emergency, County residents should tune to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio broadcast station for current emergency information.
93.3 FM KBHR Big Bear Valley95.1 FM KFRG Valley and High Desert98.9 FM KHWY High Desert102.3 FM KZXY Victor Valley
ONYX EVACS:The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the Unified Incident Fire Command, has issued an evacuation order for the following area: Hwy. 38, south of Onyx Summit, including the Rainbow and Heartbar areas (this does not extend west of Heartbar). The order is voluntary for residents and MANDATORY for non-residents. This order does not apply to the Big Bear Valley area. All residents and visitors are advised to stay prepared in case conditions change and to monitor local information sources
COUNTY EOP: Potential Flood Danger Downstream of Burn Areas (7/15/06 7pm)The recent fires have increased the chance of flash floods, and mud and debris flows from thunderstorms. The National Weather Service has announced the possibility of thunderstorm activity in San Bernardino County starting within the next 24 hours. With these thunderstorms, areas downstream of the lands burned by the Sawtooth Complex and Millard Complex Fires may experience large amounts of storm flows carrying mud and fire debris, clogging streambeds, bridges and culverts. Flooding can occur far from the burned areas. With no vegetation left to hold water, streams will fill rapidly and increase the possibility of flooding in regions below the burned areas.
Residents in low-lying regions should take precautions to protect their properties through the use of sandbags or other measures. Information on the location and use of sandbags can be found on the County's web site at http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/flood/. Area residents should review their family emergency plans and make provisions for possible power outages and disruption to roads and services. Parents are advised to caution their children to avoid flooded areas and washes. Extreme caution should be used when crossing washes and arroyos, since these natural drainages can experience flash flooding. Motorists should never drive through running water.
County agencies are preparing to meet this potential flood emergency. During an emergency, County residents should tune to their local Emergency Alert System (EAS) radio broadcast station for current emergency information.
93.3 FM KBHR Big Bear Valley95.1 FM KFRG Valley and High Desert98.9 FM KHWY High Desert102.3 FM KZXY Victor Valley
Saturday, July 15, 2006
July 15 EVENING UPDATE ON FIRES:
Incident Command puts the Millard Fire at 15,572 acres with 10% containment, and Sawtooth at 60,000 acres with 50% containment. IC will next update the media after their 9:00 a.m. meeting on Sunday….No evacuations have been called in the Big Bear Valley, and Route 38 remains open. There are no injuries so far. Structure protection continues in the Whitewater Canyon area. Overnight, they will cease air attacks and continue holding line with hand crews and dozers. They predict the weather will be better tomorrow, with lower temps/higher moisture. Sawtooth is moving slowly, only gained about 1,000 acres from Friday to Saturday.
Incident Command puts the Millard Fire at 15,572 acres with 10% containment, and Sawtooth at 60,000 acres with 50% containment. IC will next update the media after their 9:00 a.m. meeting on Sunday….No evacuations have been called in the Big Bear Valley, and Route 38 remains open. There are no injuries so far. Structure protection continues in the Whitewater Canyon area. Overnight, they will cease air attacks and continue holding line with hand crews and dozers. They predict the weather will be better tomorrow, with lower temps/higher moisture. Sawtooth is moving slowly, only gained about 1,000 acres from Friday to Saturday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)