San Gabriel Complex

San Gabriel Complex, (2 fires). Angeles NF.  Includes previously reported Fish and Reservoir fires.

July 10, 2016 at 9:47 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex remains the same at 5,399 acres (1,146 acres for the Reservoir Fire with 96% containment and 4,253 acres for the Fish Fire and 96% containment). 308 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 11 engines, 8 handcrews, 7 water tenders, 2 bulldozers, and 8 helicopters. The containment will stay the same as crews continue to patrol and mop up.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team has been ordered for the San Gabriel Complex. BAER is the rapid assessment of burned watersheds to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural resources or cultural resources on affected lands. Fires result in loss of vegetation, exposure of soil to erosion risks, and increased water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, debris flows, or damage to critical natural and cultural resources.

June 29, 2016 at 8:31 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex remains the same at 5,399 acres (1,146 acres for the Reservoir Fire with 96% containment and 4,253 acres for the Fish Fire and 88% containment). 337 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 10 engines, 8 handcrews, 10 water tenders, 7 bulldozers, and 8 helicopters.

Highway 39 will re-open at 6:00 p.m. today, June 29, 2016.

The Reservoir and Fish Fires began on June 20th as separate incidents. The cause of the Reservoir Fire was due to a vehicle crash with a fatality while the cause of the Fish Fire is still under investigation. The fires were burning in fuel that was 7 – 10 years old with 6 to 8-foot chaparral and large grass crop. The Reservoir Fire grew that first day to 1200 acres. The Fish Fire grew to 3700 acres and threatened homes. Initial concerns ware that the two fires would merge into one fire. Fire crews established and provided for structure defense. No homes or structures have been damaged.

At the height of the fire, 1376 homes were evacuated. The American Red Cross established an Evacuation Center and 1460 staff from multiple local, state and federal agencies worked to protect property and suppress the fire. Road closures were in place and law enforcement patrolled for security while firefighters worked through the night to contain the fire. A town hall event was held in Duarte June 22 to answer questions and assure residents of the commitment of staff to this community.

There was a threat to the communities of Duarte, Bradbury, Azusa, Monrovia, Mountain Cove, Sunnnydale and Mt. Olive. Risks existed for the power grid in the San Gabriel Valley, nesting bald eagle habitat, Santa Ana Sucker Habitat, San Gabriel watershed and adjacent reservoirs that provide drinking water to Azusa and Duarte.

The Southern California Interagency Management Team 3 will transition the management of the fire to a Type III Incident Management Team tomorrow, June 30, 2016 at 6 a.m.

June 28, 2016 at 10:50 AM 

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex remains the same at 5,399 acres (1,146 acres for the Reservoir Fire with 72% containment and 4,235 acres for the Fish Fire and 86% containment). 481 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 7 engines, 14 handcrews, 15 water tenders, 6 bulldozers, and 8 helicopters.

For the San Gabriel Complex Progression Map

For the San Gabriel Complex Pubic Information Map

For the San Gabriel Complex Operations Map
Heat remains an issue for the San Gabriel Complex and surrounding ares. and heat continues to be an issue for the fire area.

Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day. Fire restrictions are in effect and Angeles National Forest Order No. 01-16—04 is in effect regarding the use of campfires, smoking, firearms and welding.

Highway 39 remains closed at old San Gabriel Road due to ongoing fire activity, hazards remaining on the road including falling debris and crews performing mop up and patrol operations.

Firefighters have been transported by helicopter to remote sites to continue fire suppression in areas that are difficult to access. Crews working on the Fish and Reservoir Fires continued direct fireline construction, mop up and patrolled activities.

Handcrews successfully accessed the fires edge in the steep and rugged terrain on the northeast edge of the Fish Fire. Crews continue to build direct fireline and reinforce existing line. Hotshot crews are one of the few fire fighting units capable of this task. By posting lookouts and observing fire behavior, they were able to successfully complete this mission safely. This action provided additional security to the homes in the area.

