After evacuations expand, crews make "great progress" on containment of California's Bridge Fire
After burning more than 54,000 acres, the Bridge Fire in the San Gabriel Canyon reached 25% containment by Monday evening — a small but welcome sign of progress after mandatory evacuations were expanded four days earlier.
The wildfire erupted one week ago, spreading from Los Angeles to San Bernardino County, and destroying 49 structures, damaging 6 others, and resulting in at least two people being injured, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire). There are about 11,560 structures that remain threatened.
Firefighters strengthen containment lines
On Saturday, firefighters continued to establish and strengthen containment lines, including in the communities of Wrightwood, Pinon Hills, and beyond. Extensive resources have been assigned, including 2,625 personnel, as well as 13 helicopters, 203 engines, 21 dozers, 7 water tenders and 50 units, according to Cal Fire.
Firefighters say the northwest corner of the fire was most active Sunday. Along the northeast, the fire has reached drainages on the west side of the north fork of Lytle Creek. The fire is less active on the east side, though it is still presenting a risk to Mt. Baldy residents. Along the south side, Cal Fire said firefighters are still holding their containment line at Sunset Peak area.
Fire experiences "explosive" growth over 7-day period
The blaze was first reported around 3 p.m. on September 8th, near East Fork Road and Glendora Mountain Road in the San Gabriel Canyon area in Los Angeles County. It continued to chew through the Angeles National Forest, nearly growing tenfold within a few hours on Tuesday. In the afternoon, Cal Fire mapped the fire at about 4,000 acres. Within a few hours, they updated the size to 34,247 acres before growing to 48,000 acres late Wednesday morning.
As of Monday, the fire has grown to 54,774 acres and is 25% contained, according to Cal Fire. It is the largest active fire in the state of California and fire officials say there is still a threat, and things can quickly change despite the drop in temperatures.
Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place
In Los Angeles County, evacuation orders remain in place for the East Fork communities, including Camp Williams Resort (café, mobile home park, campground), and the nearby River Community.
In San Bernardino County, evacuation orders remain in place for Mt. Baldy Road, including all residents north of the San Antonio Dam up to the Mt. Baldy Resort; the community of Wrightwood; and the area from Highway 138 south to the northern border of San Antonio Heights, extending north to the Wrightwood evacuation zones and east to Cucamonga Peak.
The area of Lytle Creek -- from the shooting range west to the forest and Upper North Fork Road and Middle Fork Road -- is excluded from mandatory evacuations.
Evacuation warnings also remain in place for several areas in Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County. For a complete list, click here.
The following roads remain closed: SR-2 closed from Big Pines to SR-138; San Gabriel Canyon and East Fork of the San Gabriel River; Highway 39; East Fork Road; Glendora Ridge Road and Glendora Mountain Road; Mt. Baldy Road at Shinn Road intersection; SR-138 from Lone Pine Canyon Road to Beekley Road; Big Pines Highway; and Big Rock Creek Road.
Several evacuation shelters remain available to residents and pets
Evacuation shelters have been established at the Pomona Fairplex, San Bernardino County Fairgrounds (Building 6), Jessie Turner Community Center, and the Hacienda Heights Community Center.
Animal evacuation shelters have also been established. Small animals may be taken to the Lancaster Animal Care Center and Palmdale Animal Care Center, while large animals may be taken to the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds and Devore Animal Shelter, which is accepting both small and large animals.
Below is an interactive map outlining all of the evacuation orders and warnings.
