Showing posts with label Winds. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Winds. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Running Springs Smolders | Damage Assessed

Comparison Fire Map -- Comparing the 2003 Old Fire burn with the 2007 Butler Peak, Green Valley, and Slide fires in the San Bernardino National Forest. Old Fire (Grey area), Butler 2 (Yellow) and Slide/Grass/Devore fires. (Orange). Unknown what orange area is near San Bernardino. Image Credit: USDA Forest Service

Running Springs Smolders Damage Assessed
(Last Updated November 1, 2007)

THE SLIDE FIRE IS NOW 100% CONTAINED WITH 12,759 ACRES BURNED.THE GRASS VALLEY FIRE IS 100% CONTAINED WITH 1,247 ACRES BURNED.

The San Bernardino County Assessor Reports 451 Structures Lost Due to Slide and Grass Valley Fires, 67 Damaged

At MAXINE, We Offer Our Prayers And Good Wished To All Those Who Have Had Loss And For All Those Who Worked To Save And Inform Throughout This Fire Emergency Incident In The San Bernardino National Forest.

This from KBHR 93.3FM (11-1-07) -

San Bernardino National Forest to Remain Closed Until We Get Rain or Snow The San Bernardino National Forest does remain closed, not just as a result of the Slide and Grass Valley Fires, but also in anticipation of more Santa Ana winds this weekend.

John Miller of the U.S. Forest Service tells KBHR, “Closing the forest is a preventative measure because it's a fact that most fires are human caused, and by that I don't necessarily mean arson.” The U.S. Forest Service has already pre-positioned crews throughout Southern California's forested areas, as an added preventative measure, should Santa Ana winds kick up this weekend.

Though the Big Bear area's Serrano Campground, Alpine Pedal Path and Juniper Point are open, Miller notes, “We are not going to reopen the forest until we get a significant amount of rain or snow.”

UPDATE October 30, 2007 -

Per San Bernardino County: 352 Properties Destroyed, 59 Damaged;
Grass Valley Visit for Evacuees Tuesday 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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This daily posting series on the wildland fires in the San Bernardino National Forest should be the last unless circumstances change on the ground for the worse.

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Today (Day 7) finds that great improvement has taken place on both fires with the Grass Valley Fire containment set at 95%, and the target containment date is expected today – the Slide Fire has a 'growth potential' noted as reduced to Medium and there was precipitation on several areas of the fire. Current Situation: Total Personnel 2,129 Size 12,789 acres Percent Contained 65%.

The best news is that the first damage assessments have been released on the some of the 300+ structures and located at a link provided by the county of San Bernardino.

Slide Fire Perimeter Oct 27 – Image Credit: US Forest Service

This excerpt was posted at FIREupdate.com –

Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 3:08 AM - INLAND EMPIRE


The first official list of burned homes from the San Bernardino County Assessors Office is here.

The fact that it took this long to get this list out is pathetic. I would hope that all of you express your feelings about the battened disregard for evacuees rights to know what the government knows of this subject to be expressed. This is the second time that the decided on their own to keep secrets from the general public. There needs to be a better system. There needs to be a better way. Last time, everyone got pissed off and then they forgot about it. Don't let it happen again. Why should they not tell the public for days on end when they know such things.

I understand not letting information public when it could be in accurate. But keeping it from people when it's incomplete is not right.

I don't even live anywhere close to a burn area but I stay up night and day trying to get the information out there. The fact that elected officials work against me and all others who are trying to get the information out is horrible.
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If I offended anyone by publishing burn reports before the official report came out then please let me know. I talked to many people who lost their homes in the last week. It's not easy. But I believe that the information I provided was beneficial. I know that officials of the county and state know exactly who I am and I know that they don't like the way I do things. Ranger Al was told a couple years ago that he would be the first one escorted off the mountain if this would ever happen again.

We may have had a muzzle put over our mouth this time but I hope that enough other people took the reigns this time.

In 2003 this website was established to inform evacuees what was going on in their community when officials wouldn't tell them. In 2007, we proved that nothing has changed.
Reference Here>>

We, at MAXINE, will post links to additional damage assessments here in this post as they are released.

Rim Of The World - Home List
(lists received from eyewitness reports and homeowners)

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PHOTO GALLERY
(click on gallery folders for photo evidence - EX. the one that says "grass and slide fire home survey"...)

The Fire Advances in Deep Creek from Valkyrie in Running Springs Slide Fire 10/25/07 – Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”)

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Link Button For County Assessor Reports - Update #5: 10/28/2007 4:40pm

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This Slide and Green Valley Wildland Fire summary update from InciWeb –

Incident -- Contained -- Acres -- Updated

Slide ---------- 65% ----- 12,789 -- 9:00pm PT 10-27-07

Grass Valley - 95% ------- 1,140 -- 9:00pm PT 10-27-07

Summary (Slide Wildland Fire)

Mandatory Evacuation for east of Crestline to Snow Valley. Voluntary evacuations in place for Crestline, Cedar Pines Park, Lake Gregory and Valley of Enchantment. Voluntary evacuation for Highland has been lifted. Evacuation Centers are located at National Orange Show in San Bernardino and the Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville. All highways in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Dam are closed to upbound traffic except for those with Sheriff's passes to voluntary areas. Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

Summary (Grass Valley Wildland Fire)


Fire is northwest of Lake Arrowhead. Mandatory Evacuation for east of Crestline to Snow Valley. Voluntary evacuations in place for Crestline, Cedar Pines Park, Lake Gregory and Valley of Enchantment. Evacuation Centers are located at National Orange Show in San Bernardino and the Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville. All highways in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Dam are closed to upbound traffic except for those with Sheriff's passes to voluntary evacuation areas.

Toppled power pole on Deep Creek Drive in Running Springs (10/25/07) - Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”)

This excerpt was posted at FIREupdate.com –

Sunday, October 28, 2007 - 10:14 AM

-- Slide Fire: 12,789 acres in Green Valley Lake area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 75 percent contained. 201 homes, three outbuildings destroyed. 5,500 residences threatened. One firefighter injured. Firefighting cost: $7 million.

-- Grass Valley Fire: 1,140 acres in Grass Valley area of the San Bernardino Mountains. 95 percent contained. 162 homes destroyed. 6,000 threatened. Firefighting cost: $4.6 million.