Hotshots bring a high level of fitness and expertise to wildfire management. They are highly mobile and trained to be self-sufficient with their own vehicles and gear and specialized firefighting tools. Some crews will continue to remain on the fireline this evening spending the the night in place. This is refered to as “spiking out” or “coyote tactics.” These crews are self-sufficient and capable of staying in the field un-supported for up to 3 days.
Fire crews have begun repair and conduct fireline repair work across several sections of both the Fish and Reservoir fires. Fire Suppression Repair, includes a series of immediate post-fire actions to repair damages and minimize soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression. These actions usually begin before the fire is fully contained, and before the demobilization of the Incident Management Team. This work repairs the fire lines created by crews and dozers, and repairs or rehabs the roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points established or used during fire suppression efforts.
While firefighters make the final push towards containment of the fire, they must fulfill another important task. Firefighters will be removing equipment in the field that is no longer needed and return items as suppression activities continue to wind down. The list of equipment that must be retrieved includes; hose, pump kits; generators; chainsaw kits; collapsible water tanks; and smaller items such as hose fittings and nozzles. To gather these items, firefighters will GPS the location of equipment and then crews are sent out to backhaul these items. Equipment must then cleaned, repaired, and organized to be ready for the next incident.
When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. On the San Gabriel Complex­­, an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges. Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face charges­­­. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!­”

June 25, 2016 at 7:29 PM

A drone shut down air operations on the San Gabriel Complex this afternoon. Air operations have resumed. Law enforcement has been notified.

June 25, 2016 at 9:22 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex is now 5,285 acres (1,200 acres for the Reservoir Fire with 48% containment and 4,085 acres for the Fish Fire and 48% containment). 1060 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 79 engines, 26 handcrews, 14 water tenders and 10 bulldozers, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Fireworks are illegal on public lands: every forest, every campsite, every day.

All evacuations for the San Gabriel Complex have been lifted. The American Red Cross evacuation center has been closed.

June 24, 2016 at 8:02 PM

A Red Flag Warning will remain in effect until Saturday at 6 a.m.

All evacuations for the San Gabriel Complex have been lifted. The American Red Cross evacuation center has been closed.

Due to the power loss in Azusa Canyon, small water systems in the canyon are under a “Boil Water” order. This order was issued by Los Angeles County Public Health Department as a precautionary measure to ensure that the water distribution systems do not have bacterial contamination. Water need to be boiled for 1 minute at a rolling boil before use. This order will be lifted after water passes two test that show there is no bacterial contamination. This order is applicable to all small water systems in Azusa canyon with the exception of Camp Williams.

Handcrews successfully accessed the fires edge in the steep and rugged terrain above Spinks Canyon Road. Crews were able to build direct fireline and reinforce existing line. Hotshot crews are one of the few fire fighting units capable of this task. By posting lookouts and observing fire behavior, they were able to successfully complete this mission safely. This action provided additional security to the homes in the area. Hotshots bring a high level of fitness and expertise to wildfire management. They are highly mobile and trained to be self-sufficient with their own vehicles and gear and specialized firefighting tools.

On the eastern edge of the Fish Fire, firefighters have continued to make significant progress. Some crews spent the night in place. This is refered to as “spiking out” or “coyote tactics.” These crews are self-sufficient and capable of staying in the field un-supported for up to 3 days. With today’s break in the weather, and utilizing appropriate tactics, firefighters are expected to make additional progress.

Last night firefighters will continued to monitor and hold existing fireline. Throughout the night with wind shifts expected, safety is a primary concern. Structure defense will continue. With cooler temperatures and higher humidity, crews were able to make good progress.

Fire restrictions are in effect and Angeles National Forest Order No. 01-16—04 is in effect regarding the use of campfires, smoking, firearms and welding.

June 24, 2016 at 7:09 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex is now 5267 acres (1200 acres for the Reservoir Fire and 4067 acres for the Fish Fire). Containment is at 30%. 1256 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 117 engines, 28 handcrews, 5 water tenders and 7 bulldozers, helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Handcrews successfully accessed the fires edge in the steep and arduous terrain above Spinx Canyon Road. Crews were able to build direct fireline and reinforce existing line. Hotshot crews are one of the few fire fighting units capable of this task. By posting lookouts and observing fire behavior, they were able to successfully complete this mission safely. This action provided additional security to the homes in the area.

