Radford Fire in Big Bear remains at 1,088 acres, now 59% contained after rainfall
The Radford Fire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest remained at 1,088 acres Friday and is now 59% contained, CBSLA's Assignment Desk has learned.
The fire was reportedly 40% contained on Thursday after considerable rain fell in the area.
"Today's rain showers over the Radford Fire aided in reducing fire activity," San Bernardino National Forest officials said on Twitter. "Crews achieved 40% containment with their hard work. ... More rainfall is forecasted tomorrow over the area."
The fire was first reported on Monday, at which point approximately 140 personnel, with an additional 200 more on order, were working to contain the blaze. Forty-four engines, 10 crews, eight water tenders, and two dozers have been assigned to battle the wildfire, along with aircraft.
All evacuation orders issued due to the fire were downgraded to evacuation warnings Thursday afternoon by the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, including the following areas:
- Glass Road to South Fork River Road
- Summit Boulevard East to Club View,
- Evergreen Drive South,
- Area of Club View east to Angles Camp Road,
- Vine Avenue south to Lassen Drive,
- Summit Boulevard east to McAllister Road,
- East of Hwy 18 and Fox Farm Rd south to Evergreen Road
- Pine Knot South to Skyline Road (2N10),
- Knickerbocker West to Castle Rock.
A map of evacuation areas can be seen here. An evacuation center was opened at Big Bear High School, 351 Maple Lane. For help with animal evacuations, call San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control at 800-472-5609.
Late Wednesday afternoon, the Bear Valley Unified School District Superintendent Sue Nunes sent a district-wide message to announce that all school would be canceled on Thursday and Friday as the fire danger worsened.
BVUSD oversees five schools, including:
- North Shore Elementary School
- Baldwin Lake Elementary School
- Big Bear Middle School
- Big Bear High School
- Chautauqua High School
Currently, no structures are threatened and no injuries were reported.
Caltrans had closed State Route 38 in both directions from Mill Creek Road to Lakewood Road.