More lost homes on Deep Creek dr. Running Springs (10/25/07) - Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”)
Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:46:52
Per Scanner: BDF responding to a vegetation fire. Hwy 330 at City Creek. Engines 34R, 34, M32, SMI241, SMI241A, ABD612, WNP2, PNF16, WT33, PAT11.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:47:07
Per Scanner: Smoke Showing on tihs fire. Confirmed new veggie fire Hwy 330 at City Creek.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:49:00
Per Scanner: Ordering up aircraft for this new fire

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:49:21
This fire is near the bottom of 330.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:53:18
**NEW FIRE BOTTOM OF HWY 330**
Per Engine 34R, he is on scene. Large Spot calling this incident the "330 incident". Helicopters from the slide are on their way.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:53:51
Cancelling the fixed wings. Are going to use the many helicopters already working the slide and grass valley fires.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:54:52
Luckily we have TONS of resources on the mountaintop. They will redeploy as necessary.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:55:49
when did the fire on the bottom of 330 start

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:55:50
Per Scanner: We have knock down of this new fire on hwy 330. Cancel are incoming resources. There is already a strike team on scene.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:56:13
xxxx, just a few minutes ago, but now they have knockdown. Luckily all the resources we have up here were there VERY quickly.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 14:59:42
Resources on the 330 incident will be tied up for about an hour for mop up. Was a large spot, but has been knocked down.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:00:13
xxxx, they will be mopping up for the weeks to come, but from a technical standpoint, the fire isn't moving much at all, just many hot spots within the burns.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:19:55
Per Scanner: CHP has a motorcyclist in custody related to this new fire on hwy 330. I say if he did it, burn him!

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:42:09
Water tower on fire, the irony....

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:42:49
Next thing you know they'll be a call from a fireplace being flooded...

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:43:11
**RECAP**
A fire was reported at 2:45PM today on hwy 330 at City Creek. Luckily resources from the Slide were able to quickly gain access and knock down this fire (it was a large spot). Currently they have a motorcyclist in custody for possibily being involved with starting this fire. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 15:44:11
Per Scanner: CHP now holding a possible another arson suspect in a Ford Ranger in the same area.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 16:28:02
S.B County Assessor has a list of damaged and destoyed properties at this website
[Click Here]

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 16:29:19
The list is for Lake Arrowhead and Green Valley Lake

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 16:29:58
Thank you xxxx. I'll add it to the forum that has the links to that info.

Sunday 28 October 2007 - 16:30:33
Wait, its already there. DUH. Running Springs is what we are waiting for to put in the thread.
Sunday 28 October 2007 - 16:34:29
xxxx's house in GVL is SAFE! His home was on the list of "total loss" from the assesor, however, they had made a mistake. Taking his home off that list now. Just goes to show no list is 100% correct.


Fire damaged neighborhood near downtown Running Springs 10/25/07 - Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”) -- Kelly the Cable Guy

This Slide and Green Valley Wildland Fire summary update from InciWeb –

Incident -- Contained -- Acres -- Updated

Slide --------- 85% ----- 12,789 -- 7:15pm PT

Grass Valley - 95% ------- 1,247 -- 7:15pm PT


-- END OF DAY --

UPDATES For October 29, 2007

This from CalFire - 10:am PT -

San Bernardino County


Slide Fire – 12,789 acres – 90% contained
Grass Valley Fire - 1,247 acres – 95% contained


Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Monday 29 October 2007 - 12:04:02
12:03 PM
Mon 10/29 Nevato Engineer Steve Rucker who lost his life this day on the Cedar Fire in 2003. Steve was a dearly loved son, father, and brother who gave so much of his heart for those he loved. Those you worked with dearly miss you. Let's all observe a moment of silence for Steve.11:59 AM
Mon 10/29 All engines and stations observe a moment of silence in honor of Steven Rucker who lost his life this day on the Cedar Fire in 2003.11:53 AM
Mon 10/29 Morton Peak observed smoke just the right of Mount R (from rotw)

Monday 29 October 2007 - 13:37:32
09:06 AM
Mon 10/29 Everything above the 330 has been energized, the power is back on. (Response: Yeah, that's good news.)08:32 AM
Mon 10/29 Edison is going to be bringing a (broken) into Heap's Peak today, scouting the burn area for setting some poles in the future.

Monday 29 October 2007 - 14:51:37
running springs damage report is in – go to the SB County Assessor’s office website

[link provided above in post]

Monday 29 October 2007 - 15:18:22
Updated Forum/Fires/News & Updates with 10/29/07 2:30 PM Monday Update Lake Arrowhead Confirmed Damaged or Destroyed Structures
from rotw

Monday 29 October 2007 - 15:22:38
Updated Forums/Fires/News 7 Updates thread:
10/29/07 Grass Valley Site Visit Scheduled For Tuesday -- Residents and property owners of Grass Valley will be given an opportunity to view their homes and properties and salvage belongings during an organized site visit on Tuesday, October 30, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

The mandatory evacuation order for this area will remain in effect during the visit. Those attending the site visit will have to leave the area following the visit.
from rotw


Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”)

Morning Update For October 30, 2007 - This excerpted round-up from Rim Of The World (.net) -

Grass Valley Fire 100 Percent Contained, Slide Fire 92 Percent

By News Staff - Monday, October 29, 2007

Full containment of the fire perimeter was reached on the 1,247-acre Grass Valley Fire. However, interior hot spots remain. Fire crews will continue to mop-up hot spots around structures and within the interior of the fire line. Difficult terrain on the west side of the fire break is slowing mop-up progress. Incident personnel are continuing to work with cooperating agencies and utility companies to facilitate re-entry into the mandatory evacuation area. Three hundred thirty-six personnel remain assigned to the fire.

The Slide Fire is 92% contained as of 8:00 pm Sunday and remains at 12,789 acres. Firefighters continue making good progress mopping up hot spots within the perimeter of the Slide Fire. Higher humidities and lower temperatures are helping their efforts.

Structure protection, mop up and patrol continues in residential areas. As estimated 2,500 structures remain threatened and 1,688 personnel are assigned.

BAER teams and post-suppression rehabilitation teams are continuing their surveys of the burned areas. Emergency stabilization (BAER) teams are focused on protection of life and property and critical natural and heritage resource values from post fire watershed effects. BAER assessment and planning will likely last a few weeks and implementation of treatments will be done within one year.


Image Credit: ROTW Photo Gallery (“grass and slide fire home survey”) - San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department

The areas that suffered extensive fire damage in the Grass Valley Fire will remain under a mandatory evacuation order with road closures along Brentwood Drive at four intersections and at San Benito Drive @ Pinehurst Drive. Residents and property owners of Grass Valley in the mandatory evacuation area will be given an opportunity to view their homes and properties and salvage any belongings during an organized visit on Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Those interested in viewing their property must check in at Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. For details view the related press release at [http://www.sbcounty.gov// or call (909) 387-5412.

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect until further notice from Heaps Peak Transfer Station east to Big Bear dam (Running Springs, Arrowbear and Green Valley Lake communities).

