SB Fire & Wind Coverage

Geologists from Caltrans and the U.S. Forest Service are inspecting the damage from the Butler II Fire today.

Inspectors are climbing hillsides and looking at erosion and other factors that may lead to mudslides with the weekend's storm and the coming winter, said Caltrans spokeswoman Terri Kasinga.
"Their assessment is going to determine how long we keep the road closed," Kasinga said.
Highway 18 between Lake View Point and the Big Bear Dam, in an area known as the Arctic Circle, remains closed.

Posted by Melissa Pinion Whitt at 11:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A flash flood watch is in effect for the San Bernardino Mountains for this afternoon through Saturday morning, particularly around the Butler II Fire.
The National Weather Service said about a quarter to a half-inch of rain could fall on the mountains during that time.

Some mountain areas could see as much as 1 ½ inches of rain.
There's a 50 percent chance of showers today in the mountains and high winds will be blowing between 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. The chance of rain will increase by nightfall.
The rest of the Inland Empire will be cloudy this morning and some rain may fall today. There's a 70 percent chance of rain tonight and a 50 percent chance through Saturday afternoon, forecasters said.
Saturday night will remain cloudy, but no more rain is expected for the rest of the weekend.

Posted by Melissa Pinion Whitt at 8:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

FAWNSKIN - Weather was on the minds of firefighters remaining on the smoldering Butler II Fire this morning as high winds blew through the area and thick clouds prevented aircraft from attacking the blaze.
The 14,039-acre blaze is 93 percent contained. Fire officials had been expecting full containment of the fire today, but were now unsure because of the upcoming storm.
"The winds are still erratic and we're having gusts up to 15 mph," said U.S. Forest Service spokesman Justice Jones.

Fifty-three fire crews scrambled to reinforce existing containment lines and doused hot spots on the fire's interior including trees left standing.
Nearly 2,000 firefighters battled the blaze, but more were expected to be sent home today.
Drizzle fell and fog crept through the San Bernardino Mountains, prompting fire officials to urge crews to drive as slow as 10 mph through the area. A thick cover of clouds settled over the blaze.
"That's making air operations difficult, but that's not off the table," Jones said. "We're waiting to see what happens with the weather."
Firefighters working steep hillsides also took precautions to prevent falling on the rocks left slippery from the rain.
But for the first time in nearly a week, there was good news for Fawnskin. The mandatory evacuation was lifted Wednesday evening and the town was expected to be open to the public by 6 tonight, Jones said.
Winds expected to gust up to 35 mph on the ridgetops could create some problems on the northern end of the fire, but the wind was estimated to be about 4 to 15 mph everywhere else. Other than a few hot spots firefighters kept a close eye on, most of the blaze was smoldering this morning, Jones said.
"Hopefully this precipitation will help crews make progress," he said.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino County fire officials planned to visit Fawnskin residents this morning to prepare them for potential flooding from the storm. Informational fliers on what residents can do in case of flooding will be distributed beginning at 10 a.m., said Megan Blaney, spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Several firefighters left the San Bernardino National Forest on Wednesday, as crews moved closer to containing the Butler Fire 2 Fire.

However Rocky Opliger, incident commander and assistant chief of fire and aviation operations for the San Bernardino National Forest, told firefighters assembled for Wednesday evening's briefing that the blaze could be followed by additional fires in the coming weeks. "We're just at the beginning of fire season in Southern California. If you're not from Southern California, you probably don't believe that," Opliger said. "Wait for the Santa Ana winds to pick up, and you'll be back."

Last year, the deadly Esperanza Fire caused the deaths of five firefighters in October after an arsonist lit a blaze in Cabazon that was heavily fanned by Santa Ana winds. The massive Old and Grand Prix fires were also October blazes. Those fires raged in 2003.

-Andrew Edwards

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 8:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Firefighters wore coats and gloves as they prepared for Wednesday night's shift. Temperatures were down to about 50 degrees around 6 p.m. and expected to get lower.

As a predicted rainstorm approaches the San Bernardino Mountains, crews were advised to watch out for signs of hypothermia "You're not going to stay warm," incident commander Rockty Opliger told firefighters near the conclusion of the Wednesday evening briefing. "I know you're going to stay busy."

