Wildland Fire Winds Whip Lake Arrowhead - Day 2

Evacuation Map for the morning of October 23, 2007 - Combined Grass Valley and Slide fires - Image Credit: rimoftheworld.net

Damage Assessed - Last Updated 10-30-2007

Per San Bernardino County: 352 Properties Destroyed, 59 Damaged;
The County of San Bernardino has released information on properties damaged or destroyed by the Slide and Grass Valley Fire.

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The County Assessor's Office has released damage reports.
Lake Arrowhead
Green Valley Lake
Running Springs, Enchanted Forest, Smiley Park, Crab Flats

Source: http://www.co.san-bernardino.ca.us/assessor/
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Wildland Fire Winds Whip Lake Arrowhead - Day 2

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Grass Valley And Slide Fire Daily Posting Links:

SEVEN SOUTHLAND COUNTIES UNDER WILDFIRE SIEGE – DAY 1
(updates for 10-22-2007)

WILDLAND FIRE WINDS WHIP LAKE ARROWHEAD - DAY 2
(updates for 10-23-2007)

WILDLAND FIRES RAGE IN RUNNING SPRINGS - DAY 3
(updates for 10-24-2007)

WILDLAND FIRES CONTINUE IN SAN BERNARDINO – DAY 4
(updates for 10-25-2007)

WILDLAND FIRES IN SAN BERNARDINO Turn A Corner – DAY 5
(updates for 10-26-2007)

WILDLAND FIRES IN RUNNING SPRINGS SMOLDER - DAY 6
(updates for 10-27-2007)

RUNNING SPRINGS SMOLDERS DAMAGE ASSESSED - DAY 7
(updates for 10-28-2007)

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Yesterday was chaotic all throughout Southern California as we had 17 fires blow up and spread with the help of persistent Santa Ana winds.

From Santa Barbara to the Mexican border, President Bush has declared the area a National Emergency status area. This will mobilize additional national assets to act as security and fight the fires.

DC-10 Super Tanker Jet dropping foscheck on the fires around Lake Arrowhead. Image Credit: CBS Channel-2, Los Angeles

The Grass Valley (Lake Arrowhead) and Slide (Green Valley Lake) fires in the San Bernardino Mountains were unusually damaging. Yesterday saw many homes/cabins destroyed and firefighters without the assets deployed in time to be able to limit the onslaught because of the fact the rest of Southern California was ablaze. The afternoon saw the arrival of the super tanker DC10 jet to drop 24,000 gallons of foscheck fire retardant at a pass (standard large fixed wing C-130 aircraft can carry only 3,000 gallons for each drop).

Combined - 138 Stuctures have been lost. 1900 homes remain threatened.

Photos From CBS>>

Additional Fire Reporting Link Resources At Kithbridge>>

Morning Update From Inciweb Fire Reporting website -

Grass Valley Wildland Fire - Summary

Image Credit: rimoftheworld.net

Fire northwest of Lake Arrowhead.

Mandatory areas: North Lake Arrowhead and Grass Valley are under mandatory evacuation (North of the Lake Arrowhead Dam on SR 173 and areas north of Hwy 189), All of Twin Peaks

Also Rim Forest, Crestline and Lake Gregory

Voluntary Evacuations include--Remainder of Lake Arrowhead, Cedar Glen, Cedar Pines Park and Valley of Enchantment

Evacuation Center at Jerry Lewis Community Center has been closed, Evacuation Center at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino

State Highway 18 is closed from 40th/Waterman to the Big Bear Dam

State Highway 330 is closed at Highland to Hwy 18

State Highway 138 is Closed at State Highway 173

Residents may leave via these highways but cannot go back up into the Mountains

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 10/22/2007 at 0508 hrs.
Location Deer Lodge Park
Incident Commander Randy Clauson

Current Situation
Total Personnel Not available
Size 300 acres
Fuels Involved - Grass and Timber
Fire Behavior - Severe

Outlook

113 Stuctures have been lost. 1500 homes remain threatened.

Mandatory Evaucations for all areas north of Hwy 189 (includes North Bay Dr., Grass Valley Rd.), and North of Lake Arrowhead Dam on Hwy 173, and all of Twin Peaks. Also Crestline, Lake Gregory and Rimforest.