A closure order remains in effect for the San Bernardino National Forest. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area reopened on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2007, at 7:00 a.m. The Miller Canyon Day Use and Grove area will remain closed. Until further notice, the park will remain closed. For additional information, call: 760-389-2303

National Orange Show Fair Grounds in the City of San Bernardino (enter through Gate 9) is still open for evacuees. The Victorville Fair Grounds evacuation center was closed on Sunday.
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Transition is occurring today with the California Type-1 Incident Command Team 1 assuming command of the Grass Valley Fire at 6:00 am Tuesday, October 30, 2007.

Meanwhile on the Slide Fire, continuing mild weather conditions have contributed to significant progress on fire perimeter containment that is now 90% with no increase in acreage. Overnight crews worked on hot spots revealed from infrared flight information. Structure protection for the 2,500 homes still threatened and mop up continue in and around residential areas. Utility companies are getting services restored. Current management strategy is proving to be successful, with the fire having been contained within objective lines.
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Breezy weather will return on Tuesday and Wednesday as cooler weather settles in. However, this cooler weather may be short-lived as forecasters are hinting at a possible weak to moderate Santa Ana wind event beginning Friday.
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BAER rehabilitation teams and post-suppression activities are making plans for work to be done after fire containment lines make the burn areas safe to reenter on federal lands.

The mandatory evacuation order for the communities of Twin Peaks, Rim Forest, Blue Jay, Agua Fria, Deer Lodge Park, Sky Forest, Cedar Glen and the majority of Lake Arrowhead has been reduced to a voluntary evacuation. The area opened Sunday at noon to residents and re-entry passes were not required.

In addition to the areas under mandatory evacuation for the Grass Valley Fire, mandatory evacuations remain in effect until further notice from Heaps Peak Transfer Station east to Big Bear dam, including the communities of Running Springs, Arrowbear and Green Valley Lake.

A closure order remains in effect for the San Bernardino National Forest. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area reopened on Sunday, October 28, 2007, at 7:00 a.m. The Miller Canyon Day Use and Grove area will remain closed. Until further notice, the park will remain closed.

The Grass Valley Fire is being managed under Unified Command with the US Forest Service and the San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff departments. The Slide Fire is being managed under Unified Command with the US Forest Service, the San Bernardino County Fire and Sheriff's departments, CAL FIRE, and Running Springs FD. Other cooperators and partners include CA CHP, CalTrans, CA-OES, and Crest Forest FPD.
Reference Here>>

And this clarification issued by ROTW -

Full Return Times


At 6:00 am on Wednesday, October 31, the Grass Valley community area will be under a voluntary evacuation order and all residents will be allowed to return home without restrictions.

At 6:00 am Thursday, November 1, the Running Springs area and Arrowbear will be under a voluntary evacuation order and all residents will be allowed to return home without restrictions.

No return date is set for Green Valley Lake. Highway 330 remains closed, residents should use Highway 18.












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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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Saturday, October 27, 2007

Wildland Fires In Running Springs Smolder - Day 6

Improved weather conditions played an important role in allowing firefighters to make good progress on constructing fire containment lines today. Early this morning there was an additional structure loss in the Running Springs area, bringing the total to 201. Structure protection groups went door-to-door performing heat checks on all residences within the fire perimeter. Damage assessment teams are surveying the areas to provide accurate data for mountain residents. Image Credit: KBHR 93.3FM

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 Fires In Running Springs Smolder - Day 6

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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)


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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This day finds that one of the few fire areas throughout the seven county fire disaster zone where mandatory evacuations still exist is in the San Bernardino National Forest.

Overnight, headway has been made with the containment at both sites with the Slide Fire moving to become 35% contained and the Grass Valley Fire set at 85% containment.

The weather forecast for the mountains predicts the following (YAHOO! Weather):

Detailed Local Forecast

Today: Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. High near 65F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear. Low 34F. Winds light and variable.

Tomorrow: Mainly sunny. High near 70F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.

Tomorrow night: Partly cloudy skies. Low 36F. Winds light and variable.

This in from CalFire - Last modified on October 27, 2007, 08:10 am –

Slide Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Green Valley Lake near Running Springs
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 13,800 acres at Green Valley Lake near Running Springs in San Bernardino County and is currently 35 percent contained. 201 homes and 3 outbuildings have burned.

Mandatory Evacuation for east of Crestline to Snow Valley. Voluntary evacuations for Crestline, Cedar Pines Park, Lake Gregory and Valley of Enchantment. The voluntary evacuations for HIghland have been lifted.

Evacuation Centers are located at National Orange Show in San Bernardino and the Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville.

All highways in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Dam are closed to upbound traffic, except those with Sheriffs passes to voluntary areas. Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

1,984 firefighters are currently assigned to this fire under unified command.

The estimated cost of this fire to date is $4.5 million.

Slide Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Slide Fire Map 10/26/07

Grass Valley Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Lake Arrowhead and Crestline communities
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 1,140 acres and is 85 percent contained. The fire is northwest of Lake Arrowhead. 162 structures have been lost, and more than 6,000 homes remain threatened.

Evacuation and closure orders remain in effect for a large area surrounding the fire. The mandatory evacuation order for the community of Crestline has been reduced to a voluntary evacuation effective at 9:00 am 10/26. All other evacuations and road closures remain in effect.

Evacuation Center have been established at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino and Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville.

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 (except 330) but cannot go back up into the Mountains.

Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

643 firefighters are assigned to this incident.

The estimated cost of this fire to date is $3.6 million.

Grass Valley Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688.

Grass Valley Fire Map 10/26/07

Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 10:55:44
Structure fire in Arrowhear is not related to the Slide fire; don't want folks thinking fire has advanced into that area.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 10:57:20
Initial reports of the Arrowbear fire indicated there were explosions - before or after the fact, who knows.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:01:50
the yellow banana helicopter is at the big bear air port, saw it this morning resting

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:15:13
xxxx the fire is still above lake view point with very very little movement , we have had only 1 major hot spot this morning that air craft lifted off around 7:30 to pick up and kill, so yes we are doing great guys, the ffs are dealling with hot spots that flare up thats normal- and re inforcing fire breaks

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:15:31
I would suspect that if things remain good for our fire (Slide) they will have 50% or more containment by tonight.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:16:36
2nd part with the hand crews and dozers, they are still reinforcing all the fire breaks on this mountain from arrowhead to running springfs and from green valley lake to butler peak, so work goes on and if some where some tree or ground fire flars up we do have air craft on hold here at the air port holding

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:18:39
Per scanner, Structure fire knowcked down in Arrowbear.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:24:34
the loud air craft you all might be hearing is one of the helos going back for refuling or retardant to reinforce lines, nothing major they are just loud it goes over my home

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:41:34
per scaner aa we are going to support the ground crews with air attack

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:46:12
Map of the location of that structure that went up in Arrowbear this morning. Not related to the Slide fire.

