Fire at a glance (numbers)
- Incident Name:
- State:
- Lead Agency:
- Size (acres):
- Percent Contained:
- Estimate of Containment:
- Personnel:
- Structures Destroyed:
Holcomb, San Bernardino, NF. Three miles northeast of Big Bear, CA. Brush, short grass and timber. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area and trail closures in effect.
June 28, 2017 at 7:37 PM
The Holcomb Fire is being managed by the San Bernardino NF as a Type 3 incident (lower complexity than a Type 2)
Planned actions include: Continue to monitor for hotspots and continue wildfire suppression repair to dozer lines and roads.
June 26, 2017 at 7:26 AM
Southern California Incident Management Team 2 transferred command of the Holcomb Fire back to the San Bernardino National Forest as of 6:00 p.m. yesterday evening, with Michael Koontz serving as Incident Commander.
Approximately 329 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CAL FIRE, Big Bear Fire and other local agencies remain working to improve containment lines; and for fire suppression repair of roads, dozer and hand constructed fire lines, and complete backhaul of firefighting equipment.
Total area burned remains 1,503 with 91% containment. No growth is expected in the uncontrolled portion of the fire, located on steep slopes above Hwy 18. Visible smoke from interior smoldering may linger in the high desert. For more information on air quality visit the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District website: http://www.mdaqmd.ca.gov
Please be aware of fire equipment and personnel on Hwy 18. If you are traveling on Hwy 18 between Big Bear and Lucerne Valley please reduce speed for public and firefighter safety. Access to Jacoby Canyon (3N61) is closed from Hwy 18 to Holcomb Valley Road (3N16). Holcomb Valley Road East (3N16) is closed to Hepburn Mine (3N32) and Gold Mountain Road (3N69) remains closed. A section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Hwy 18 and Van Dusen Canyon Road remains closed.
June 25, 2017 at 8:41 AM
Southern California Incident Management Team 2 will be transferring incident command back to the San Bernardino National Forest as of 6:00 p.m. today with Michael Koontz serving as Incident Commander.
Acreage has been determined to be 1,503 due to more accurate mapping. Unexpected late afternoon thundershowers yesterday aided firefighting efforts; containment is now 91% on the fire. The highest priority is to protect the safety of fire personnel and to protect human life followed by the protection of private property and structures.
Over 600 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CAL FIRE, Big Bear Fire and other local agencies are working to contain the fire. As containment increases, fire personnel are being released and made available for other incidents nationwide.
June 24, 2017 at 8:24 AM
Rolling blackouts will continue in Big Bear Valley due to replacement of damaged transmission line poles. Highway 18 is open. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed and be alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on the road as firefighters continue to work in the area. Demobilization of excess resources will begin.
June 23, 2017 at 7:41 AM
Highway 18 is set to reopen today at 0600. Drivers are asked to reduce their speed and be alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on the road as firefighters continue to work in the area.
Firefighters manage to hold the fire to 1562 acres while battling warm temperatures and difficult terrain. Portions of the fire remain in steep slopes and resources continue to reinforce existing line. Hot spots will continue to burn within the interior of the fire perimeter. Smoke will be visible from these areas and along Hwy 18 in the oncoming weeks.
Firefighting efforts will benefit from lighter winds and increased humidity. Night shift will concentrate on improving hand line and monitoring hot spots, where safety permits.
Given the critically dry and receptive fuel types, residents and visitors should continue to be aware of fire conditions and be prepared if changes or new fire threatens the community. The public is being asked to call 9-1-1 if a new fire is spotted outside the perimeter.
June 22, 2017 at 9:47 AM
Today, access to the Big Bear City Transfer Station is open only for Big Bear Disposal and Big Bear City Community Service District vehicles. Normal residential refuse disposal will resume. The Transfer Station remains closed to the general public.
Firefighters continue to battle warm temperatures and difficult terrain while fighting the 1,540 acre Holcomb Fire north of Baldwin Lake in the Big Bear Lake area. The highest priority is to protect the safety of fire personnel and to protect human life followed by the protection of private property and structures.
Over 1,200 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CAL FIRE, Big Bear Fire and other local agencies are working to contain the fire. Southern California Incident Management Team 2 continues to be in control of the fire with David Kelly serving as Incident Commander.