Voluntary Evacuations -- remainder of Lake Arrowhead, Cedar Glen, Valley of Enchantment, Cedar Pines Park

Road Closures -- All highways west of Big Bear Dam: 138, 18 and 330. Hwy 18 to 40th St., 330 bottom (Highland) to top. Residents may leave via the highways but cannot go back into these areas. However, the Slide fire has crossed Hwy 18 in Running Springs.

Weather -- Current Wind Conditions, 20-30 mph NE


Slide Wildland Fire - Summary

Image Credit: rimoftheworld.net

Mandatory Evacuation for Green Valley Lake, Arrowbear, and Running Springs. Fire has crossed Hwy 18 in Running Springs. Evacuation Center is located at National Orange Show in San Bernardino.

Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin Not available
Location Green Valley Lake, Near Running Springs

Incident Commander Betty Ashe

Current Situation
Total Personnel Not available
Size 1,500 acres
Fuels Involved - Grass And Timber
Fire Behavior - Extreme. fire making runs at Running Springs and Green Valley Lake.

Outlook - Remarks

Mandatory Evacuations for Green Valley Lake, Arrowbear, Running Springs.

25 homes have been confirmed burned. 400 homes threatened.

Road Closures -- All highways west of Big Bear Dam: 138, 18 and 330. Hwy 18 to 40th St., 330 bottom (Highland) to top.

Resources on Scene -- 22 engines, 6 Water Tenders.

Weather -- Current Wind Conditions, 30 mph NE
Reference Here>>

This excerpted directly from So Cal Mountains Scanner/Chat website -

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 05:53:25
ok this is the post from rim per scanner that has happpend since i left off at midnite , here goes -- for the remainder of the nite no one goes into gvl, unitll day breek, -w ell re think this in the morning , and probley go in there with so ( saftely officer and sar ( serach and resue) noth side of hwy 18 , all the weast east where it goes , all the resouces will be assigned will be on full day shift assignmnet -- 0700 will be briefing on the wast end -- will do another briefing on this side afterwards-- we need to keep our eyes to the east of us there is fire is north of snowvalley--- keep the fire north of hwy 18 -- everyone is on the dock get some rest if you can -- weve gone down as far as the middle passin lane on hwy330 -there is no traffic and the smoke is getting pretty thick—

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:22:07
the site is loading very slowly so hang with us , well let you know whats up
per scanner about 4{30 am -- fire was reported on artic c cirlcle about 100 feet up the slope, fire is out now fire has jumped hwy 18 to the south at wilderness

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:25:36
xxxx go to old icidents this is where im getting info to reporst from last nite,
per scanner some people still hanging out in crestline -- they can see the entire east side of of lake geogry and its clear but winds are not calm but not heavy either if it comes that way they will leave the area but so far good
per scanner there is a horse on auguesta drive and cypresss drive , we got it , its with us ,

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:30:34
xxxx keep us posted please on how things are with you and him thanks so much per scanner ( helitanker 722 getting up in the air after sunrise -- north part of east flank ( side) down to crab flat-- west part is 3/4 mile east of deep creek , unable to get a look at gvl yet -- they have advised animal contol the horse is behind calvery chapel where it has already burned last nite , safe area-- animal control will pick up -- 2 blocks just east of live oak is where the fire jumped all is blocked by fire , -- briefing at live oak at 330 cars there will be turned arouned --do not use 330 fire is crossing live oak , hwy 18 at waterman , ( thats the latest

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:33:04
per scanner ) news reporter standing in front of the bus stop in hwy 18 in running springs he can see an red/orange glow in the distance behind him -- flare up on sandlewood drive--sandlewood flare up is jackpot fuels( meaning all sorts ) we have a wet line around the fire, were going to get someone on this fire so we dont get any more calls on it )

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:45:37
good morning any info on Twin Peaks or the motherless F***s that are looting?