-Andrew Edwards

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 8:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Total acreage: 14,039

Containment: 93 percent. They are expecting 100 percent containment Thursday.

Injuries: Two firefighters suffered ankle injuries, one suffered a dislocated knee and one suffered a dislocated shoulder.

Buildings lost: Three outbuildings since the fire began

People under mandatory evacuation: 0. All voluntary and mandatory evacuations were lifted as of 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Cause: Under investigation

Firefighers and personnel: 1,997

Equipment: 12 fixed wing aircraft, 43 handcrews, 17 helicopters, 34 water tenders, 104 engines and 6 bulldozers

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 7:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A wind advisory remains in effect for the San Bernardino and Riverside county and for the Apple and Lucern valleys. It is expected to remain in effect until 11 a.m. Friday.

A strong low pressure system was expected to bring local gusty winds to portions of the mountains and deserts, according to a news release by the National Weather Service. A wind advisory means winds of 35 miles an hour were predicted and could make driving difficult.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 6:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With the lifting of the mandatory evacuations, the Inland Empire chapter of the American Red Cross will start to look toward packing up their evacuation center at Pine Summit Christian Camp in Big Bear Lake. But no time has yet been set for the closure until volunteers can assess the needs of the three families that have been regular guests at the shelter, said Yevette Ramos, director of development with the local chapter. They may close as early as Thursday morning, however, she said.

Since opening the shelters on Friday, 60 Red Cross volunteers worked to provide aid to some 60 affected members of the mountain communities. They served some 200 meals, and provided 50 comfort kits which include items such as soap and toothbrushes.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 6:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

All evacuations have been lifted in all the affected cities including Fawnskin, according to U.S. Forest Service officials. Highway 38 is also now open from the dam to the discovery Center to residents heading into the Big Bear area. But they must show proof of residency by providing officials a utility bill or driver's license with their current address.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 6:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CalTrans is posting bright orange signs around Fawnskin warning "Mud and debris flows possible below recent burn areas."
Authorities fear mud and rockslides within the town and along Highway 18 when the expected rain hits late Thursday.

Posted by George Watson at 4:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here on sbsun.com, we posted plenty of videos but there are plenty of other videos from the Butler II fire on youtube.com. Here are some samples.

Here are some other videos, including this one with aerial action from Europe...

and one more...

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 2:47 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(photo by LaFonzo Rachal Carter, The Sun)

Several large fire engines could be seen driving down Highway 330 away from the fire as fire commanders began sending crews home on Wednesday.

It was the larger type one fire engines that are used to battle structure fires that were being sent down the
mountain as threats to buildings around the fire area are diminishing.

"Almost all of the type-one engines will be gone by tonight," said Pete Jankowski, spokesman for the
fire management team.
- Andrew Edwards

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 2:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(photo by LaFonzo Rachal Carter, The Sun)

Homemade signs are popping up around Fawnskin to pay tribute to the firefighters efforts.
Wrapped around a wooden fence in front of a small house is a huge white board that reads "Special thanks to all emergency personnel".

Beneath a fire information map in the center of town is a wood carving that reads "Firefighters, God bless all of
you and keep you safe. Win or lose, you are our heroes!"
Sixteen people have signed their gratitude with black markers.
"We thank you so much for saving our little town. It means so much," said Bob Balsam, 60, of Fawnskin.
A line of fire engines drove by at that moment and Balsam eagerly waved. The firefighters honked in return.
Mike Conroy, 51, nodded his head in the firemans' wake and said, "The town is still standing thanks to them."

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 2:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Gold Pan Restaurant, which has remained open during the blaze to feed fire personnel, is serving bertween 80
to 200 meals per shift.
"I'm ready to put my feet up. Let me tell you," said Shaleigh Shanahan, 20, the manager.
The three member staff is working from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. in keeping with firefighters' shift changes.
Community donations have helped feed the firefighters but the owner, Barbara Aker, is paying the rest out of
pocket.
"They're here in our town. They're away from home and I'm here to take care of them," Aker said.

--Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 2:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Seven firefighters parked their engines at the Big Bear Lake north shore launching facility and are teaching themselves how to fish.
Since they do not start shift until 6 p.m. tonight they bought fishing rods from the local K-Mart and are enjoying
the beauty of the mountains. One of them even went swimming in the chilly water.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 1:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A Fresno fire engine is parked at the north shore launching facility, acting as the first step in a "water shuttle
operation."
They run a hose into Big Bear Lake and are able to fill water tenders as they roll through.
The water tenders then deliver the water to engines that are on the front lines.
"It's a lot faster than the water tenders could do themselves and it's a benefit to the city by not taxing the
water system," said Fresno Firefighter Dustin Simmons.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 1:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Firefighters continue to clear brush surrounding houses in Fawnskin even though they don't expect the fire will get
too close.
"Right now we're looking pretty good," said Marty Lee, engineer with a Lassen-based US Forest Service engine.
His crew was parked in the driveway of a brown two-story house off Highway 38, running hose lines through the
yard.
It's their third shift in four days and they've received no word of when they'll be going home.
But more importantly, Lee wants to remind mountain residents how important it is they keep brush at bay
themselves.
"Homeowners need to do their clearance," Lee said.
"We're going to try to save the structures that have the potential to be saved."

--Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Even if the fire is 100 percent contained by tomorrow, firefighters will still be hard at work.
There is a big difference between contained and controlled, warned fire officials.
"Even if we get a black ring around the whole fire, there's still a lot to do," said Lee Bentley, a member of the team managing the fire.
He estimated mop-up efforts - a term to describe the removal of remaining vegetation and dousing any remaining hot spots - to take up to a month.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Firefighters are pushing for more containment lines focusing along Highway 18 and the northeast side of the fire.

"Today could be a different ballgame," said Lee Bentley, a member of the Callifornia Interagency Management Team.

The goal is to back the fire about 100 feet away from containment lines, officials said.

About 20,000 gallons of water is expected to be dropped on the northside of the blaze, on a steep mountain that drops down into Lucerne Valley.

"It's a steep, rocky terrain and some areas are not accessible for hand crews," said Beth Goodman, a fire expert with the National Park Service.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:42 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The DC-10 air tanker will not be making anymore appearances on the Butler II Blaze.

"It helps to catch a large part of the fire, so we can get a handle on it," said Lee Bentley, a member of the California Interagency Incident Management Team.

The DC-10 has made a record-number of drops during this fire, including seven on Sunday when it dropped more than 77,000 gallons of retardant on the fire.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and fire officials wonder if they will ever know what started the blaze Friday afternoon.

"We may never know, " said Lee Bentley, with the California Interagency Incident Management Team. "Sometimes fires just happen like that."

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Strong winds could start blowing by 1 p.m. today.

Fire officials said the Butler II fire could be contained by Thursday if the winds do not spark erratic fire behavior.

Gust of 40 MPH are expected on the ridgetops on Wednesday night, and slopes could see 20-35 MPH winds.

"There's always a concern with the winds," said Lee Bentley, a member of the team managing the fire.

The winds could drive the fire, said Beth Goodman, a fire expert with the National Park Service.

Rain, which is expected to fall late Thursday, could help with fire prevention, but also cause rock and mudslides along Highway 18.

"It would help fire suppression, but there are also the environmental concerns it leaves for the town," Goodman said.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Voluntary evacuations in Lucerne Valley, Green Valley Lake, Running Springs and Arrowbear have been lifted. A manadatory evacuation remains for Fawnskin, where the fire is burning a 400 yards northeast of town.

Engines are still parked in the driveways of Fawnskin homes, ready to beat back flames if they creep into neighborhoods.

About 200 homes are still threatened in the Lucerne Valley area because the fire is burning on a ridgetop about the High Desert community.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

With 86 percent containment, many fire crews are being sent home or being dispatched to other fires.

"Personnell has gone down and it will continue to go down," said Lee Bentley, supervisor with the California Interagency Incident Management Team.

There are 2,346 personnel fighting the blaze today, which is down from more than 2,500 on Tuesday.

The fire is holding at just over 14,000 acres. The cost has jumped to $5,923,477.

