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SAN GABRIEL CANYON (CNS) – The Bridge Fire in the Sheep Mountain Wilderness of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument was 25% contained Tuesday while two evacuation orders were downgraded to warnings and an evacuation warning was lifted, according to a statement from the Angeles National Forest.
The fire began Monday 9% contained and increased to 11% containment later Monday morning. The fire grew from 54,690 acres to 54,774, the statement said.
“Despite the increase in winds today, great progress was made by firefighters and utility companies restoring power and water for a safe return for residents under evacuation orders in the Piñon Hills area,” the statement issued Monday evening said.
While firefighters continue to hold and improve existing containment lines in the most active areas of fire, they were to begin the process of suppression repair in areas where there is full containment, the statement said.
The northwest flank was the highest priority for Monday night’s operations to stop the fire from spreading to Big Pines and Piñon Hills. Firefighters also continued mop-up and patrol to extinguish any remaining hot spots throughout Wrightwood so that residents can return as soon as possible, the statement said.
In the northeast flank of the fire, firefighters are working to prevent the fire from reaching the community of Lytle Creek by constructing dozer lines and engaging in direct attack wherever possible, the statement said.
The east side of the fire is holding well as firefighters continue to gain containment. However until it is safe for residents to return, and the threat of downed power lines and other hazards still exists, an evacuation order remains in effect, the statement said.
The south flank is also holding well. Heavy equipment along with hand crews will continue constructing secondary containment lines in the area to prevent threats to the foothill communities below it.
On the west flank, firefighters are holding the fire at Rattlesnake Peak and plan to continue constructing hand lines where possible in the extremely steep and inaccessible terrain to Ross Peak and Pigeon Ridge Monday night,
The fire has destroyed 66 structures and damaged 13 others, authorities said.
In Los Angeles County, an evacuation order remained in effect for the East Fork communities, including Camp Williams Resort and the nearby River Community.
In San Bernardino County, evacuation orders remained in effect for Wrightwood and all residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mount Baldy Ski Resort along Mount Baldy Road.
The evacuation order from the forest area Telegraph Peak east to the Cucamonga Canyon and forestry area above Shinn Road and north to Lone Pine Canyon Road was downgraded Monday to an evacuation warning as was the evacuation order in the portion of Piñon Hills from Desert Front Road north to Highway 138 and State Highway 2 west to Los Angeles County.
An evacuation warning was also in effect Tuesday from Highway 138 south to Lone Pine Canyon and Highway 2 east to Lone Pine Canyon Road.
The evacuation warning in Phelan from Phelan Road south to Lytle Creek and Tumbleweed Road west to Beekley Road was lifted Monday.
Warmer weather was forecast for Tuesday. Generally favorable winds, temperatures, and humidity will continue through Thursday, however hot and dry conditions are expected to resume again Friday.
The blaze began at 2:12 p.m. on Sept. 8 near East Fork and Glendora Mountain roads, according to forest officials. The fire initially remained relatively small, but exploded in size at the tail end of an extended heat wave on Tuesday, destroying dozens of structures as it marched into San Bernardino County.
It is the largest active fire in the state.
Evacuation centers were open at the following locations:
— Pomona Fairplex: 601 W McKinley Ave., Pomona (Enter Gate 3, corner of McKinley and White);
— San Bernardino County Fairgrounds: 14800 Seventh St., Victorville;
— Jessie Turner Center, 15556 Summit Ave., in Fontana;
— Fountain of Living Waters Church, 10120 Johnson Road, Phelan.
Animal evacuation centers are at:
— Palmdale Animal Care Center (small animals): 38550 Sierra Highway, Palmdale;
— Lancaster Animal Care Center (small animals): 5210 W. Ave. I, Lancaster;
— Antelope Valley Fairgrounds (large animals): 2551 W. Ave. H, Lancaster (call 562-706-8581 prior to arrival);
— Devore Animal Shelter (pets/livestock): 19777 Shelter Way, San Bernardino (call 909-386-9820, or after hours 800-472-5609).
Road closures were in effect at the following locations:
— SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road;
— SR-2 closed from Big Pines to SR-138;
— Big Pines Highway;
— Big Rock Creek Road;
— San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River;
— Highway 39;
— East Fork Road;
— Glendora Ridge Road;
— Glendora Mountain Road; and
— Mount Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection.
Some 2,707 personnel were involved in the firefight.
Three injuries were reported in the fire.
The fire was being battled in a unified command consisting of Cal Fire San Bernardino, the Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino County Fire Department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The Bridge Fire was one of three large wildfires burning in Southern California, including the Line Fire in San Bernardino County and the Airport Fire in Riverside and Orange counties.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District extended an air quality advisory until at least 11 p.m. Tuesday for most of the region due to smoke from all three major wildfires.
The cause of the fire has not been determined.
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