Holcomb Fire Morning Update 6/22

SAN BERNARDINO, California, June 22, 2017 – Today, access to the Big Bear City Transfer Station is open only for Big Bear Disposal and Big Bear City Community Service District vehicles. Normal residential refuse disposal will resume. The Transfer Station remains closed to the general public.

Firefighters continue to battle warm temperatures and difficult terrain while fighting the 1,540 acre Holcomb Fire north of Baldwin Lake in the Big Bear Lake area. 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.

Weather forecasts indicate heat will continue through Friday. Strong high pressure and winds are expected to develop into the afternoon and evening. Communities north of the greater San Bernardino area should be aware of increased smoke levels. Mojave Desert Air Quality Management has issued a health advisory near Phelan. More information available here: http://bit.ly/2sFceSy

Highway 18 remains closed between the Mitsubishi Cement Plant and Delta Avenue near Baldwin Lake. Please be aware of increased traffic on mountain highways due to the Highway 18 closure. Several forest roads including Van Duesen Canyon (3N09) and Holcomb Valley Road East (3N16) are closed, as well as a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Highway 18 and Van Duesen Canyon Road.

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.

For more information please visit us at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ , call us at 909 383-5688 or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/SanBernardinoNF

Quick Fire Facts

• Fire Start Date: June 19, 2017
• Fire Report Time: 3:05pm
• Location: (geographic location) Northeast of Big Bear City, CA.
• Acres: 1,540 and 10% Contained.
• Fire Cause: Under Investigation
• Fire Fighters Assigned: 1,243
• Fire Engines: 104
• Fire Crews: 24
• Fire Dozers: 6
• Helicopters: 9 (includes night flying aircraft)
• Air Tankers: 4
• Air Attack: 2 (includes night flying aircraft)
• Road Closures: Highway 18 between Delta Ave. and the Mitsubishi plant, Van Duesen Canyon and Holcomb Valley Road East
• Evacuations: None
• Weather: Near record high temps, low humidity and light winds
• Terrain: Mountainous and steep
• Cooperating Agencies: Bureau of Land Management Big Bear City Fire, San Bernardino Country Fire, San Bernardino County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections, CalFire BDU