El Dorado Fire: More Than 14K Acres Burned As Containment Rises To 39%

Last update: 6 p.m.: We will be back in the morning with the latest news. Overnight please:

• Follow San Bernardino National Forest on Twitter for updates
• Check the incident page for updates
• Check the sheriff's interactive evacuation zone map

Jump to: Basics | Evacuations | Evacuation Centers | Closures | Additional Resources | Cause

It's day eight of the El Dorado fire in the San Bernardino Mountains, near Yucaipa.

Today, officials in their morning report said firefighters will "continue to build a direct line around the fire to limit spread to the north and west towards Angelus Oaks."

That work will be supported by water dropping aircraft and "defensive burnout operations" as needed, meaning firefighters may preemptively burn areas that could fuel the fire, in order to keep it away from homes.

Fire officials have worked hard over the last few days to keep the fire from burning structures in Mountain Home Village. They say the fire is now aligning itself with Skinner Creek along Highway 38.

Some evacuation orders were lifted this week in parts of Yucaipa, but all areas between Angelus Oaks and Onyx Summit are still off limits, as firefighters work to build containment lines just south of those communities.

However, officials warn that as the wind transitions this afternoon, there is "a potential for large fire growth."

"Our crews have been doing great work on this fire," said Dan Munsey, who is leading planning operations for fire fighting. "We're reaching some major milestones. Over the next few days, it's going to be really critical for us to tie in some very important pieces, but as we do that, we're starting to allow the community come in and repopulate where it makes sense."

Authorities in Big Bear are also asking visitors to stay out for the time being, in case more evacuation orders are necessary.

The weather today is forecast to be hot and dry, with lighter winds than earlier in the week.

Here's what we know about the fire so far today.

THE BASICS

• Acreage: 14,043 acres
• Containment: 39%
• Structures destroyed: four homes, six other structures
• Structures damaged: two homes, four other structures
• Structures threatened: 11,000
• Resources deployed: 1,244 firefighters, including 17 hand crews, 12 dozers, 13 water tenders, six helicopters, and four fixed-wing aircraft

The El Dorado Fire continued to burn near the Forest Falls area on Friday, Sept. 11, 2020, with occasional flare-ups. (Courtesy of El Dorado Fire Unified Command via Inciweb)

The El Dorado Fire began on Saturday with a bang – literally – when a firework from a gender reveal party in Yucaipa ignited a blaze that has threatened thousands of homes and caused the mandatory evacuation of tens of thousands of residents.

Smoke advisories are in place through Sunday.

EVACUATIONS

San Bernardino County

An interactive map of current evacation zones is available here.

Mandatory (as of 3 p.m. Friday)

• All Yucaipa residents located east of Bryant, north of Carter, and west of Jefferson
• All residents located east of Bryant street on Highway 38 including Mountain Home, Forest Falls, Angelus Oak, 7 Oaks and Jenks Lake Area East to Onyx Summit.

Warning (voluntary, but be prepared to leave)

• North of Carter Street, west of Bryant Street, south of Highway 38, east of Garnet Street. Officials advised those who may need extra time to mobilize, along with those with pets and livestock, to evacuate now.
• Additionally, a travel warning remains in place advising visitors to postpone any trips to the Boig Bear area.

EVACUATION CENTER

• Cafeteria of the Redlands East Valley High School, 31000 E. Colton Ave. Redlands

ROAD CLOSURES (as of 10 a.m. Friday)

• Highway 38 is closed between Bryant St. to the south and Lake Williams Dr. to the north
• Topaz St. is closed at Bryant St. to eastbound traffic
• Juniper Ave. is closed at Bryant St.
• Ivy is closed at Bryant St.
• Fremont St is closed at north of Carter St.

CAUSE

The family behind the party where authorities say a pyrotechnic device was set off tried to put out the fire and called 911, but it was too late. They have cooperated with authorities, but Cal Fire spokesperson Captain Bennett Malloy says it's possible they could face misdemeanor charges:

HOW WE’RE REPORTING ON THIS

This is a developing story. We fact check everything and rely only on information from credible sources (think fire, police, government officials and reporters on the ground). Sometimes, however, we make mistakes and/or initial reports turn out to be wrong. In all cases, we strive to bring you the most accurate information in real time and will update this story as new information becomes available.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

For the latest information straight from local emergency officials, check the following websites and social media accounts:

• San Bernardino National Forest Twitter account
• El Dorado Fire incident page

FIRE RESOURCES

• Every Day Is Fire Season. Here's How Angelenos Can Prepare Right Now
• How To Find Out About Fire Evacuations In Your Area
• How To Keep Yourself Safe From Wildfire Smoke
• The Air Is Brown — Should I Wear A Mask?
• This Is Why Fire Officials Don't Want You To Stay And Defend Your Home
• What Does 'Containment' Of A Fire Mean, Exactly?
• What Does A 'Red Flag Warning' Mean, Exactly?
• What To Do — And Not Do — When You Get Home After A Wildfire
• How To Avoid Getting Towed During LA's Red Flag Parking Restrictions
• If You Want To Help Fire Victims, Resist The Urge To Volunteer

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