Update from KBHR 93.3

Still No Immediate Threat to Big Bear at This Time -- Fires Update as of noon
Governor Schwarzenegger is in Lake Arrowhead today, where he will hold a press conference and tour the burn areas of the Slide and Grass Valley Fires, where, to date, 138 structures are reported as being lost to the blazes.

The Slide Fire continues to burn in the Green Valley Lake area, and has reportedly burned 4,000 acres as of this morning, per the U.S. Forest Service. KBHR's Rick Herrick, on scene in the Slide Fire area and in Running Springs, reports, “Most of Running Springs west of Highway 330 and the Knob Hill area west of Running Springs are in peril. At least a dozen homes have already burned. The fire has moved south of Highway 18 and possibly south of Highway 330. Winds are gusting heavily in Running Springs, probably 50 miles per hour.”

Subsequent reports from the California Highway Patrol also indicate that the Slide Fire is now burning south of Highway 18, just west of Running Springs in the Fredalba area.

There are currently at least 22 engines on scene in the Slide Fire area, as well as six water tenders and the DC-10, which is making phoscheck retardant drops in the Running Springs area.
U.S. Forest Service's Rocco Terraciano, at a helitack staging area in Big Bear City, tells KBHR that four Type I helicopters, capable of water drops of 2 to 3,000 gallons each, are already at work on fire suppression. Tomorrow, four more Type I helicopters are expected and, today, two more Type II helicopters, which can drop water and transport crews, and a Type III helicopter, which can do water drops and infrared flights and mapping, are expected in our area, to battle the Slide and Grass Valley Fires.

Reports from the Grass Valley Fire, in the Grass Valley and Lake Arrowhead area, are that at least 300 acres have burned, with a loss of at least 113 structures.
At this time, we are told that there is no fire in the vicinity of Highway 38, and no fire in the Forest Falls area.

Highway 38 and Highway 18, through Lucerne Valley, are both open to traffic, and no proof of residency is required to enter the Big Bear Valley. Highway 18, down the front way, as well as Highway 330, do remain closed and, as mentioned, the Slide Fire has now crossed this area of highway, just south of Running Springs.

And, this just in, the San Bernardino National Forest is closed, effective today.
Still, we want to assure you that there is no threat to the Big Bear Valley at this time. We will continue to update you throughout the day at 93.3 FM, and will be bringing you news from Governor Schwarzenegger's press conference in Lake Arrowhead.

For up to date information visit www.kbhr993.com