Pilot Fire Updates - Fire in San Bernardino Scorches Nearly 7,700 Acres; Evacuations Ordered; Schools and Roads Closed
Pilot Fire just 10 percent contained Tuesday evening with hundreds of fire fighters on the ground and on air to contain the fire. Cause of fire still unknown.
The Pilot Fire has intensified along the mountains of San Bernardino County. Authorities say that the fire has now ravaged nearly 7,700 acres and has caused massive evacuations in the area.
Around 375 homes and properties were affected and thousands of residents have been told to evacuate along the Summit Valley area as well as in Hesperia. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department and the U.S. Forest Service ordered the voluntary evacuation of more than 5,000 homes along the area.
The Pilot Fire was first reported Sunday noontime and by Monday night it has spread quickly and was only 10 percent contained by Tuesday. Although dry weather and brush were said to have strengthened the fire, the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
Bob Poole, spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service said that vegetation in the area was so dry and it could just take a small spark to start a huge blaze. Fire fighters by land and air have battled the Pilot Fire for days. 840 fire fighters with bulldozers, helicopters and air tankers are currently on the scene.
Reports also said that there were no structural damage to any homes or properties along the rugged area where horse ranches are located.
School districts forced to cancel classes
Classes in the Apple Valley Unified School District would remain closed according to authorities. The Hesperia Unified School District said that it will monitor the blaze but did not reveal when classes could resume. Classes in the Silver Valley Unified School District were also suspended and are expected to reopen soon.
Mandatory and voluntary evacuations and shelters
A mandatory evacuation order was given along Highway 173 towards Highway 138 going to Arrowhead Lake Road and at Hesperia Lake Place towards Highway 173. In Hesperia, homes from Santa Fe Avenue towards Lake Arrowhead Road received evacuation orders along with homes that are located south of Ranchero Road.
Voluntary evacuations were ordered for residents along north of Deep Creek Spillway, east of the Mojave River, west of the Kiowa Road and south of Rock Springs Road.
Shelters were opened at the Oak Hills High School courtesy of the American Red Cross. Animal shelters were also set up at the San Bernardino County Devore Animal Shelter.
Smoke advisory warnings
The Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District issued a smoke advisory warning along the Victor Valley as well as nearby areas. People who have pulmonary and cardiac diseases, older adults and young children were advised to reduce outdoor exposure. Other smoke advisories were also issued by the South Coast Air Quality Management District for people living in central San Bernardino Mountains.
