Eleven days after the Holcomb Fire broke out north of Baldwin Lake, the fire has reached full containment. Forest Service Managers are now working to open impacted roads back to public use.
At its peak, approximately 1,100 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CAL FIRE, Big Bear Fire and other local agencies were working to stop the fire’s growth. No growth is expected on the 1,503 acre fire, however smoke from interior smoldering may linger in the high desert.
6/19/2017 At approximately 3:05 pm, the "Holcomb Fire" fire started in the Holcomb Valley, which is northeast of Big Bear, CA. It is moving through Holcomb Valley to the North/Northwest towards the desert. The threat to Big Bear is moderate.
Firefighters continued to battle warm temperatures and difficult terrain while fighting the Holcomb Fire north of Baldwin Lake. The highest priority is to protect the safety of fire personnel and to protect human life followed by the protection of private property and structures.
A slight cooling trend is expected with a high of 88 degrees.
The Big Bear City Transfer Station is now open for the general public, and Big Bear Disposal and CSD vehicles.
There are currently no evacuation orders.
As of 6:00 a.m. 6/23/17 Highway 18 has reopened. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed and be alert of fire personnel and heavy equiptment on the road as firefighters continure to work in the area.
Road closures at the current time:
Holcomb Valley Road East closed at Hwy 18
3N16 at 3N09
3N69 at Hwy 18
3N02 is closed from Holcomb Valley Road north.
3N61 Jacoby Canyon Trail
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed west of Highway 18, to Van Dusen Road, in the fire area.
Campgrounds closed:
Doble Trail Campground
Tanglewood Group Campground
The 1,236 incident cooperators are the Bureau of Land Management, CA Dept of Corrections, CA Dept of Transportation, CA Hwy Patrol, San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept, and the fire fighters from Big Bear Fire Authority, Cal Fire, and the San Bernardino Country Fire Department, along with 104 engines, 10 water tenders, 25 hand crews, 1 air tanker, 2 Air Attack, 7 helicopters, and 6 dozers. Additional resources are continuing to arrive.
For up-to-date information:
Follow us on twitter: @BigBearDept
FaceBook: Big Bear Fire Department
Inciweb Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ and click on the "Holcomb Fire"
For Current Air Quality reports check the EPA: AIRNOW.gov
Additional Phone lines (temporary) have been added to the Fire Information Center. In addition to 909-383-5688, Callers can also call 909-383-5713, and 909-383-5714. Phone Numbers may change based on staffing availability.
If you have a home in Big Bear, please sign up for the Reverse 911 call out:
http://www.sbcounty.gov/SBCFire/TENS/TENSContact.aspx
Given the critically dry and receptive vegetation, residents and visitors should continue to be aware of fire conditions and be prepared if a new fire threatens the community.
Per Inciweb website: Drones: Drones pose a serious risk to firefighting and can cause air operations to cease. When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. A FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face charges as well. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!”.
More Images..