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:50:47
oh xxxx i m just heart sick on hearing about those flakes , crowards as far as im concerned -- there was a report of looting with about 15 hispanic males in the back of a truck same boneheads i think for yesterdays report same kind of truck, they were getting ready to loot on golden rule and manatoba , , then suspicious people near , brentwood and grass valley units are watching and reporting and arresting

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 06:56:20
I still have friends that have not left yet and he is trying to stop them.He has also seen a white suburban with no plates and 4 mexicans.He chased them off last night

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 07:04:12
xxxx thats the one i heard about too, good for him tell him thank you for all of us but also be carefull , tooo

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 07:40:57
xxxx yes air craft at big bear air port and local air ports they are getting briefing now where to fly and what to drop as to dc 10 unknown as san diego needs it too, they are over 15,000 acres
per scanner another flare up off spyglass road, on an access road , its restarted (( expect flareups )) it does happen on extremem fires as the ground is stll hot and smoldering ))
per scanner we have 4 spots we need to get out on spy glass,

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 08:09:03
3100 block of ridgeway in running springs... has homes lost (per ch 5)

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 08:11:42
[I15 SAN BERNARDINO] -- THE NORTHBOUND & SOUTHBOUND CONNECTORS TO EASTBOUND I 210 /IN FONTANA/ -- (SAN BERNARDINO CO) ARE CLOSED - DUE TO A FIRE - A DETOUR IS AVAILABLE
Based on the above, it sounds like Cajon Pass is open, just not the 215 connectors.
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This just in - 8:30am - Running Springs is getting pounded as per NBC Channel 4. The winds are unstoppable so the fire just keep going (at least 30 homes lost).

Channel 7 ABC - Over 1,000 homes and businesses destroyed by the two fires that have now merged north of San Diego.

Green Valley Lake Area – 10-22-2007 – Image Credit: Superfire84

This excerpted from Rim-Of-The-World (.net) –

Fire Complex Has Burned 4,000 Acres; 5% Containment
Update 8:20 AM - rimoftheworld.net

Running Springs - Structure protection for the Running Springs, Twin Peaks, and Lake Arrowhead areas are the priority, according reports from the US Forest Service. The fire complex has reportedly consumed about 4,000 acres and is 5% contained. Nearly 100 homes burned in the Running Springs area, bringing the total homes lost between 200 and 250 between Green Valley Lake and Twin Peaks – a number that is expected to grow as crews regain access to the Green Valley Lake area. There are reports of additional homes being lost in the Deep Creek and Palo Alto areas of Running Springs. Some air resources have been deployed to fight the fire this morning.

As water pressure dropped and the fire approachd Grass Valley late Monday, firefighters struggled to keep up with the flames as the water system failed multiple times. One resident remained along Sonoma Drive and managed to save his home and a few neighboring homes by extinguishing spot fires with a shovel. However, many homes along Sonoma Drive burned, especially along the northern end near Del Norte, according to an email. Firefighters are making their way back into the community and assessing the damage and their options, according to secondhand reports. Overnight there were reports of multiple structure fires on Wilderness Drive and in the 31-thousand block of Circle View Drive in Running Springs.

The fire has jumped to the south and west of Highway 330 just below Live Oak Drive in Running Springs, according to the CHP. Meanwhile spot fires and flare ups may have endangered more homes in the Grass Valley area as crews struggle to rescue horses. Law enforcement officials are still receiving reports of a suspicious white pickup truck with 10 to 15 Hispanic males in the truck bed. There have been several reports of open doors in the area. Deputies have stopped looters in the 30-thousand block of Elfin Court in Running Springs.

Overnight Firefighters have been making mixed progress with the fires. Numerous spot fires have been reported in the Grass Valley area. Firefighter have heroically contained many of these spots. There are reportedly stuctures involved along Walnut Hills. Also, the fire has reportedly jumped Grandview Road near Augusta Drive. There is little news out of Running Springs where the fire reportedly made its way into a handful of neighborhoods with reports of homes lost in the Rowco area.

Earlier, multiple homes were reported to be on fire in the Rowco area of Running Springs near Wilderness Drive and Valley Ridge Drive. In Lake Arrowhead, a structure protection task force had been assembled and responded to a flare up that was reportedly threatening homes in the area. Two residents had called 9-1-1 reporting fire at their house at Cypress Drive and Augusta Drive and in the 400-block of Violet Drive in Twin Peaks.

