​  NORTH FIRE Update  

  Saturday July 18, 2015 

  7:00 P.M. 

 

Acres Burned:

3,500

Structures Threatened:   

700

Containment:

45%

Structures Destroyed:

 3

Fire Started:

July 17, 2015

Injuries:

1

 Cause:

 Under Investigation

 

 

 Engines:

 59

Crews:

27

 Helicopters:

3

Air Tankers:

9

 Water Tenders:

 7

 Dozers:

3

Total personnel assigned to the Fire:

835

 

 

Victorville, Calif., July 18, 2015 - Firefighters continue to battle the North Fire that was reported yesterday afternoon in the Baldy Mesa area with acreage now at 3,500 acres and containment at 45 percent.

The North Fire started at about 2:33 pm on Friday July 17 near Interstate 15 north of Highway 138. Interstate 15 has re-opened in both directions. Please exercise extreme caution while traveling in the I-15 corridor due to emergency personnel and fire operations.

Evacuations have been lifted for residents only. Residents must enter through the checkpoint located at the intersection of Baldy Mesa Road and Phelan Road.  All residents planning on re-entering must have identification with proof of residence for the affected area.

An Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS or drone) halted tanker operations for about 25 minutes on Friday afternoon, but operations soon resumed.  When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. On the North Fire, an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face charges as well. 

For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org.  If you fly, we can’t!

Fire restrictions for the San Bernardino National Forest remain in effect.  No wood or charcoal fires are allowed anywhere on the San Bernardino National Forest. Campfire permits are required for all propane / gas stoves and propane / gas lanterns.

The North Fire is currently in Unified Command with Forest Service, CALFIRE, San Bernardino County Fire, and San Bernardino County Sheriff managed by Southern California Team 3, Mike Wakoski.