There are reports of a fully involved structure fire at Music Camp Road and Highway 18 in Arrowbear Lake. Reports indicate there may have been an explosion at the house. Civilian injuries have been reported with a medical airship en route. The fire appears to not be associated with the Slide Fire. The cause is not known. Caption Credit: inciweb.net -- Image Credit: Google Maps via Scanner/Chat Forum

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 11:49:19
Not good news on the Arrowbear Music Camp...

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:15:15
Per Scanner: Order up the air tankers please. We will take all 8 of them.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:15:32
per scanner order all 8 air tankers we will take all 8 ( unknown location for what area at this time

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:17:30
Not 100% sure xxxx. I can't imagine them ordering up 8 air tankers for this fire, but I just dont know. It was fairly clear and on our air attack freq, but it could be transmissions from the Santiago fire. I'll try to figure it out.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:18:46
the sun is out here in big bear lake west, with lite blue sky,

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:52:37
I think it's picking up some of the OC fire stuff, that's not up hear... I even heard we'll take all 8 air tankers, which we don't need, so I think it's bleed over.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 12:54:56
OK, it's certainly possible that you'd hear stuff. Could be overlap in 800MHz channels, or more likely you hear aircraft traffic. It's a relatively clear shot from the Santa Anas to BB, especially from the East end of the valley.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 13:10:19
per rotw( per scanner , chp helo is bringing in some dignitaries to view the fire, - guess they going to have ca secretary of state on board, or something like that - helio 534 has lifted off of heaps peak , to the slide to take picturs of the point of orgin

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 13:24:12
It could be the Gov. He was just in Irvine

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 13:29:11
xxxx, our fire is doing just fine, few smokes that pop up but air atack has been getting those just fine, no worries,


Breaking news from rimoftheworld.net -

Structure Fire In Arrowbear; Initial report of injuries unfounded
By Rim Of The World News Staff -- Saturday, October 27, 2007

A fully involved structure fire in Arrowbear was reported at about 10:30 am Saturday by a helicopter working the Slide Fire. The residence was located in the 33000 block of Music Camp Road. A small amount of vegetation burned near the residence. The fire has been knocked down.

Initially there were reports of a civilian injured, however according to the Public Information Officer at the Incident Command, there were no injuries. Reports indicate there may have been an explosion at the house. Fire officials reported that the fire does not appear to be associated with the Slide Fire. The cause is unknown.

Reference Here>>

Firefighters putting out smolders in the Ponderosa Pine forest near Running Springs. Image Credit: Breitbart

Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 15:16:30
FYI - Schools in Big Bear will re-open on Monday. The Rim of the World School District will remain closed all of next week.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 15:19:27
Per Air Attack (talking to a relief air attack for shift change), things are looking real good on both fires.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 15:20:08
from rotw ( at 2:33 p -- only heard one side of the convesation ) butler fire it has sloped over , all together - hand lines in here- a long ways probely a mile , - the black old black is pretty new - i havent see any flames
2:39p( responding to a gass fire off deep creek , rs
this as was an old call , dispatch was showing more resources were added to that call -- air to ground we are getting moisture up here is there anything down to you -- slide fire aa fire has sloped over a bit , we are working on that area butler fire, crews are in there now, was abit soupy for a while but visiablity is pretty good, h 534 , working , heading into big bear

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 16:14:31
No rain, but a few sprinkles... back to TV.

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 16:26:28
Yay rain!

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 16:28:55
channel 6 cars in the villiage have their windshield wipers on
yippyy

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 16:33:12
this might be a dumb question. but does the rain get rid of the smoke?

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 17:04:59
Insurance comm John Garamendi was the VIP here today per knbc. Also Santiago fire area has rain

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 17:05:12
Sure can tell it rained in Running Springs according to the live web came, yeah

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 18:04:40
aa is going to be cutting off early for the nite, they deserve it , as the fire is doing wonderfull for us folks u here in big bear, allday they have been putting out any hot flare ups that have been poping up,, rest easy tonite all another good day on the fire lines

Saturday 27 October 2007 - 18:06:40
drizzled all afternoon in fawnskin, but nothing measurable



RIMOFTHEWORLD.net is reporting -

Currently there are 643 personnel on scene of the Grass Valley Fire. Good progress continues with line construction in the Miller Canyon drainage. Fire crews continue to mop up and patrol around structures on the eastern flank. On the western and northern flanks, improvement to the hand and dozer lines and continued mop up is in progress. Rehabilitation will continue.

There is no anticipated incident movement.

Infrared flights flew the fire to determine the fire has burned 1,140 acres. Damage assessment teams continue their work. Reports indicate 162 structures have been destroyed and 20 structures damaged.

No changes in acreage or containment have been released on the Slide Fire. According to official reports, low intensity fire behavior with active surface and backing fire has been observed. Some torching has also occurred. The fire continues to have a potential to move to the north. Crews are making progress containing the fire's spread on west and northwest flanks. Southerly containment lines in the southwest corner of the fire are complete.

Officials state they are beginning to achieve success with perimeter control strategy as critical resource needs are met. There are 1,984 personnel working this fire.

The Slide Fire is 35% contained and has consumed 13,800 acres. Over two hundred structures have been lost. There is no estimate of release of the Damage report.

The cause remains under investigation


-- END OF DAY --

Friday, October 26, 2007

Wildland Fires In San Bernardino Turn A Corner - Day 5

Forest Service “WAR BOARD” at the beginning of the day Oct. 25, 2007. Image Credit: JerryB -- Socalmountains Forums

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.

----
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/
----


Wildland Fires In San Bernardino Turn A Corner - Day 5

----

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)

----

Firefighters battling as many as 20 major fires in Southern California gained ground in extinguishing blazes that caused the largest evacuation of residents in the state's history and as much as $2.5 billion in damage.

As far as the continuing fires burning in the San Bernardino National Forest, the Grass Valley Fire around the Northwest side of Lake Arrowhead has burned 1,100 acres and is 70% contained … the Slide Fire located between Snow Valley Ski Area to the West and the Running Springs communities to the East burned 11,675 acres and is 15% contained.

The winds are expected to remain calm today but are to increase blowing back to the East threatening the homes to the South of Running Springs, Arrowbear and the forest near Snow Valley Ski Area.

The fires throughout Southern California, all were having a better go of it and great gains have been made. Qualcomm Stadium is expected to be restored to a sports facility from an evacuation location by the end of the day today. It is still unknown if the San Diego Chargers will be able to have their home game be played there on Sunday, but that is the goal.