"We're going home," said Fred Orsborne, an inicident management team member.

Equipment has also been downgraded. There are 164 engines, eight dozers, 28 water tenders and 17 helicopters working today.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

CHP officers working Highway 18 roadblocks around the Butler II Fire have been overwhelmed with cookies and gift bags from residents in the San Bernardino Mountains who wanted to give the officers a treat during their long shifts. Officer Jeremy Pursley said an officer working overnight Tuesday received so many items, he ran many of them up the hill to firefighters. The gift bags contained mostly food items such as sandwiches, bottled water, sodas and juice, Pursley said.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 6:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Staffers with Flood Control were scheduled to assess on Wednesday the risk of flooding in the Fawnskin area, particularly around Grout Bay. The plan was to post warning signs at properties where future rain storms could pose a flood risk.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 9:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Numbers for the Butler Fire II

Total acreage: 14,039 acres
Containment: 86 percent
Injuries: One firefighter suffered a minor injury Saturday.
Buildings lost: Three outbuildings since the fire began
People under mandatory evacuation: 1,200
Cause: Under investigation
Firefighters: 2,346
Equipment: 12 fixed wing aircraft, 17 helicopters, 69 hand crews, 8 bulldozers, 164 engines and 28 water tenders.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 9:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

As firefighters gain the upper hand on the Butler II Fire, relieved residents have begun to focus on other things. Connie Smalley-Parker of Fawnskin was looking for ways to thank firefighters who worked so tirelessly. Tuesday, afternoono, she painted signs that read “ Thank you firefighters” in red lettering.
“I figured a little bit of encouragement can't hurt,” she said.

Smalley-Parker said she was so confident in the firefighters abilities, that she decided to hold her ground and not evacuate. “We've got a lot of faith in these guys,” she added.

Other people were feeling bored. “I'd rather get into town where there is life,” said Tim McKinnon. He and fellow Fawnskin residents David and Michelle Keener all decided not to evacuate. But it has left the group with a lot of free time on their hands.

“What you see is what you get.,” Michelle Keener said. “It's pretty boring.”

- Andrew Edwards

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 6:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Containment of the Butler Fire II is now listed at 86 percent according to Tina Rose, spokeswoman for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Services. The new containment figures were released about 6 p.m.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 5:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

About 250 engines are still parked in 600 driveways in Fawkskin to ensure that the blaze doesn't destroy houses or property.
"Crews are preparing structure by removing brush, timber litter and other combustible materials," said Marc Peebles, a San Bernardino County Fire battalion chief in charge of strucutre protection.

-- Andrew Edwards

Posted by George Watson at 5:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A pirate ship that offers tours on Big Bear Lake cruised by firefighters near Dwane R. Boyer launching facility on the north shore of Fawnskin this afternoon and pretended to fire a cannon at them.
"It was hilarious," said Mike Nelsen, a division supervisor with the U.S. Forest Service.

-- Andrew Edwards

Posted by George Watson at 5:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The DC-10 Airtanker, which dropped a record 99,000 gallons on Sunday, continues to impress fire officials with how much it is able to help cut down the fire zone.
On Monday, the DC-10 released 22,312 gallons of red fire retardant. Other tankers dropped a combined 177,700 gallons on Monday.
Numbers for how many gallons the tankers dropped today were not immediately available.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by George Watson at 3:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The California Interagency Incident Management Team is working on a contingency plan on how to handle the storm when it hits midweek. They are running all possible scenarios, ranging from what to do if rock slides close Highway 18 to where equipment should be placed.
"The health and welfare of our firefighters comes first," said team member Frank Mosbacher. "But second, we need a plan in case a lot of rains comes. We need to know how to position equipment on Highway 18."

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by George Watson at 3:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A storm system unlike anything seen in more than 20 years may bring some of the coldest September weather starting Thursday, according to the National Weather Service news release. Showers are possible as is snow in the mountains at the 6,000-foot level and even water spouts could form in the waters off our coastal cities. NWS officials warn that the storm will be "quite cold for September" and will bring a possibility of thunderstorms.