Tonight firefighters will continue to monitor and hold existing fireline. Throughout the night with wind shifts expected, safety is a primary concern. Structure defense will continue. With cooler temperatures and higher humidity, crews are hoping to make good progress.

Residence of Mountain Cove, Azusa were escorted in and out of the area in groups of 10 vehicles by the Azusa Police Department pending fire conditions. Residents should wait at Ranch Rd. while awaiting escorts.

Some of residents who live in the Las Lomas area of the city of Duarte were be able return to their homes. This included those who evacuated from the streets of Vineyard Avenue up to Willowglen Drive, Las Lomas Road up to Willowglen Drive, and Woodbluff Avenue to Starpine Drive.

This will be residents with ID only. Deputies will be checking identification to see if people traveling through the area reside in the above listed areas.

Residents in the Las Lomas area in the city of Duarte who live north of Willowglen Drive are still under evacuation.

Residents of the Mesa Area in the city of Duarte are still under evacuation. This includes residents who live on Mount Olive Drive north of Woodlyn Lane, Spinks Canyon, Rim Road, Golden Meadow Drive, and High Mesa Drive.

Deputies will no longer check Identification of those traveling through the Brookridge area. This includes residents who live North of Royal Oaks Drive, East of Green bank Avenue, and West of Encanto Parkway.

Small pets, such as dogs, cats, etc. can return home with you.

June 23, 2016 at 9:53 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex is now 5235 acres (1200 acres for the Reservoir Fire and 4035 acres for the Fish Fire). Containment is at 15%. 949 personnel are currently engaged on these fires to including 55 engines, 23 handcrews, 5 water tenders and 9 bulldozers, 13 helicopters and fixed wing aircraft.

Last night crews continued to improve the perimeter around structures­­­­ and mop up where needed. Additional firefighters will look for opportunities to go direct. Crews continue to patrol and hold the line along Highway 39.

Residence of Mountain Cove, Azusa will be escorted in and out of the area in groups of 10 vehicles between the hours of 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and again from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. by the Azusa Police Department pending fire conditions. Residents should wait at Ranch Rd. while awaiting escorts.

At 12:00PM, some of residents who live in the Las Lomas area of the city of Duarte will be able return to their homes. This includes those who evacuated from the streets of Vineyard Avenue up to Willowglen Drive, Las Lomas Road up to Willowglen Drive, and Woodbluff Avenue to Starpine Drive.

This will be residents with ID only. Deputies will be checking identification to see if people traveling through the area reside in the above listed areas.

Residents in the Las Lomas area in the city of Duarte who live north of Willowglen Drive are still under evacuation.

Residents of the Mesa Area in the city of Duarte are still under evacuation. This includes residents who live on Mount Olive Drive north of Woodlyn Lane, Spinks Canyon, Rim Road, Golden Meadow Drive, and High Mesa Drive.

Deputies will no longer check Identification of those traveling through the Brookridge area. This includes residents who live North of Royal Oaks Drive, East of Green bank Avenue, and West of Encanto Parkway.

Small pets, such as dogs, cats, etc. can return home with you.

All other evacuations remain in effect.

We still have approximately 69 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel deployed at the fires with 33 deputies securing the evacuated areas.

No livestock, large vehicles, such as RVs, horse trailers or other oversized vehicles will be allowed into the area for at least 24 hours. Fire vehicles will still be in the area. All other evacuations remain in effect.

The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at the Duarte Community Center located at 1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010 or call (626)357-7931. The Red Cross Shelter housed 21 people overnight at their Evacuation Shelter.

June 22, 2016 at 10:26 AM

Los Angeles County Firefighters and Sheriff’s Deputies, along with many other police agencies, organizations, and volunteers continue to battle the San Gabriel Complex Fire.

We are happy to announce, SOME residents in the City of Duarte will be able to return to their homes.

Residents in the BrookRidge Area will be able to return home today at 12:00PM (Noon).