The Slide and Grass Complex Fire has shown no sign of relenting over night. Officials all but gave up on Green Valley Lake Monday evening, and evacuated all emergency officials. Also, the fire is approaching the Upper Rowco area of Running Springs with property damage reported along Wilderness Drive.

Mandatory evacuations are now in effect for eastern Crestline, Twin Peaks, North Lake Arrowhead, Crest Park, Skyforest, Rimforest, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake, and Green Valley Lake. Voluntary evacuations are in effect for Cedar Glen, South Lake Arrowhead, western Crestline, Valley of Enchantment and Cedarpines Park.

Green Valley Lake Area – 10-22-2007 – Image Credit: Superfire84

Excerpted directly from So Cal Mountains Scanner/Chat website -

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 09:27:44
per scanner ( on live oak a water tender is doing the best he can but hes having trouble , help needed -- structure fire at hilltop in running springs , fire has jumped the 330 and heading towards old city creek , active fire in fredalba and live oak

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 09:29:13
report of fire in forest falls

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 09:31:28
Per scanner, new fire (small) in Forest Falls near Mill Creek jump off. Going to do air recon & check smoke

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 09:56:44
can someone kill those looter parasites....what sick person would do this right now.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 09:59:59
another thing all you experienced voting fire fighters out there should thank barbera boxer and the sierria club for the preventing the removal of dead trees and other vegitation , that really screws things up for real fire fighters

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 10:05:25
A little good news from ROTW Google Group: "Good News for Fairway and Grandview in Lake Arrowhead/Twin Peaks" - My son-in-law drove through up Hwy 189 through Grandview and then down Fairway with a Fire Captain around 9AM and verified that although there is very strong smell of smoke, there were no houses lost or of immediate threat. Most of the trees in the hillside north of Fairway are burned. There was no house burned on El Dorado as earlier reported. A fire truck is stationed on El Dorado near Fairway, and several fire trucks from other areas are at Grandview Elementary. They are doing a great job putting out any spot fires. They tried to reach Running Springs but were unable due to high winds blowing the fire south/south west to hwy 18.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 10:06:14
Is the 38 only open to residents? I saw that earlier and called KBHR and also checked the CALTRANS website and they don't know anything about it. Also checked with BB Sheriff Station and was told no restrictions!!!

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 10:12:32
From Scanner, if you have friends or family in this area: folks in this area {possibly Willow in Running Springs} said they never got an evacuation notice; along with SAR units we're going to go through and make PA announcements to make sure they all get out

Green Valley Lake Area – 10-22-2007 – Image Credit: Superfire84

This excerpted from Rim-Of-The-World (.net) –

CHP Officer: "Most of Fredalba Up In Flames"
Update 10:53 AM - rimoftheworld.net

Running Springs - According to a CHP officer, "most of Fredalba is up in flames." Spot fires have been reported near Nob Hill. Tanker 910, the retardant-dropping DC-10 jet, has made its first drop over Running Springs for the day.

According to news reports most of Green Valley Lake is still standing, but many homed have burned. The fire is actively burning in and around the Running Springs area. Fire has been reported along Secret Drive and Encina Way. Homes have reportedly burned on Wagon Wheel Drive and at 31757 Hilltop Boulevard. 4 or 5 homes have burned on Easy Street. Highway 330 has flames burning on both sides of the roadway to the north and east of Live Oak Drive.

Structure protection for the Running Springs, Twin Peaks, and Lake Arrowhead areas are the priority, according reports from the US Forest Service. The fire complex has reportedly consumed about 4,000 acres and is 5% contained. Nearly 100 homes burned in the Running Springs area, bringing the total homes lost between 200 and 250 between Green Valley Lake and Twin Peaks – a number that is expected to grow as crews regain access to the Green Valley Lake area. There are reports of additional homes being lost in the Deep Creek and Palo Alto areas of Running Springs. Some air resources have been deployed to fight the fire this morning.