The storm was developing over southwestern British Columbia, NWS officials said. It was expected to move south quickly to the bay area by Wednesday evening and them slowly makes it way through Central California before it slowly moves eastward across Southern California on Thursday night and lingering into Saturday. Strong winds were predicted to develop in the mountains and deserts Wednesday and Thursday.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 3:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U.S. Forest Service officials are afraid of what effect the blaze will have on 12 federally listed endangered plant speces and one endangered bird.
The southwest willow flycatcher is known to have a habitat in Holcomb Creek, an area where the fire has ripped through since Saturday.
Also threatened are the ash gray paintbrush plant, south mountain wild buckwheat, Bear Valley sandwort, California dandelion, San Bernardino bluegrass, bird-foot checkerbloom, slender-patalled mustard, parish's daisy, Cushenbury oxytheca, San Bernardino bladderpod, Cushenbury buckwheat and Cushenbury milk-vetch.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by George Watson at 3:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Senator Bob Dutton, R-Rancho Cuamonga just ended a 30-minute helicopter tour around the fire.

"I think it's important for me to have a visual of what the damage is and what resources are going to be necessary
to make sure people who live in the mountains will have their needs addressed," he said.

He said he is feeling "confident" about fire conditions, but is concerned about what challenges will
lie in the aftermath of the blaze.

Water quality will need to be assessed and the safety of Highway 18 has been compromised by exposed boulders and rolling debris. He credited Fawnskin residetns with being dilligent in clearing brush from their homes.

"We're very fortunate that people are learning," he said. "I think we're a lot better prepared today than we
were 10 years ago (for fire disasters)."

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Weather appears to be cooperating with firefighters. The winds are expected today out of the south at 6 to 12 mph and humidity levels remain low.

But the expected storm is front and center in the minds of the California Interagency Incident Management Team
that is supervising the Butler II Fire.

"Anytime there's a weather change, it's always a big concern to us, " siad Pete Jankowski.

When the storm hits, southwest winds are expected to blow up to 35 mph, which could encourage erratic fire behavior. That's why containment lines are the major focus of today's efforts.

"With that wind coming they're trying to get the enforced containment lines and continue to build in all
the areas they can," Jankowski said.

There's a small fear the storm could bring more dry lightning and firefighters are hoping for rain.

But even rain could deter efforts to beat the blaze down. The rain decreases mobility and makes it difficult for
fire crews to climb steep elevation.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The evacuation center has been moved to the Pine Summit Christian Camp at 700 Wren Drive in Big Bear Lake. The center housed 30 evacuees Monday night.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 12:11 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Structure protection engines are rolling down the mountain. Fourteen strike teams are going home today.
But fire personel have actually increased to 2,505, as more hand crews are brought in.
"At first there was a big need for structural engines," said Keith Jankowski, who is with the California
Interagency Incident Management Team. "Now there's more of a need for handcrews to go up."

The focus today is on enforcing and building new containment lines on the west side of the fire near Green
Valley Lake and the south side along Highway 18 and the Arctic Circle.
The north side of the fire has little containment and firefighters hope to reach that area late in the afternoon.
As of this morning, there were 68 handcrews, 250 engines, 12 bulldozers, 33 water tenders and 18 helicopters
hard at work.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. Officials know it started north of Highway 18 in the
same vicinity of the first Butler fire, but have not concluded their findings.

Some Fawnskin residents believe the blaze is due to the same lightning that sparked the first fire. The lightning
can stirke a tree's roots deep in the ground and smolder for long amounts of time before bursting into flames.

-- Stacia Glenn

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 11:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Thirty firefighters battled a house fire that spread into about a quarter acre of surrounding brush this morning.
The blaze at the corner of Edelweiss and Dorn drives was reported at 6:59 a.m., said California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Capt. Debbie Chapman.

One helicopter assigned to the Butler II Fire was diverted to the Crestline blaze, but it was unknown if it made any drops, Chapman said.
The blaze was under control in 20 minutes.
There were no reported injuries and the cause of the fire was under investigation.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 8:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Highway 18, in the area known as Arctic Circle, firefighters have been mounting an aggresive attack in an effort to keep the fire from backing down into the road. The concern is that if it does, you'll have a lot of debris coming down. Officials also worry that if they lose all that vegetation on those slopes, it's possible county officials will have to close Highway 18 through much of the winter and possibly into the spring because of concerns over run-off.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 7:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Butler II facts by 7:30 p.m Monday

Total acreage: 14,039 acres

People under mandatory evacuation: 1,200

Containment: 53 percent

Injuries: One firefighters suffered a minor ankle.