Martin Mars Super Scooper - Ready to set down in Big Bear Lake and gather up over 7,000 gallons of water, on-the-fly. All boating was banned on the lake yesterday while fire fighting activities heated up. Image Credit: Christopher -- Socalmountains Forums

This item excerpted from Bloomberg news service -

California Firefighters Gain Ground as Winds Ease
By Peter J. Brennan – Bloomberg – Oct. 26, 3;06am PT

Firefighters in Southern California gained ground in extinguishing blazes that caused the largest evacuation of residents in the state's history and as much as $2.5 billion in damage.

Santa Ana winds, which bring hot air from the desert, subsided yesterday, making it easier for firefighters to try to contain the five most destructive blazes, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. More than 12,000 firefighters were battling 13 remaining blazes.

“Due to a good weather day, we were able to make progress on containment of the fires,'' said Zachary Young, a spokesman for the governor's office of emergency response.

U.S. Border Patrol agents found four bodies burned in a canyon east of San Diego, Cable News Network said. If confirmed as fire-related deaths, it will bring the death toll from the blazes to seven. About 55 people have been injured, Young said.

The National Weather Service is forecasting lighter winds over the next two days and stronger winds blowing inland from the Pacific Ocean picking up Oct. 28, which may push fires in the opposite direction, it said.
----
President George W. Bush yesterday flew to California to survey the damage, saying the federal government wouldn't forget about the area in the coming weeks. He declared a “major disaster'' in the region, meaning the federal government will be providing assistance for firefighting and rebuilding.
----
Bush was criticized for the slow federal response in 2005 to Hurricane Katrina, which flooded New Orleans. Bush and Schwarzenegger praised each other for their reactions to the fires. “It makes a big difference when you got somebody in the state house willing to take the lead,'' Bush said.

Blazes have scorched at least 719 square miles (1,869 square kilometers) since Oct. 21.

Officials revised the number of homes destroyed to 1,342 from 1,400 the previous day and the number of businesses destroyed to 34 from 104, according to state statistics. About 20,900 structures were in danger, down from 45,000 yesterday.

Five people in San Diego, San Bernardino and Los Angeles counties have been arrested on suspicion of arson, the Associated Press reported. The detainees haven't been linked to any of the major blazes.
----
The rescue efforts haven't been without criticism. U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter, a Republican, complained that the authorities were slow to deploy military aircraft. Officials said that was because of the winds, not bureaucracy. Still, some returning residents complained that they were needlessly evacuated or were given little assistance. Others expressed praise.

Dave Farcas, 74, dismissed complaints as he returned to his condominium in Del Mar yesterday. “I thought they were remarkable,'' he said of public officials.
Reference Here>>

"Dance Of The Fireflys" - Helicopters snaching water from Lake Arrowhead and heading back to the fight. Image Credit: RAY via Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum

Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Friday 26 October 2007 - 05:53:44
scanner - structure going up on allview

Friday 26 October 2007 - 05:54:55
scanner - looks like the structure we saved last night

Friday 26 October 2007 - 06:34:11
So far in Big Bear it is clear, the moon is bright and a smell of smoke.

Friday 26 October 2007 - 06:40:29
Just an overview. Same as what is in the top screen. But they will be stopping everything for a moment of silence at noon to honor the fallen firefighters from the Esperanza fire.

Friday 26 October 2007 - 06:46:08
Compared to what I was in DTH and what was in Redlands, it is fairly clear here this morning. But yes, still smoky.

[DTH-Down The Hill]

Friday 26 October 2007 - 06:46:34
The moon view from DTH is red. Up here it is white.

Friday 26 October 2007 - 06:58:50
On scanner, search and rescue going on behind Sugarloaf.

Friday 26 October 2007 - 07:09:24
xxxx - It actually looks pretty good. Smells like smoke some - but NOTHING like it did on Wednesday afternoon & evening.

-- SoCalMountains.Com SERVER DOWN --

Friday 26 October 2007 - 10:12:25
last report the fire was still above artic circle it has not moved down into the drainage or towards glory circle, back wth updates shortly

Friday 26 October 2007 - 10:13:55
per scannner ok aa is over the slide fire and also over the boy scout camp in lake arrowhead there are a few new smokes poping up and they are geting them out

Friday 26 October 2007 - 10:17:16
per rotw* ground to air they are talking about where to send the guys to work into town , this was lake arrowhead at the boy scout camp --
tankers were worried eariler about the smoke as it was one mintue you could see 4 miles out then a minute later it was 3 miles out visiablity and they said if they were not able to get thru the smoke they would have to abort and hold at san bernadino air base, but the sky has cleard so the tankers are up and running over here at the slide fire too

Friday 26 October 2007 - 10:20:40
They have 6 tankers and 1 super scooper assigned to our fires up here today. So far so good.

Friday 26 October 2007 - 10:22:03
there was dicussion of getting the scooper in to douse of the hot spots near the boy sout camp in L.A but tankers are doning that area just fine -- aa per rotw ( helicopter 715 ( tanker) were going to send you back to work on the grass fire - divison zulu -( aa giving directions how to get over there (( some of the pilots are not familar with this area, ) to the grass fire



Sun shining through the smoke in the San Bernardino National Forest - Image Credit: louamestoy

These updates posted at KBHR 93.3FM –

Updated Numbers on the Slide Fire and Grass Valley Fire


The Grass Valley Fire, still at 70% containment over 1,100 burned acres, has an updated burned structure count of 160 structures, per fire officials this morning. More details are expected, with regard to structure loss.

On the Slide Fire, which is at 15% containment with the structure loss tally still at 200 plus homes, the new burned acreage tally is 13,378 acres.
----
Fire Crews Concentrated Near Snow Valley; Big Bear Events and Closures

The updated reports on the Slide and Grass Valley Fires, as of this morning, is that they have achieved improved containment on both fires. Over 2,100 firefighters are at work on both blazes.
----
Firefighting crews have concentrated efforts on the 13 Turns section of Highway 18, both day and night, to ensure that the Slide Fire does not cross the highway between Snow Valley Ski Area and Green Valley Lake Road. John Miller of the U.S. Forest Service spoke to us directly from this area this morning, and reports that this is a ground fire, and most trees along the roadway do remain intact.


However, the fire did reach the roadway, from about a ¼ mile west of the top of 13 Turns and down to near the Green Vally turnoff. Still, Miller tells KBHR, “There are a ton of crews there, putting out hot spots.” That said, he reassures us, “The threat to Big Bear is minimal.”

There is one hot spot that is reportedly visible from the Highway 38 area, and this is directly north of Snow Valley along the ridgeline. The fire, Miller notes, “is in the timber and that's what's creating all the smoke. It is one concentrated area. Crews are there, and there is aircraft working it as well.”