Excerpted directly from So Cal Mountains Scanner/Chat website -

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 11:05:41
Channel 9 showed live drop by DC10 near RS. Shortly after 4sumfun posted it was going to S.D. fire. East margin of smoke plume seems kinda close to BBL when looking from air.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 11:13:40
Interviewing Dennis Hansberger on Ch 9. Meeting with Gov Arnold in 1/2 hr then coming back up to area. -- ROTW: Fredalba mostly up in flames

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 11:14:43
Channel 7 (abc) is reporting a helicopter bringing in National Guard to watch for looters.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 11:18:09
Kuffel Canyon goes down to 189 at the village. I'm off of 18 & Kuffel behind Rockys Deli off Scyamore and Altamont Court. I have a boat in the driveway with a full 40 gallon tank of gas. Does anyone know who I can warn about the boat gas tank incase the fire gets close to us?

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 11:29:25
per scanner ( staging at station 51 all rescources, ( governor is coming in to see whats happen i guess

Update 12:18 PM - Rim-Of-The-World (.net) –

Running Springs - The fire activity in the Running Springs area is continuing to challenge firefighters. The DC-10 Air Tanker has made two runs, dropping retardant ahead of the fire in order to slow its progress. Spot fires have been reported throughout the area. Areas to the south and west of Downtown Running Springs are the most threatened at this time, with active fire in many communities. To the west, patrols are being sent to the Cedar Glen area to scout how far west the fire is progressing.

DC10 Tanker heading out toward the Slide Fire in the San Bernardino National Forest - Image Credit: Roger Vieau via Moose Drool – Socalmountains.com

Excerpted from Socalmountains Scanner/Chat Forum -

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:26:57
they are laying "foscheck" between the GVL area and big bear to protect "big bear" when the wind shifts

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:41:40
K guys, in BBL and it looks to be down closer to the 18 on the arctic circle...anyone have any update on that or if it is just smoke rolling down the slope? The DC 10 was on this side what looked like between the Buttler II footprint and GVL. Been out to see a better view and was offline. THNX

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:43:21
For hwy 38 and other road iinfo, here is the Caltrans # for current highway conditions -- 1-800-427-ROAD
I called and there was no mention of residents on on hwy 38

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:50:49
ROTW:Fires Consume a Total of 4,000 acres in Mountains
Update 1:45 PM -- Running Springs - Combined fires now over 4,000 acres. According to witnesses, firefighters in Running Spring are making a stand at Hunsacker Drive to prevent the fire from spreading further eastward. The fire has reportedly spread down Highway 330 to within one-and-a-half miles of the City Creek Ranger Station. It is also burning up hull and up wind slowly toward Fredalba Trail and Smiley Park.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:54:14
per scanner homes are burning , on circle view and vally ridge drive per ic -- grass valley per wildlandfire.com
grass valley 5,000 acres
200 homes destroyed
1500 homes threatened
500 ffs working this fire,

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:56:48
per scanner ( aa said that the fire from green valley lake, is running strong making a big push to arrowhead and he believes it will make it there today, the fire is about 1 -1/2 miles to 1-3/4 miles from lake arrowhead it will bump into the old fire burn, but there is still some good fuel there

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:57:04
per scanner 01:56 PM Source: scanner From: CHP CAD
1:49PM PLS ADV FIRE, UNIT IS IFO 3101 OLD CITY CREEK RD//STRUCTURE JUST STARTING ON FIRE

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:57:24
xxxx, all I know is from what I got from here and so far the town is in tact and around 76 station, but I think someone said behind Post Office area got hit?

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:58:17
per scanner please advise , fire unit structure is just starting, old city creek road

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 13:58:31
hi all I am a long way from home and I am looking for any info on Twin Peaks I am also getting little info on looters--is it really bad

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 14:00:00
It was said earlier that the sheriffs dept is patrolling and controlling the potential looter problem

This from KBHR 93.3FM news website -

Slide and Grass Valley Fires Update, as of 3pm

Despite the large plumes of smoke visible to the west of Big Bear Valley, we are assured that there is no threat to the Big Bear area at this time. Of the Grass Valley and Slide Fires, Steve Loe with the U.S. Forest Service had said this morning, “It's the driest it's ever been. It's a battle.”

