LAKE Fire 2nd Sunday

Date Started:  June 17, 2015, 3:52 PM

Size: 30,716 acres

Containment:  55 percent

Cause: under investigation 

Estimated Cost to Date:  $30 million Injuries: 4

Total Personnel:  2,253

Residences Burned:  1

Committed Resources:  76 crews, 94 engines, 7 dozers, 37 water tenders, 20 helicopters, 2 air attacks 

PHOTO by Millener Productions  

Current Fire Situation:  Precipitation on the fire today had minimal effect on firefighting efforts. Crews working on the north side of the fire retreated temporarily while the thunderstorm passed, returned to the area, and continued constructing line.

Work in the Three Sisters Peaks area continued as planned as the firefighters secured the line in heavy fuels and steep terrain. Larger dead and down fuels in the San Gorgonio Wilderness are still retaining significant heat.

Sunday night, Fire Fighters will camp out on the eastern fire line to eliminate travel to and from camp. Early access to the area will allow the Fire Fighters to complete the control line in that area sooner.

The damage assessment team reported the loss of a residence and three out buildings in the Burns Canyon area.

The team will continue to evaluate the fire area for further damage.

Weather & Fire Behavior:

Scattered rain showers were present over the fire area today, bringing up to a tenth of an inch of rain on some parts of the fire. Incident meteorologists predict a 10 percent chance for wetting rainfall overnight and the possibility of scattered thunderstorms. Gusty and erratic winds are possible with any storm.

The rain and increase in relative humidity had only a slight effect on fire behavior. Light fuels, such as grasses, have responded to the increase in relative humidity and precipitation; however, the precipitation has little effect on the larger dead and down timber. Pockets of fuel continue to burn especially in areas that did not burn in the 2006 Sawtooth and Millard Fire. 

Special Notice :

State Route 38 is open to through traffic. Motorists may observe suppression repair crews and movement of heavy equipment along the highway. Please be alert while traveling on State Route 38 and yield the right-of-way to emergency personnel and vehicles.

Evacuations :  As a result of the efforts on the fire, San Bernardino County Sheriff, in conjunction with unified command, has lifted the evacuation order for Burns Canyon residents. At this time there are no evacuation orders in effect in connection with the Lake Fire.