Given today's blue skies in the Big Bear Valley, we will see columns of smoke but again, Miller says, “The threat to Big Bear is low.”

In other Big Bear news related to the fires, Big Bear Lake does remain closed to all boating activity today, to allow for safe water pulls by aircraft for fire suppression. In a conversation Scott Heule, General Manager of the Municipal Water District, last night, he did stress his gratitude to boaters for their gracious compliance.

Bear Valley Unified School District tells us that Saturday's Bears football games and the cross country meet will be rescheduled—our teams will not have to forfeit.

The football games against 29 Palms have not yet been rescheduled; the cross country meet will now be held at Yucca Valley on Wednesday, October 31. The BBHS performances at the Performing Arts Center are on for Saturday, at both 1pm and 7pm. Tickets for Thursday and Friday performances will be honored, space permitting. As of today's fire situation, BVUSD does plan to have schools open on Monday.

Other events still on for this weekend include Saturday's final day of Oktoberfest, from noon to midnight; the Soroptomists will still hold their Halls of Horror Haunted House at Snow Play Mountain on Saturday, from 5 to 10pm, and a less-scary version on Sunday, from 4 to 6pm (cost is $5); and the Discovery Center will still hold their Feast of the Harvest Moon, featuring Native American culture, on Saturday from 10am to 3pm.

Also, the Bloodmobile is in town today, if you have an hour to give blood, at Stater Bros. until 4pm today.

And, once again, access to Big Bear, via Highway 38 and Highway 18 through Lucerne Valley is open to all traffic. Officer Gary Fernandez with the California Highway Patrol reiterated for us today, “There are no checkpoints. Highways 18 and 38 are checkpoint free.”

Given that the front way of Highway 18 is closed, we would like to remind you that businesses in Fawnskin and the Boulder Bay area remain open, and would appreciate the support and patronage of the Big Bear community this weekend
.

Tent City at the Snow Valley Incident Command Center – Image Credit: KBHR 93.3FM

This found at Inciweb.org incident reports -

07:55 PM Source: other From: Website - Inciweb.org
http://inciweb.org/incident/1005/ 7:00 pm

Update Mandatory Evacuation for Green Valley Lake, Arrowbear, and Running Springs.

Fire has crossed Hwy 18 in Running Springs and also crossed Hwy 330.

Evacuation Centers are located at National Orange Show in San Bernardino and the Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville.

All highways in the San Bernardino Mountains west of Big Bear Dam are closed to upbound traffic.

Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

Fire Behavior -- Moderate intensity, active surface and backing fire, short runs, torching, combined with short range spotting.

Significant Events -- Structure protection in place for Lake Arrowhead Scout Camps established. Initated perimeter control on northeast section.

Outlook -- Planned Actions Continue structure protection, mop and patrol around structures; construct direct line in southwest section and around Running Springs. Projected Movement The fire has the potential to move to the north towards the Pacific Crest Trail and south in the Fredalba Creek area.

Growth Potential Extreme Terrain Difficulty High Containment Target Anticipate success with a perimeter control strategy as critical resources begin to arrive.

Remarks -- Mandatory Evacuations for all areas from Crestline to Snow Valley remain in effect. Voluntary evacuations for Highland from North of Highland Avenue, east of Hwy 330 and west of Weaver.

An estimated 200+ homes have been burned. A total of 10,000 homes threatened for the Grass and Slide fire areas.

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 -- 213 Engines, 35 water tenders, 23 hand crews and 6 dozers, 10 Helicopter, Air Tankers 4. Resources being shared between Slide and Grass Valley fires.

One additional structure lost early in the AM at Running Springs. Developing contingency plans for fire movement towards Lake Arrowhead. Damage assessment in progress.


Lastly, this from Calfire at 9:30pm PT -

Slide Fire – 13,700 acres – 20% contained

Grass Valley Fire - 1,140 acres – 75% contained

END OF DAY


Thursday, October 25, 2007

Wildland Fires Continue In San Bernardino - Day 4

Slide Fire Map - With most of the active fire in rugged wilderness areas south and east of Running Springs, very little new information was available overnight. Crews worked overnight to continue to douse hot spots and shore up fire lines. Winds subsided and slowed the progress of the fire. The Grass Fire in the Lake Arrowhead area showed very little activity, with some limited burning well within the fire's perimeter. The Slide Fire near Running Springs did have some active burning with 3 to 6 foot flame lengths reported overnight. Image Credit: ROTW

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.

----
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/
----


Wildland Fires Continue In San Bernardino - Day 4

----

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)

----

Two suspected Arsonists involved in activities associated with fires in San Bernardino county have been identified and one is in custody, one is dead.

Both suspects were originally caught in the act, one while starting a fire at the base of the San Bernardino National Forest on Tuesday evening at about 8:30pm and the other, while trying to set scrub ablaze near the campus of a university in the city of San Bernardino at around 6:00pm Tuesday. This suspect is described as a 27-year-old man with a home address in Arizona. Sheriff’s investigators will search his impounded pickup truck pending a search warrant, Lt. Scott Patterson of the San Bernardino Police Department said yesterday afternoon.

The suspect in custody, identified as John Alfred Rund, 48 (DOB: 01/21/59) from Hesperia, will be arraigned on charges related to arson today.

As far as the continuing fires burning in the San Bernardino National Forest, one has died down and is about 40% contained and the other remains a problem as it changed direction from the Northwesterly direction to burning back around to the Southwest. This threatens the homes to the south of Running Springs and Arrowbear and the forest near Snow Valley Ski Area. The positive development today is that the winds have subsided and this will slow things down a bit for the firefighting crews to gain some containment.

Saving Running Springs - This photo is taken from Running Springs School Road, looking west, as water drops are made just west of Running Springs, in an effort to save the downtown area on Wednesday afternoon. Image Credit: KBHR 93.3FM

This from CalFire, the California Firefighters website –

Grass Valley Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 1,100 acres and is 40 percent contained. The fire is northwest of Lake Arrowhead. 100 structures have been lost, and more than 6,000 homes remain threatened. There are mandatory evacuation for areas from Crestline to Snow Valley. Voluntary evacuations are in place for Cedar Pines Park and Valley of Enchantment. Evacuation Center have been established at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino and Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville.

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 (except 330) but cannot go back up into the Mountains. Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

1,010 firefighters are assigned to this incident. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $1.5 million.

Slide Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Green Valley Lake near Running Springs
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 11,366 acres at Green Valley Lake near Running Springs in San Bernardino County and is currently uncontained (0%). 200 homes and 3 outbuildings have burned and more than 6,000 homes continue to be threatened. The entire community of Green Valley was surrounded by the fire and was evacuated. More than 2,000 people are at evacuation centers.