Number of buildings destroyed: Three outbuildings since the fire began

Evacution center: DownOne at Fawnskin, Big Bear High School

Cause: Under investigation

Equipment: 12 air tankers, 23 helicopters, 68 handcrews, 12 bulldozers, and 33 water tenders.

Firefighters: 2,505

Weather prediction for overnight: Crews are seeing a pretty cold night with temperatures in the '30s. The humidity is higher and is expected to climb to between 50 to 60 percent overnight . The winds are expected to decrease..

Sources: U.S. Forest Service

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

FEMA authorized the use of federal funds to help fire crews battle the Butler II Fire. A Fire Management Assistance Grant was approved at 1:29 p.m., on Saturday. The fire started at noon of September 14. At the time the request was made, the fire threatened hundreds of homes in Fawnskin, 6,000 homes in Lucerne Valley, and 150 businesses and recreational facilities in the surrounding areas, according to a news release by the agency. The authorization makes FEMA funding available to pay 75 percent of the state’s eligible firefighting costs under an approved grant for managing, mitigating and controlling designated fires.

Federal fire management assistance is provided through the President’s Disaster Relief Fund and is made available by FEMA to assist in fighting fires that threaten to cause a major disaster.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 6:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

A line of fire engines and crews from Orange, Santa Ana, Anaheim were sitting along Highway 38 just before Fawnskin watching over structures in the area as aircraft continue to make water and fire retardant drops just on the other side of a hill. No immediate threat has been determined.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 4:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Margaret Beed, an officer with the San Bernardino County Health office is warning those in and around the Butler II fire zone that smoky conditions can be hazardous to the elderly, those with heart conditions and those with asthma or other respiratory ailments. Beed urges anyone with a medical condition to keep five day supply of any needed medications on hand. Beed also advises people to consult their doctors, formulate a plan and stick to it.

Most residents should stay indoors if possible and check for a recirculation function an air conditioning units, according to a county health news release. Anyone who develops chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath or severe fatigue is advised to contact a doctor whether or not they have a pre-existing condition as smoke can "unmask" or cause these conditions.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 4:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Smoke from the Butler II fire has drifted all the way into Colorado and Wyoming, said John Miller, spokesman with U.S. Forest Service. A health advisory that had been issued in Las Vegas because of the smoke has been lifted.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 3:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The pilot single engine air tanker that was forced to make an emergency landing in a parking lot off of Fox Farm Road was not injured, said John Miller, spokesman with U.S. Forest Service. An warning light came on shortly after take off from the Big Bear Airport at 1:10 p.m. Shortly after that, the aircraft lost power. The pilot landed successfully but one of the landing gear's wheels collapsed, Miller said. Fire officials grounded other aircraft until they could determined what caused the air tanker to lose power, Miller said. They resumed air attack on the Butler II fire about 2:30 p.m.

Posted by Gina Tenorio at 3:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

U.S. Forest Service received a report of an air tanker that made a hard landing behind a Vons supermarket in Big Bear City about 1:30 p.m. There were no reports of injuries.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 1:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Firefighters are battling at least half a dozen small blazes along the Arizona state line.
One of the fires that was estimated to be about a quarter-acre burned on reservation land on the California side, said San Bernardino County fire dispatch supervisor Otto Schramm.
Fire officials received reports of the blaze on Dike Road about five miles south of Avi Road about 9:30 a.m. It was sparked by embers from other blazes on the Arizona side, Schramm said. Embers from the reservation fire then leapt over the Colorado River and started a blaze on the Arizona side.
The fire, which is burning in heavy vegetation, is being attacked by firefighters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Mojave and San Bernardino County fire departments. San Bernardino County sent a fire task force as a precaution, Schramm said.

Posted by Louis Amestoy at 1:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)