Bobcat Fire:  October 4, 2020 Update

Public Information:                         Angeles National Forest:               Twitter: @Angeles_NF

Phone: 626-539-5291                      www.fs.usda.gov/angeles            Facebook: @angelesnationalforest

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily                     

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpUytPCW8VokBFYPrO6qYg

Incident Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7152/              

INCIDENT INFORMATION

UNIFIED COMMAND: Angeles National Forest, CIIMT 11

Start Date: 9/06/2020

Location: Angeles National Forest

                  Azusa, CA

Size: 115,548 acres

Percent containment: 84%

Cause: Under Investigation

ASSIGNED RESOURCES:

Hand Crews: 9

Helicopters: 13

Engines: 29         

Dozers: 6

Water Tenders: 10

Total Personnel: 711

Structures Threatened:  6,000                                    Residence: Damaged 28 Destroyed 87

                                                                                    Other Str:  Damaged 19  Destroyed 83

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Overnight the fire activity was minimal with a few pockets of rollout that posed NO THREAT to the fire line. The Mt Wilson area continued to burn the dense internal fuel pocket in the Valley Forge and Falls Canyon areas. This interior island north of Mt. Wilson has been producing a large amount of smoke for the past few days and will continue to consume internal acres within the control fire lines. EXPECT MORE SMOKE TODAY. The containment line is not threatened with this internal burning.  Fire crews are staged in this area to monitor for spotting. Moisture in the air may cause the smoke to lay low and smoke plumes near Mt Wilson may be more visible in the peak heat hours. Crews on other divisions of the fire will be patrolling and monitoring for adverse behavior and potential spotting. Firefighters will be doing mop up and patrol operations where any heat pockets may be smoldering within the containment lines.

Please note that the number of residential and other structures damaged or destroyed may increase but are not a result of fire activity in the last week. The number of damaged and destroyed buildings may continue to rise as damage assessment teams continue to gather accurate data from properties spanning over 115,500+ acres.

WEATHER:

Temperatures will be a few degrees cooler but are still above average. Fuels continue to be very dry with low relative humidity recovery overnight. Winds are not expected to negatively affect the fire behavior today.

AFFECTED RESIDENTS:

For assistance, LA County residents can call 211 and make an appointment with the Local Assistance Center.  The center is located Palmdale High School Assistance Center but due to Covid-19 safety concerns, walk-ins are not permitted.  This center will be open until October 6th.  Property tax relief, cleanup, repair and rebuilding information, mental health resources and help with replacing lost or damaged legal documents are all available at this Center.  Please dial 2-1-1 to make your appointment.

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

EVACUATION ORDERS:

• Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.

• South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.

• Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway 39.

  EVACUATION WARNINGS:

• South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.

• South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.

• East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the River Community.

   

ROAD CLOSURES: 

• Big Santa Anita Rd (the Chantry road) is closed.

• Big Pines Highway is open but Big Rock Creek Rd remains closed.

• Highway 2 is closed from Big Pines to La Canada

• Angeles Forest Highway is closed from Aliso Canyon to Highway 2

• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd is closed.

• Highway 39 is closed above Old San Gabriel Canyon Rd.

   

FOREST CLOSURE

The Angeles National Forest Closure Order is in effect until October 8th for now. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.). 

Bobcat Fire:  October 3, 2020 Update

Public Information:                         Angeles National Forest:               Twitter: @Angeles_NF

Phone: 626-539-5291                      www.fs.usda.gov/angeles            Facebook: @angelesnationalforest

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily                     

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpUytPCW8VokBFYPrO6qYg

Incident Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7152/              

INCIDENT INFORMATION

UNIFIED COMMAND: Angeles National Forest, CIIMT 11

Start Date: 9/06/2020

Location: Angeles National Forest

                  Azusa, CA

Size: 114,963 acres

Percent containment: 84%

Cause: Under Investigation

ASSIGNED RESOURCES:

Hand Crews: 14

Helicopters: 13

Engines: 62         

Dozers: 8

Water Tenders: 13

Total Personnel: 936

                                                                                                                                                     Injuries: 6

Structures Threatened:  6,000                                    Residence: Damaged 28 Destroyed 87

                                                                                    Other Str:  Damaged 19  Destroyed 83

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Today’s fire behavior is expected to mainly consist of smoldering where heat exists within existing footprint. Most areas of the fire will consist of firefighters mopping up, patrolling and improving containment lines.

