Pilot Fire Grows in Silverwood Lake - Smoke Advisories, Evacuations and Closed Roads
San Bernardino Pilot Fire remains to be 0 percent contained; hundreds of firefighters on the scene as the fire rapidly ravages at least 1,500 acres.
A pilot fire has rapidly scorched areas located along Silverwood Lake in San Bernardino Mountains. The fire remains to be uncontrollable since it started Sunday night. It has now ravaged at least 1,500 acres and has prompted authorities to evacuate communities and close roads that were found near the area.
Pilot fire moving fast east of Silverwood Lake
Called Pilot Fire, the blaze started around 12:10 p.m. along Miller Canyon OHV in an area off Highway 138. This location is east of Silverwood Lake. In just a few hours, the Pilot Fire has doubled in size and has burned 1,000 acres. Fire fighters immediately rushed to the scene and tried to stop the uncontrollable blaze.
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Around 8:40 p.m., the fire remains to be 0 percent contained and has burned 1,500 acres. U.S. Forest Service representative Bob Poole said in an interview that evacuations have been started and road closures were in effect. These conditions have remained till Monday morning.
Around 400 fire fighters are currently in the scene. Reports say that there are 36 fire engines, 5 bulldozers, 8 helicopters and 8 air tankers are fighting the large blaze. Helicopters to douse the fire with water from the air work till night time to stop the Pilot Fire.
Evacuations announced
Evacuations along the areas of Summit Valley and east of Cedar Springs Dam were ordered. The Pilot Fire has ravaged remotely populated areas of the San Bernardino National Forest. There are no exact numbers yet on how many residents were affected by the Pilot Fire.
Areas located along the south side of 173 near Cedar Springs Spillway and Mojave Forks Park was also part of evacuation orders issued by the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
An evacuation center was set up at the Ranchero Middle School located at Ranchero Road, Hesperia. This evacuation center was set up by the American Red Cross Reception and Care Center. Large animals may be placed in a care center found in the San Bernardino County Fairground located at Seventh Street in Victorville.
Highways closed and smoke advisories
Highway 173 remains closed from Highway 138 and Arrowhead Lake Road. 138 from Highway 15 and 18 were reopened. South Coast Air Quality Management District has released a smoke advisory. The advisory covered areas of central San Bernardino Mountains and will be up till Monday.
Wildfire fueled by dry timber and brush
The Pilot Fire strengthened moderately and as the fire grew, columns of smoke were seen as far as Inland Empire. The fire was able to gain strength because of dry timber and brush found in the area according to Cal Fire.