Mandatory evacuations are also in place for Running Springs, Fredalba, Green Valley Lake, and Arrow Bear. The communities of Live Oak, Smiley Park, Running Spring, Cavalry Chapel Camp, National Children’s Forest and Visitors Center, Arrowbear Lake, Snow Valley and Nordic Rim Ski Areas and Deer Lick are all threatened. All roads into the mountain communities are closed. 740 firefighters currently are assigned to this fire.

The estimated cost of this fire to date is $2.5 million.

Grass Valley Fire & Slide Fire Information Line (909) 383-5688
.
Reference Here>>

Grass Valley Fire Map 10-24-2007, 5pm PT - Image Credit: ROTW

Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:14:04
09:12 AM Source: scanner -- Encina west of Deep Creek (RS) - several fires going here

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:14:36
Per KBHR 9:00am update Grass Valley fire is at 40% containment. Slide fire is at 9% containment.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:15:06
ooops Slide Fire at 0% containment. Must put on my glasses – sorry

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:25:53
Don't know how acurate this is, but a KTLA pilot just said he saw a small spot fire burning east of Green Valley Lake and west of Big Bear in a wilderness area. He really wasn't sure exactly where it was due to smoke.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:31:55
Per Scanner: Air Attack ordering up the Super Scooper for our fires.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:34:53
xxxx, the super scooper will dip out of Big Bear Lake for the slide fire and will use Silverwood lake if needed for the Grass Valley Fire. Too bad its so darn smoky. Can't see anything.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:50:06
09:38 AM Source: from ROTW
Availability in Crestline: Goodwins received goods from distributor Springfield are open up to curfew.

7-11 is the only fueling location, is receiving fuel deliveries, and is open 24/7 but as I pointed out previously becomes a place of confrontation after curfew.
Round Table Pizza will be opening up around lunch time today for both locals and safety personel. (Will go have some wings there today

Stockade is open but yesterday there were issues with people being outside drinking after curfew according to one of the Sheriff Volunteers. Not sure about status today.

Billy Bear's has limited supplies but is open. Lake Gregory Coffee is open. Paulas Place has been open but again limited supplies.

Johnny's Market and Madelines in VOE are also open but again, supplies are limited.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 09:51:14
Per ROTW:GVL update - ...spoke with the fire captain who made a run through Green Valley Lake today. He told them their homes (On Juniper) were fine, as were most homes on Juniper, with the exception of the 5 that were on the cul-de-sac. Those were sadly lost, as I think everyone already knew. There is also a home on some 'point' of the lake that was unfortunately lost. Most homes on Angeles around & up against the ski lift/park are gone, as are the 2 homes next to Fox Lumber. There are also several homes gone near the camp ground.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:09:17
per scanner talk is air attack aka aa bringing in water and restardant mabe brining it in to the south side, aa will stay above 8,000 feet and the helios will stay below 8,000 feet so no tcs in air

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:12:02
per rotw( the flare ups on encina back here in deep creek ( rs) are a bunch of gas mains,

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:13:53
we should be great today all with all this air craft hitting this hot and heavy , i feel good about this , rest easy if you can

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:18:36
Is the supper scooper dipping out of BB lake now???

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:19:51
per scanner ( divison echo and fox tox is working in there --
aa talking about making an exit, ok what way are you going to go out, san bernado make a left turn, ( this is aa talking to planes ) one plane will stay in the air and talk to the other planes what he can see its usually the lead bravo thats over sees all of this for the other planes
Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:31:01
According to eye wintess the super scooper just made a pass over the lake did not dip. The smoke is very heavy over the lake and he may not be able to judge where the water is.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 10:32:34
Most likely he came already loaded and is scoping the lake.


Martin Mars Super Scooper - The 7000 gallon tanker. Image Credit: Ray via Socalmountains.com

Excerpts from a mid-afternoon report at KBHR 93.3FM -

Super Scooper Taking Water from Big Bear Lake; Guard Against Smoke -- Update as of Noon

Big Bear Lake is closed to all boaters until dusk today, as water is being taken from the lake to battle the Slide and Grass Valley Fires.

There are currently 10 helicopters and four airtankers battling the blazes and, as of today, the Super Scooper is here to assist in water drops. The Super Scooper is a large, amphibious twin-engine airplane that can skim the lake for a large quantity water pickup, so if you see a large yellow and red airplane flying low over the lake, just know that it is here to assist in fire suppression efforts.

As for aircraft, the Big Bear City Airport is now under the control of a temporary air traffic control tower, under contract from the Federal Aviation Administration. The temporary tower will take care of all traffic on the airport grounds, as well as air traffic in the immediate area of the airport. Firefighting aircraft are then turned over to air attack as they near the fires.

As of Wednesday afternoon, our local airport was host to four Type I helicopters, these are the larger type with the largest capacity. Also on site at the Big Bear City Airport are two medium-sized Type II helicopters, as well as two smaller Type IIIs.


Fixed Wings And Smokey Skies - Image Credit: Ray via Socalmountains.com

We can expect continued smoke and ash in our area this afternoon, as the inversion layer continues to trap this smoke within the basin of the Big Bear Valley. When and if the smoke clears, John Miller of the U.S. Forest Service tells us, “Flames may be visible from the Big Bear Dam, but we still do no consider the Slide Fire a threat to Big Bear.”

With regard to smoke in our area, the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health says that these conditions can be hazardous for young children, the elderly, and individuals with heart conditions or chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis. Health Officer Margaret Beed suggests that these people remain on their medication, and be sure to have at least a five-day supply on hand.

Blowing dust, ashes and other debris can be irritating and dangerous for eyes, so it is suggested that individuals outdoors wear sunglasses to deflect materials in the air. For specks in the eye, do not rub eyes; instead, try lifting the upper eyelid outward and down over the lower lid, and allow tears to wash the speck out. If indoors, it is best to have re-circulated air, rather than outside smokey air, entering the home. When smoke is present, Health Officer Beed advises staying indoors with the doors shut, avoid physical exertion, keep your airways moist by drinking lots of water, and avoid cooking and vacuuming, as this can increase indoor pollutants.

As for the fires prompting these smoke warnings, updated reports remain at 12,466 acres burned on both the Slide and Grass Valley Fires, with over 1,500 firefighting personnel on scene, under the direction of both Type I and Type II national incident management teams. Despite the potentially visible flames, the Big Bear area does remain safe from imminent threat at this time. Still, in our mountain communities during fire season, it is always a good idea to make sure that dead vegetation, especially pine needles and leaves, are cleared from around homes and, while you're at it, be sure not to overlook pine needles in roofline gutters, as these can be easily ignited by flying embers.