The Slide Fire continues to burn in areas around Green Valley Lake and Running Springs, and mandatory evacuations remain in place for residents of these communities, as well as Arrowbear. Due to heavy and erratic winds, reportedly up to 50 miles per hour, the Slide Fire continues to grow, and total burned acreage has been updated to 4,000 acres as of this afternoon. This morning, official reports had indicated that 25 homes had burned, but that count has been revised as 100 homes in the Running Springs area were lost to the blaze last night.

That said, the count for loss of homes in the Slide Fire area has grown to at least 125 though KBHR's Rick Herrick, on scene in Running Springs, saw at least a dozen homes burning in recent hours. He also reports that the Slide Fire did jump Highway 18 just west of Running Springs in the Fredalba area and is now burning on the south side of the mountain. The Slide Fire is also burning along the ridgeline just north of Highway 18, in the turns area between Arrowbear and Snow Valley.

Due to winds and intensity on the Slide Fire, a voluntary evacuation has just been issued for residents of Highland. An evacuation center has already been established at the National Orange Show Fairgrounds, located at 689 S. E Street in San Bernardino. Dogs and cats are welcome at this location. For larger animals and livestock, an evacuation area is located at the Victorville Fairgrounds, at 14800 7th Street in Victorville.

The Grass Valley Fire, which burns in the vicinity of Lake Arrowhead and Grass Valley, has now burned 1000 acres, though a revised home loss update has not been issued since 25 structures were reported burned earlier today.

The U.S. Forest Service tells KBHR that there is no fire in Forest Falls and no fire in the Highway 38 area.

At this time, Highway 18 down the front way and Highway 330 remain closed to all traffic. Big Bear can be accessed from Highway 18, out of Lucerne Valley, and Highway 38, and no proof of residency is required to come up the mountain.

As of today, the San Bernardino National Forest is closed.

The U.S. Postal Service reports that mail delivery has not been possible for 65 post offices throughout Southern California, including the areas of Blue Jay, Cedar Glen, Crestline, Fawnskin, Green Valley Lake, Lake Arrowhead, Rimforest, Running Springs, Skyforest and Twin Peaks. The Postal Service says that conditions will be reevaluated daily, and that alternative pickup sites may be available in coming days.

Again, we just want to reiterate that though Highway 18, up the front way, and Highway 330 do remain closed because of the Slide and Grass Valley Fires, the U.S. Forest Service tells us that there is no imminent threat to the Big Bear Valley at this time.

Image Credit: rimoftheworld.net


Image Credit: rimoftheworld.net

This excerpted directly from So Cal Mountains Scanner/Chat website -

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:05:45
Going towards Arrowbear "going to do what we can do" ...but the guy says it in a weary voice

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:05:48
hey gang you all are doing a geat job reporting ,,
per scanner fire is running towards arrowbear

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:05:56
Per scanner: North side of arrowbear running toward nordic track "gunna see what we can do".

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:06:31
propane tanks blowing up

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:09:09
this fire sounds like its going to have 2 fronts one headed to arrowbear the other one to highland my opionion only

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:10:31
how can it have 2 fronts??

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:11:12
per scanner 03:09 PM Source: scanner -- the fire is getting close here to (name) home; it's up here at the top of the ridge and we have nothing to hit it with; What about Live Oak area? There were spots on the west side of Live Oak; not sure, I haven't heard any of that activity; Sounds like Fredalba/Smiley Park area got hit hard; same with areas of Nob Hill and Willow and Poplar; it was flanking us then we have fire coming back at us; What about around my house of Sunspree Oceanview area? There was some down on Old City Creek below you, but it actually looks pretty good; What about Hunsacker and Deep Creek areas, north of the town of Running Springs? They did a good job knocking the heat out. We ran out of foam; not sure we have anybody that can apply the gel. Looks like it lit up over there {behind? by?} Arrowbear, it's going to make a run towards the Nordic Tract.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:11:31
2 actively burning edges

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:14:35
xxxx, yes if the winds are just the right way, it can have flanks like this one does that means sides, ill send you a pm