Weather forecasts indicate heat will continue through Friday. Strong high pressure and winds are expected to develop into the afternoon and evening. Communities north of the greater San Bernardino area should be aware of increased smoke levels. Mojave Desert Air Quality Management has issued a health advisory near Phelan. More information available here: http://bit.ly/2sFceSy
Highway 18 remains closed between the Mitsubishi Cement Plant and Delta Avenue near Baldwin Lake. Please be aware of increased traffic on mountain highways due to the Highway 18 closure. Several forest roads including Van Dusen Canyon (3N09) and Holcomb Valley Road East (3N16) are closed, as well as a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Highway 18 and Van Dusen Canyon Road.
Given the critically dry and receptive fuel types, residents and visitors should continue to be aware of fire conditions and be prepared if changes or new fire threatens the community.
June 22, 2017 at 6:57 AM
No growth overnight.
Forest Service Investigators are asking for the public’s assistance to help establish the cause of the Holcomb Fire which started on Monday June 19, 2017.
Anyone who may have been in or around the area of the Pacific Crest Trail near Holcomb Valley Road north of Highway 18 or the Doble Trail Camp between 6:00 pm on Saturday June 17 and 3:05 pm Monday, June 19th, please call (909) 382-2699. All calls can remain confidential.
June 21, 2017 at 7:07 PM
Firefighters continue to battle hot temperatures and difficult terrain while fighting a 1,540 acre wildfire north of Baldwin Lake in the Big Bear Lake area.
Over 1,200 firefighters from the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, San Bernardino County, CALFIRE, Big Bear Fire Authority and other local agencies are working to contain the fire. Southern California Incident Management Team 2 has taken command of the fire, David Kelly is Incident Commander. Additional engines and crews will continue to arrive to augment existing firefighters.
Fire activity increased mid-day as temperatures again reached highs near 95 degrees. Continued high temperatures, minimal relative humidity’s and steep terrain continue to hamper firefighter efforts. Weather forecasts indicate the heat will continue through Friday.
Highway 18 remains closed between the Mitsubishi Cement Plant and Delta Avenue near Baldwin Lake. Please be aware of increased traffic on mountain highways due to the Highway 18 closure. Several forest roads including Van Dusen Canyon (3N09) and Holcomb Valley Road East (3N16) are closed, as well as a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Highway 18 and Van Dusen Canyon Road.
Residents and visitors should monitor the fire, and be prepared to leave if conditions change or if new fire threatens your community.
June 21, 2017 at 6:35 AM
Per San Bernardino NF: Little Growth on #HolcombFire overnight, 1,200 acres and 10% contained, 1,072 firefighters assigned incl. 66 engines, 24 crews, 6 dozers
June 20, 2017 at 9:07 PM
Fire compromised power lines causing power outage in the Big Bear Valley. There are currently 66 Engines, 6 Water Tenders, 29 Hand-crews, 6 Dozer, 4 Air Tankers, including tanker 911 (VLAT), 2 Air Attack, 9 Helicopters. Additional resources are continuing to arrive.
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 took command of the fire today.
June 20, 2017 at 5:37 PM
5:25 p.m. #HolcombFire Evacuation orders lifted for for 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sts. in Baldwin Lake. Rd closure at Hwy. 18/Paradise has been lifted. Hwy. 18 from Delta to Mitsubishi Plant remains closed. No evacuation orders in effect in BB at this time. Residents advised to always be prepared in the event of another wind shift.
June 20, 2017 at 3:49 PM
Mandatory Evacuations in the area of Holcomb Valley Rd./Hwy. 18 in Baldwin Lake. Hard closure @ Baldwin Lake/North Shore. Mandatory evacs are for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Streets @ Hwy 18 in Baldwin Lake only. Area residents advised to be prepared to leave immediately.
June 20, 2017 at 12:57 PM
There are currently 18 Engines, 9 Water Tenders, 16 Hand-crews, 1 Dozer, 8 Air Tankers, including tanker 911 (VLAT), 1 Lead Plane, 1 Air Attack, 6 Helicopters. The Night Flying Aircraft were in use overnight. Additional resources are arriving throughout the day.
No homes or businesses are being threatened, however Highway 18 remains closed between the Mitsubishi Cement Plant and Delta Avenue near Baldwin Lake. Several forest roads including Van Duesen Canyon and Holcomb Valley Road East are closed, as well as a section of the popular Pacific Crest Trail between Highway 18 and Van Duesen Canyon Road.
