Officials worried about residents still in Green Valley Lake
As the Slide Fire began to surround Green Valley Lake, fire officials still couldn't coax some residents to leave the area, which now has them worried about possible fatalities in the enclave, which only has one way in and out from Highway 18.
"Some folks you just can't force them to leave," said Running Springs Fire Chief Bill Smith.
Earlier Monday, firefighters fought hard to try and keep the blaze at bay north of Green Valley Lake. However, 23 homes were destroyed and the fired burned to the east and to the south of the community, but as night fell the fire continued to spread.
The fire threatened to jump Green Valley Lake Road, the only road to and from the community from Highway 18. That threat forced the retreat of fire personnel from the area.
Fire officials still have no clear picture of what's happening in Green Valley Lake as of 1 a.m.