Mandatory Evacuations Lifted As Fire Near Big Bear Lake Grows To 1,200 Acres

BIG BEAR LAKE (CBSLA.com) – The Holcomb Fire burning northeast of Big Bear Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest grew Tuesday to 1,200 acres, as several roads remained closed in the area and officials ordered mandatory evacuations.

The blaze, which broke out at around 3 p.m. Monday, was 10 percent contained as of  10:15 p.m. Tuesday, fire officials reported.

Mandatory evacuation orders were issued and then later lifted again for several residential blocks near Baldwin Lake. An evacuation center is available at the Big Bear Community Church, 40946 Big Bear Blvd. in Big Bear Lake. Animals can be taken to the Big Bear Animal Shelter.

More than 1,000 personnel from multiple agencies were battling the blaze on the ground and in the air. Nine water-dropping helicopters and four air tankers were being utilized.

Hot, dry conditions Tuesday were expected to continue to create challenges for firefighters. The fire was burning through chaparral and timber.

The following roads remained closed:

-- Highway 18 between Delta Avenue, north to the Mitsubishi Plant Road.
-- Van Duesen Canyon Road.
-- 3N16 at 3N09.
-- Holcomb Valley Rd East closed at Highway 18.
-- 3N69 at Highway 18.

The Pacific Crest Trail was closed between Highway 18 and Van Dusen Road.

The Doble Trail and Tanglewood Group campgrounds were also closed.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Two firefighters suffered minor heat-related injury, the U.S. Forest Service said.

The USFS Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team is in command of the firefight.