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:16:57
xxxx - I live in Reche Canyon - between Colton and Mo Val. -- I like keeping an eye on these things - we got evac'd last year and had no info. This year is diff. -- Thanks for letting me know what 2 fronts are

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:19:48
per scanner air attack is using snow valley for dipping out of , for structure protection in arrow bear

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:24:27
Ferndale & N Yew in Enchanted Forest Area fire burning on that slope (missed more of this)

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:27:18
denny on Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 18:26:48 -- Ferndale & N Yew in Enchanted Forest Area fire burning on that slope (missed more of this) & oregonbabe on Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 18:27:37 -- Per scanner: well established fire at Ferndale and enchanted forest. - all part of same transmission (does that help? - I'm clueless as to most of these areas)

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:39:18
MEDIA ALERT -- CHABAD RUNNING SPRINGS CAMPUS OPEN TO AID FIREFIGHTERS

LOS ANGELES, CA, October 23 -- Chabad of California has opened its 70-acre campus in Running Springs to all firefighters and relief personnel working to combat area wildfires. Food and shelter are available free of charge to all authorized firefighters and relief workers. Located at the former CEDU School campus, the grounds will be open around the clock.

Address:3500 Seymour Road -- Running Springs, CA 92382

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:39:44
xxxx, mandatory evac for crestline to the big bear dam. Fires in Arrowhead. Nothing yet in Crestline AFAIK

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:45:59
xxxx, I'm in Crestline still. Right now the fire is behind the ridge above Dart Canyon. Choppers have been pulling from Lake Gregory and pounding the ridge since noon. No flames have been seen. There is a mandatory evacuation order for anyone east of LG. Also, bombers have been flying over at the rate of one every two minutes, including the DC10.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:52:56
All homes North of Highland Ave. in Highland have been given a voluntary evacuation. Information was from the San Bernardino sheriff's department.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 15:59:46
Just talked with an Edison guy. He says the ridge behind Dart Canyon is looking good as choppers continue to drop water on that side of the fire.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:03:21
just read on the google green valley lake board "- Green Valley Lake Market, Post Office, Lake Inn are fine at this time" so really, I have no clue. Sorry if the previous information was incorrect...

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:05:20
Ch 2: Korean church conference building in RS burned down.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:05:50
BREAKING NEWS AT 4:03 P.M.:

The CHP says there is a mandatory evacuation for everyone in Lake Arrowhead. Residents must use Highway 18 to evacuate. They can not use Highway 330, it is not accessible to civilians.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:37:30
per scanner ( regarding green valley lake status

winds are voient at this time
fire burning up to homes in canyons, so far fff have kept the fire away from the homes, ,
green v market k , post office and lke inn are fine at this time
many homes lost around fox lumber
going south all the way to the entrance of of thre valley
many homes lost around the ski area, entire hill on fire at this time
many homes lost on the outer egdge of loma alta

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:42:31
fire has burned all the around the back of the ski hill , toward camp cedar , , crst dire streghtes from geen valley lake road from crab flats * both sides of roads) to the back gate of caverly chapel, on the same side as the fire -- ffs are trying to stop the fire from reaching into cam[ cedar pines and there are concerns if it does go therre it will go straignt into arrowbear, fire is burning in the entire deep creek drainage and its is assumed all of crab flates has burned