Two minor heat related injuries were reported during the initial attack phase of the firefight.
June 20, 2017 at 7:30 AM
Slight growth overnight. Smoke may impact areas of the High Desert. The SCAQMD has issued a Smoke Advisory for the High Desert area.
Roads Closures:
Highway 18 is closed between Delta Avenue north to the Mitsubishi Plant Road.
Van Duesen Canyon road
3N16 at 3N09
Holcomb Valley Rd East closed at Hwy 18
3N69 at Hwy 18
Hiking Trails Closures:
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Hwy 18 to Van Dusen Road
Campground Closures:
Doble Trail Campground
Tanglewood Group Campground
Evacuation Orders:
Currently there are no evacuation orders for the Holcomb Fire.
June 19, 2017 at 8:30 PM
SOUTH COAST AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT SMOKE ADVISORY
Issued Monday, June 19, 2017
This advisory is in effect through Tuesday morning. SCAQMD will issue an update if additional information becomes available.
A brush fire, named the Holcomb Fire, is burning northeast of Big Bear Lake in the Eastern San Bernardino Mountains. The burn area was estimated this evening to be over 850 acres and growing, with no containment. Winds are from the south and smoke is lofting deep in the atmosphere and moving to the north into the mountains and toward the high desert. Air quality may reach Unhealthy levels in areas directly impacted by smoke.
Areas of direct smoke impacts in the South Coast Air Basin and Unhealthy air quality will likely include: Portions of the Eastern San Bernardino Mountains (Forecast Area 38).
In any area impacted by smoke: Everyone should avoid any vigorous outdoor or indoor exertion; people with respiratory or heart disease, older adults, and children should remain indoors. Keep windows and doors closed or seek alternate shelter. Run your air conditioner if you have one and keep the fresh air intake closed and the filter clean to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. Avoid using a swamp cooler or whole-house fan to prevent bringing additional smoke inside. To avoid worsening the health effects of smoke, don’t use indoor or outdoor wood-burning appliances, including fireplaces.
June 19, 2017 at 7:06 PM
CA IMT2 (Kelly) has been ordered, with a tentative in brief tomorrow 1000 at Big Bear Discovery Center in Fawnskin. Transitioning at 1800.
June 19, 2017 at 6:55 PM
There are currently 18 Engines, 9 Water Tenders, 16 Hand-crews, 1 Dozer, 8 Air Tankers, including tanker 911 (VLAT), 6 Helicopters. The Night Flying Air-Attack has been ordered.
Road Closures:
Highway 18 is closed between Baldwin Lake Road north to the Mitsubishi Plant Road.
Van Duesen Canyon road
3N16 at 3N09
Holcomb Valley Rd East closed at Hwy 18
3N69 at Hwy 18
Hiking Trails Closures:
Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Hwy 18 to Van Dusen Road
Campground Closures:
Doble Trail Campground
Tanglewood Group Campground
June 19, 2017 at 6:20 PM
Big Bear Fire Dept: Holcomb Fire 850 acres moving Northeast to the desert. Holcomb Valley voluntary evacuation.
June 19, 2017 at 6:01 PM
Latest estimate puts the fire at 800 acres, burning towards Hwy 18 which it could reach in two hours.
June 19, 2017 at 5:30 PM
Pacific Crest Trail Association: The fire is burning north of Baldwin Lake near where the PCT crosses Highway 18 (PCT mile 266). The Pacific Crest Trail is nearby.
The Pacific Crest Trail is closed in the area.
June 19, 2017 at 5:06 PM
SB County Sheriff: Areas currently under evacuation are the dump, Baldwin Lake and, Tanglewood Campground
June 19, 2017 at 5:04 PM
Per a fire photographer: SBCOSD reporting there is a mine near the vicinity of the Holcomb Fire with active dynamite inside, alerting ICP.
June 19, 2017 at 4:59 PM
Air Attack estimates the fire at 500 acres.
June 19, 2017 at 4:46 PM
Per Big Bear Fire Department: Evac of Holcomb is currently voluntary.
Firefighters are being supported by 7 Airtankers, 6 six helicopters and Air Attack.
Current Weather:
85 degrees
10% relative humidity
wind is 5 mph from the Southeast, gusting to 23mph
June 19, 2017 at 4:06 PM
No structure threat or road closures at this time, per San Bernardino Natl. Forest. A total of 7 tankers ordered, including VLATs (Very Large Air Tanker)