 An exception is an interior island northeast of Mt. Wilson. This area of the fire will continue to consume approximately 300 internal acres well within the fire control lines. This is not a prescribed burning operation but is a pocket of fire in difficult terrain that has been difficult for firefighters to access. Firefighters expect this pocket to burn on its own through the day. Crews are patrolling this area and monitoring for spotting and adverse behavior in the steep rugged terrain in this area. Heavy smoke may be visible during peak heat hours as this internal island of fuel burns.

Please note that the most recent numbers of residential and other structures damaged or destroyed have increased in today’s update but are not a result of fire activity in the last 5 days. The number of damaged and destroyed buildings may rise as damage assessment teams continue to gather accurate data from properties spanning over 114,900+ acres.

AFFECTED RESIDENTS:

For assistance, LA County residents can call 211 and make an appointment with the Local Assistance Center.  The center is located Palmdale High School Assistance Center but due to Covid-19 safety concerns, walk-ins are not permitted.  This center will be open until October 6th.  Property tax relief, cleanup, repair and rebuilding information, mental health resources and help with replacing lost or damaged legal documents are all available at this Center.  Please dial 2-1-1 to make your appointment.

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

EVACUATION ORDERS:

• Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.

• South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.

• Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway 39.

   

  EVACUATION WARNINGS:

• South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.

• South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.

• East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the River Community.

   

ROAD CLOSURES: 

• Big Santa Anita Rd (the Chantry road) is closed.

• Big Pines Highway is open but Big Rock Creek Rd remains closed.

• Highway 2 is closed from Big Pines to La Canada

• Angeles Forest Highway is closed from Aliso Canyon to Highway 2

• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd is closed.

• Highway 39 is closed above Old San Gabriel Canyon Rd.

   

FOREST CLOSURE

The Angeles National Forest Closure Order is in effect until October 8th for now. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.). 

Bobcat Fire:  October 3, 2020 Update

Public Information:                         Angeles National Forest:               Twitter: @Angeles_NF

Phone: 626-539-5291                      www.fs.usda.gov/angeles            Facebook: @angelesnationalforest

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily                     

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZpUytPCW8VokBFYPrO6qYg

Incident Information: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7152/              

INCIDENT INFORMATION

UNIFIED COMMAND: Angeles National Forest, CIIMT 11

Start Date: 9/06/2020

Location: Angeles National Forest

                  Azusa, CA

Size: 114,963 acres

Percent containment: 84%

Cause: Under Investigation

ASSIGNED RESOURCES:

Hand Crews: 14

Helicopters: 13

Engines: 62         

Dozers: 8

Water Tenders: 13

Total Personnel: 936

                                                                                                                                                     Injuries: 6

Structures Threatened:  6,000                                    Residence: Damaged 28 Destroyed 87

                                                                                    Other Str:  Damaged 19  Destroyed 83

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Today’s fire behavior is expected to mainly consist of smoldering where heat exists within existing footprint. Most areas of the fire will consist of firefighters mopping up, patrolling and improving containment lines.

 An exception is an interior island northeast of Mt. Wilson. This area of the fire will continue to consume approximately 300 internal acres well within the fire control lines. This is not a prescribed burning operation but is a pocket of fire in difficult terrain that has been difficult for firefighters to access. Firefighters expect this pocket to burn on its own through the day. Crews are patrolling this area and monitoring for spotting and adverse behavior in the steep rugged terrain in this area. Heavy smoke may be visible during peak heat hours as this internal island of fuel burns.