Slide Fire Is Now 10% Contained; Grass Valley Fire Still at 40% -- Update as of 3pm

Active fire suppression efforts continue on the Slide Fire, burning in the Running Springs area, and the Grass Valley Fire, in the Lake Arrowhead area.

Updated statistics on the blazes will not be available until this evening but, in the meantime, here is the status on the burns: Over 12,000 acres have burned between the two, though they have not merged. At least 200 homes have burned in the Slide Fire, and officials tell us that specifics on those structures destroyed will be verified as soon as it is safe for fire personnel to enter the burned areas.

Fire perimeter containment on the Slide Fire has been slow due to rough terrain, heavy vegetation and high density residential properties intermixed with Bark Beetle killed timber - however, good news from Incident Command is that, as of this afternoon, 10% containment has been achieved on the Slide Fire. Crews are continuing with structure protection and fire suppression efforts along Highway 18. At last count, the Grass Valley Fire is at 40% containment and 100 plus homes have been burned in this area but, again, officials report that no additional structures were destroyed in the Grass Valley Fire on Wednesday.

As of today, the Super Scooper, a large, amphibious twin-engine airplane has joined fire suppression efforts, in addition to 14 other aircraft, capable of water drops. As the Super Scooper is able to fly over Big Bear Lake, while retrieving water, our lake will be closed to all boating activity until dusk this evening.
We can expect continued smoke in our area today. To that end, the Bear Valley Unified School District has canceled school for tomorrow, Friday, as well, after reviewing the report of the Air Quality Management District.
----
Both highways at the east end of Big Bear Valley, Highway 18 through Lucerne and Highway 38, are open to all traffic.

Despite the smoke in our area and the possibility of visibile flames at Big Bear's west end, we have been assured by fire officials that there is no threat to the Big Bear Valley at this time.


Fire, what fire? ... I'm here for the fish! - Image Credit: Ray via Socalmountains.com

Excerpted from Socalmountains.com Scanner/Chat Forum –

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 15:30:53
ok guys the fire is coming down into artic circle per channel 6 news here in big bear now artic circle is big, it starts at lake view point and that is the last turn of that you can see the dam heading into the snow valley or arrowbear, the end of artic circl is the big bear dam its heading into the aritc circle from lake view point so yes the fire still has a ways to go befor its this way,, ffs are making a hard stand as you can see on channel 6, ffs are on every turn to make sure this fire doesnt cross over to the other side, ,, well keep everyone updated as info comes in

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 15:31:02
03:26 PM Source: eyewitness -- {email, thanks} let residents of Upper Rowco know that all the houses on the streets between Oakleaf (Oakleaf Ct included) and Onacrest -as well as All view are safe. It is confirmed. I stayed behind on Pinehurst.. -- from rotw

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:11:36
04:11 PM Source: scanner
suspicious circumstances - 31340 Allview (Running Springs) - black Dodge Ramcharger with a seadoo(sp?) attached to a trailer; we questioned the guy a little and he grabbed a shovel and he went walking down the street like he was going to go put out some fires
from rotw

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:14:50
Going to use some Helo's I guess now on Division Echo (which is the flank closest to the Artic Circle). All fixed wing are currently grounded due to visibility.

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:35:38
per Rim of the World -- According to the Crest Forest Fire District, "the two major threats to the Crestline, Twin Peaks areas have been significantly mitigated. Agencies involved are working on creating a re-entry plan for the safe areas of Crestline."

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:36:19
per scanner we have a spot fire in the center of camp helendale ( rs off of wilderness per rotw

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:45:21
channel 6 is saying now to have proof of residency to come up hwy 38 thru mentone and hwy 18 the back way into victorville,

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:46:36
04:34 PM Source: scanner
we've got a spot fire in the center of Camp Helendade (Running Springs - off Wilderness)
04:25 PM Source: other From: CDC Press Release from Center for Disease Control: Wildfire smoke can cause health problems for anyone, especially those with heart and lung conditions, older adults and children. Listen to the new Wildfire Podcasts to learn more about what you can do to protect yourself and your family.
04:19 PM Source: scanner made contact with the possible suspect at 31340 Allview.
04:16 PM Source: scanner
from rotw

Thursday 25 October 2007 - 16:56:14
Per eye witness post on rotw:

Running Springs

Old City Creek:
Corner 330 uphill side gone
30962 may be gone
30973 ok
30001 ok
31307 damage but ok
31321 ok
31046 dis
31051 ok
31022 ok but the house across the street destroyed

Rim of the World Drive:
2378 and 2379 damage but ok (standing)
2368 destroyed
2470, 2598, 2569, 2578 OK
2569 damage but ok (standing)

Easy:
31423, 31404 ok
5 others gone (no details)

Valley Ridge between Wilderness and Circle View:
31442 ok
All others destroyed

The “T” on Onacrest and Circle View ok
31530 Circle View Destroyed
ROTW extends condolences to those that have lost their homes.


Scooper scoopin' in the blue puddle known as BBL. Image Credit: KBHR 93.3FM

This from CalFire, the California Firefighters website (6:00pm PT) –

Grass Valley Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Lake Arrowhead and Crestline Communities
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 1,100 acres and is 40 percent contained. The fire is northwest of Lake Arrowhead. 100 structures have been lost, and more than 6,000 homes remain threatened. There are mandatory evacuation for areas from Crestline to Snow Valley. Voluntary evacuations are in place for Cedar Pines Park and Valley of Enchantment. Evacuation Center have been established at the National Orange Show in San Bernardino and Victorville Fairgrounds in Victorville.

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 (except 330) but cannot go back up into the Mountains. Access to Big Bear is via Hwy 38 from I-10 in Redlands or from Hwy 18 through the Hi-Desert in Lucerne Valley.

1,020 firefighters are assigned to this incident. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $2 million.

Slide Fire
San Bernardino National Forest
Green Valley Lake near Running Springs
San Bernardino County


This fire has burned 11,675 acres at Green Valley Lake near Running Springs in San Bernardino County and is currently 15 percent contained. 200 homes and 3 outbuildings have burned.

10,000 homes continue to be threatened. The entire community of Green Valley was surrounded by the fire and was evacuated. More than 2,000 people are at evacuation centers. Communities still threateded are Green Valley, Running Springs, Live Oak, Fredalba, Smiley Park, Deer Lick, Calvery Chapel Camp, National Children’s Forest and Visitors Center, and Arrowbear Lake. All roads into the mountain communities are closed.

1,359 firefighters are currently assigned to this fire under unified command. The estimated cost of this fire to date is $3 million.


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