Holcomb Fire Morning Update 6/23

SAN BERNARDINO, California, June 23, 2017 – Hard work and continued progress by firefighters with the aid of cooler temperatures overnight helped maintain fire size at 1,562 acres and increase containment to 65% on the Holcomb Fire. The highest priority is to protect the safety of fire personnel and to protect human life followed by the protection of private property and structures.

Over 1,200 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CAL FIRE, Big Bear Fire and other local agencies are working to contain the fire. Southern California Incident Management Team 2 continues to be in control of the fire with David Kelly serving as Incident Commander.

Weather forecasts indicate heat will continue through the weekend. Visible smoke may linger in the high desert. The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District has issued a health advisory near Phelan. More information is available here: http://www.mdaqmd.ca.gov .

Highway 18 opened this morning at 6 a.m. between the Mitsubishi Cement Plant and Delta Avenue near Baldwin Lake. Please be aware of fire equipment and personnel on Hwy 18. If you are traveling in this vicinity, please reduce speed for public and firefighter safety. Access to Jacoby Canyon (3N61) is closed from Hwy 18 to Holcomb Valley Road (3N16). In addition, forest roads including Van Dusen Canyon (3N09) and Holcomb Valley Road East (3N16) remain closed, as well as a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Hwy 18 and Van Dusen Canyon Roads.

Given the critically dry and receptive fuel types, residents and visitors should continue to be aware of fire conditions and be prepared if changes or new fire threatens the community.