Please note that the most recent numbers of residential and other structures damaged or destroyed have increased in today’s update but are not a result of fire activity in the last 5 days. The number of damaged and destroyed buildings may rise as damage assessment teams continue to gather accurate data from properties spanning over 114,900+ acres.

AFFECTED RESIDENTS:

For assistance, LA County residents can call 211 and make an appointment with the Local Assistance Center.  The center is located Palmdale High School Assistance Center but due to Covid-19 safety concerns, walk-ins are not permitted.  This center will be open until October 6th.  Property tax relief, cleanup, repair and rebuilding information, mental health resources and help with replacing lost or damaged legal documents are all available at this Center.  Please dial 2-1-1 to make your appointment.

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

EVACUATION ORDERS:

• Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.

• South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.

• Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway 39.

   

  EVACUATION WARNINGS:

• South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.

• South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.

• East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the River Community.

   

ROAD CLOSURES: 

• Big Santa Anita Rd (the Chantry road) is closed.

• Big Pines Highway is open but Big Rock Creek Rd remains closed.

• Highway 2 is closed from Big Pines to La Canada

• Angeles Forest Highway is closed from Aliso Canyon to Highway 2

• Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd is closed.

• Highway 39 is closed above Old San Gabriel Canyon Rd.

   

FOREST CLOSURE

The Angeles National Forest Closure Order is in effect until October 8th for now. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.). 

October 2, 2020

CURRENT CONDITIONS:Overnight firefighters observed minimal fire activity and no fire growth. Isolated pockets of fire are still present in the Mt. Wilson area on the northern slope and firefighting priorities are to protect the observatory and communications sites there. Smoke from this area will remain visible and may make smoke plumes more prevalent in the afternoon as heavy fuels burn. This fire behavior is to be expected and firefighters are monitoring for spotting or adverse behavior in the steep rugged terrain.Forest restoration has begun as crews repair fire containment lines made by hand crews and dozers. This restoration will include adding water bars that protect roads by reducing erosion by directing water in specific areas during rain events. In addition, we are evaluating the habitat and status of protected plant and animal species in the burn area. Firefighters will also be removing hose, trash and equipment associated with fire activity.

WEATHER Fuels are very dry and combined with low humidity create a receptive environment for fire spread. Temperatures are expected to range between 78-96 degrees based on elevation. A Heat Warning is in effect until tonight at 8pm with temperatures expected to decrease over the weekend. Predicted humidity is between 10-18%. Light diurnal winds will continue in the upper elevations but are not expected to be a threat to fire spread.

AFFECTED RESIDENTS:For assistance, LA County residents can call 211 and make an appointment at the Palmdale HighSchool Assistance Center. All forms of assistance are available here.The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

EVACUATION ORDERS:
 • Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of LargoVista Road, and north of the forest.
 • South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.
 • Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway39.

EVACUATION WARNINGS:
 • South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.
 • South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles ForestHighway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.
 • East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the RiverCommunity.

ROAD CLOSURES:
 • - SR 2 between Angeles Forest Highway and a point 2.2 miles east of the junction withI210.
 • - SR 2 between Angeles Forest Highway to Big Pines.
 • - Angeles Forest Hwy, from Sierra Hwy to Angeles Crest Hwy.
 • - All roads leading into San Gabriel Canyon.
 • - Hwy 39 is closed north of Azusa (8.1 miles north of the junction with I10) to SR 2.
 • - Glendora Ridge Road, from Glendora Mountain Road to Mount Baldy Road.
 • - Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd, from Angeles Crest Hwy to Angeles Forest Hwy
 • - Chaney Trail, from Alzada Rd to Millard Canyon Campground
 • - Chantry Flats, Arno Drive to Forest Route 2N40
 • For more road closures visit: go.usa.gov/xGptF
 
FOREST CLOSUREThe Angeles National Forest has extended its temporary Forest Closure Order to October 8th.The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves,etc.).

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

• Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.

• South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.

• - SR 2 between Angeles Forest Highway and a point 2.2 miles east of the junction with I210.