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:45:23
Grass Valley Fire San Bernardino National Forest San Bernardino County This fire has burned 1,000 acres northwest of Lake Arrowhead. 113 structures have been lost, and more than 1500 homes remain threatened. There are mandatory evaucations for all areas north of Hwy 189 (includes North Bay Dr. and Grass Valley Rd.), North of Lake Arrowhead Dam on Hwy 173, and all of Twin Peaks. Also Crestline, Lake Gregory and Rimforest. Voluntary evacuations remain in effect for th remainder of Lake Arrowhead, Cedar Glen, Valley of Enchantment, and Cedar Pines Park. State Highway 18 is closed from 40th/Waterman to the Big Bear Dam, State Highway 330 is closed at Highland to Hwy 18, State Highway 138 is closed at State Highway 173. Residents may leave via these highways, but will not be allowed back into these areas. Grass Valley Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:50:03
rotw: Slide Fire San Bernardino National Forest Green Valley Lake near Running Springs San Bernardino County This fire has burned 8,500 acres at Green Valley Lake near Running Springs in San Bernardino County. More than 100 homes have burned and 400 continue to be threatened. Mandatory evacuations are in place for Green Valley Lake, Arrow Bear, and Running Springs. All roads into the mountain communities are closed. 17 engines and five water tenders are currently assigned to this fire. Slide Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Tuesday 23 October 2007 - 16:50:37
The constant media coverage seems to get arsons all excited and they, like pedophiles, don't seem to be able to control themselves. I want to know what's going on, but wonder if all the tv coverage is too fueling for these people. Internet porn doesn't do it for them, fire does. Maybe someone should open a theme park for pyros and save us all alot of grief. I'm not trying to be comical here. Arson is serious psychosexual behavior that is not addressed in the public forum. It may be time to start writing our politicians and requesting a review of our policies on arson laws.

From Rimoftheworld.net -

Winds Subsiding; Inferno Claims Smiley Park Homes
Update 8:15 PM

Running Springs - Scanner reports put the head of the fire in Fredalba Canyon just north on Forestry Road 1N09. Winds across the mountains have significantly died down at this time. The fire is also moving up Keller Peak, according to RIMOFTHEWORLD.net's Dave Henderson. The fire behavior remains extreme, according to the US Forest Service Inciweb. More homes have been lost this evening. According to reports, many homes in the eastern half of Smiley Park were destroyed, including homes on Pine Cone Curve, Panorama Road and Winding Way.

The Slide and Grass Fires have burned about 10,000 acres of brush and timber, according to CAL Fire. According to a utility employee in the Running Springs area, the fire has damaged homes on the following roads: Deep Creek Drive, Secret Drive, Encina Way, Chicago Drive, Old City Creek Road (from near Highway 330 and up), Knoll View Drive (1 or 2 homes lost), Nob Hill Court (1 home lost), Frebalba Road (homes lost on both sides by the Catholic Church), Circle View Drive, Valley View Drive, Camp Helendade (some structures), and Easy Drive. Many others areas were threatened according to the employee. "The fire is jumping around due to the winds. It looks like a war zone here."

According to John Miller from the US Forest Service, there is now a mandatory evacuation for all communities between Crestline and Snow Valley. Cedarpines Park and Valley of Enchantment are still under a voluntary evacuation. Miller stated that the fire is now hitting Nob Hill. He was not sure if Pali Mountain Camp was damaged.

There is active structure protection in Rimwood Ranch. Structures were reported burning at the top of Live Oak Drive and Poplar.

Possible Arson Suspect Arrested Near VOE
Update 9:25 PM

Valley of Enchantment - Firefighters and law enforcement are investigating reports of a possible arsonist between Camp Seely in Valley of Enchantment along Highway 138. According to reports, a witness saw and individual trying to start a fire, then flee. It appears that the individual was unsuccessful in the attempt. Deputies made an arrest at Highway 173 and Los Flores Ranch near Silverwood Lake at 9:19 PM.

- END OF DAY -

It has been a long and trying day, the evacuations around Lake Arrowhead have become mandatory, the Slide Fire is beginning to creep into Arrowbear, and all of the maps don't show the expansion of the fire fronts (Grass Valley Fire and Slide Fire) that one can see when the TV copter does a pan shot. Good work by CBS, NBC, and ABC in the mountains, especially on the ground to highlight the front around Running Springs.

Fredalba (Smiley Park), Enchanted Forest, and areas on the South slope of Running Springs had heavy damage. Blue Jay, Twin Peaks, Lake Gregory, and Crestline are under threat through this evening. The DC-10 fire retardant dropping Jet laid down some stripes so maybe we will wake up with a fighting chance tomorrow. The weather expects to be better for a fight and some containment.

WILDLAND FIRES RAGE IN RUNNING SPRINGS - DAY 3
(updates for 10-24-2007)

Photos Taken Throughout Last Night & Today>>