• For more road closures visit: go.usa.gov/xGptF

The Angeles National Forest has extended its temporary Forest Closure Order to October 8th. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.).

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

CURRENT CONDITIONS:

Today firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines.  On the northwestern portion of the fire, crews are working from Highway 2 to Little Rock Reservoir constructing handlines and mopping up. Patrols continue along the northern portion of the fire to make sure communities are secure and staying alert for any potential new activity.  Heavy mop-up will continue northwest of Mount Wilson from Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd to Highway 2. In the northeast portion of the fire near Mount Waterman, mop up and patrol activities continue. The southern perimeter of the fire remains moderated and in patrol and mop-up status from Mt. Wilson around to Crystal Lake. On the south and east sides of the fire crews will begin the process of pulling hose and backhauling equipment.  They will also begin suppression repair work on contingency lines.
 

YESTERDAY

There was minimal fire growth yesterday and last night. Fire crews focused on strengthening containments lines, monitoring areas for spot fires, and looking for opportunities to attack the fire directly. Heavy mop-up occurred in the Mount Wilson area from Mt. Wilson Red Box Rd to Highway 2. Crews continued to monitor, patrol, and clean up the Pinon Ridge area to secure containment lines. Firefighters monitored fire activity near the Manzanita Trail and found opportunities to fight the fire directly with the assistance of aviation assets. For the past few days, fire activity on the eastern side of the fire has moderated on the northern portion of the Highway 39 corridor to the San Gabriel Reservoir.

WEATHER

Strong high pressure anchored over the west will maintain hot and dry conditions over the region with much above normal temperatures at least through Friday. Temperatures will peak near 100 degrees over the lower elevations of the fire tomorrow and Thursday before a slight cooling trend begins over the weekend. Humidity in the low teens with poor overnight R/H recovery will continue for the next several days. A mostly light diurnal wind pattern will prevail at the lower elevations of the fire with light north-northeasterly winds over the upper elevations for the next few days. A Heat Advisory has been extended through 8pm Friday for the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounding areas.

EVACUATION ORDERS:

• Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.

• South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.

• Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway 39.

   

  EVACUATION WARNINGS:

• South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of 263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.

• South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.

• East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the River Community.

ROAD CLOSURES:  

• - SR 2 between Angeles Forest Highway and a point 2.2 miles east of the junction with I210.

• - SR 2 between Angeles Forest Highway to Big Pines.

• - Angeles Forest Hwy, from Sierra Hwy to Angeles Crest Hwy.

• - All roads leading into San Gabriel Canyon.

• - Hwy 39 is closed north of Azusa (8.1 miles north of the junction with I10) to SR 2.

• - Glendora Ridge Road, from Glendora Mountain Road to Mount Baldy Road.

• - Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd, from Angeles Crest Hwy to Angeles Forest Hwy

• - Chaney Trail, from Alzada Rd to Millard Canyon Campground

• - Chantry Flats, Arno Drive to Forest Route 2N40

•  For more road closures visit: go.usa.gov/xGptF

   

FOREST CLOSURE

The Forest Service has extended its temporary Regional Forest Closure Order to Sept. 30th. Forests included in this closure are: Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres, San Bernardino, Inyo, Sequoia, Sierra, Klamath, and Six Rivers. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.). 

SAFETY:

• A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. Visit Know Before You Fly: knowbeforeyoufly.org.

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at 800-675-5799.

Effective at 8:00 a.m. today, the Evacuation Warning for the community of Wrightwood has been lifted and residents may return home.  Please use caution for emergency personnel still working in the area.

News articles on the Bobcat Fire:

 https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/147324/bobcat-fire-scorches-southern-california
 
 https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-east/wildfires/2020/09/07/fast-moving-fire-consumes-at-least-1-000-acres-in-angeles-national-forest?cid=id-app15_m-share_s-web_cmp-app_launch_august2020_c-producer_posts_po-organic
 
 https://abc7.com/mt-wilson-observatory-thanks-firefighters-who-helped-save-it/6631708/
 
 

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