Those who live North of Royal Oaks Drive, East of Green bank Avenue, and West of Encanto Parkway, in the City of Duarte will be able to return home.

This will be residents with ID only.

No live stock will be allowed back into the area for at least 24 hours after the population of residents.

No large vehicles, such as trailers, RV’s, horse trailers or other oversized vehicle will be allowed into the area.

Fire Officials still have large vehicles traveling along those streets and require adequate space to travel.

Small pets, such as dogs, cats, etc. can return home with you.

All other Evacuations remain in effect.

There will be a community meeting at 7PM at the North View Intermediate School in the cafeteria, located at 1401 Highland Ave, Duarte, CA 91010.

Evacuations and repopulation and other concerns will be addressed.

The following information is the most current available from the Unified Command:

We still have approximately 80 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel deployed at the fires with 44 deputies securing the evacuated areas.

858 homes have been evacuated. This includes 326 homes in the city of Azusa.

Out of those evacuated, Approximately 534 homes will be able to return home.

In the city of Duarte, the evacuated areas include north of Royal Oaks Drive, West of Tocino Drive, and East of Mount Olive Road. Evacuations in this area are still in effect.

In the city of Bradbury our major area of concern continues to be the hillside of Bradbury residential area. We currently have Deputies on patrol on “fire watch” to assist in spotting fire in case the wind shifts towards this residential area.

There are no other mandatory evacuations required at this time. However, that can change based on the conditions of the fire.

We ask that the residents of Bradbury and the north east residential areas of Monrovia prepare for evacuations in the event they become necessary. They are not needed at this time.

If additional evacuations become necessary, you are reminded to bring medications, important documents, and emergency supplies in case you are away from your residence for a prolonged period.

Those city residents who have been evacuated are asked to seek shelter at the Duarte Community Center located at 1610 Huntington Drive in the city of Duarte.

Small animals can also be taken to the Community Center. The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control has temperature controlled trailers at the location for pets.

Large animals and livestock can be taken to The Fairplex in Pomona, 1101 W. McKinley Avenue – Gate 12 Pomona, Ca.

Reservoir Fire:

The Sheriff’s Department has evacuated a total of 69 people from the areas of Camp Williams, Heater Flats, Burro Canyon, Crystal Lake, and Cold Brook.

No additional evacuations are necessary at this time.

With the assistance of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the following mountain roads are closed:

– Glendora Mountain Road at Big Dalton Road

– Glendora Ridge Road at Mount Baldy Road

June 22, 2016 at 7:55 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started the morning of June 20, the Reservoir Fire and the Fish Fire. Combine acreage for the complex is now 4900 acres (1200 acres for the Reservoir Fire and 3700 acres for the Fish Fire). Both fires are 10% contained. 1404 personnel are currently engaged on these fires including handcrews, engines, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, bull dozers, and water tenders.

A cooling and moistening trend is expected over the San Gabriel Complex today due to increase on shore flow. A notable change for today will be stronger winds. Gusts up to 20-25 mph will be possible this afternoon and evening.

Last night crews continued structure protection along the south perimeter, hand crews will hold and improve fire perimeter and patrol along Highway 39 and scout and look for opportunities to build indirect dozer lines along the Red Box Road.

Fire restrictions are at Very High and Angeles National Forest Order No. 01-16—04 is in effect regarding the use of campfires, smoking, firearms and welding.

The mandatory evacuations have been placed in parts of the city of Duarte and in the national monument still remain in effect. The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at the Duarte Community Center located at 1600 Huntington Drive, Duarte, CA 91010 or call (626)357-7931. The Red Cross Shelter housed 35 people overnight at their Evacuation Shelter. As of mid-day today (6-21) there are 24 registered residents. The numbers are expected to change throughout the event. The Shelters provide a safe place to stay, information, meals and health services for anyone affected by the fire.

When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. On the San Gabriel Complex­­, an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges.

Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face charges­­­. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!­”

Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety. Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

June 21, 2016 at 10:27 AM

The San Gabriel Complex consists of 2 fires that started yesterday morning, the Reservoir Fire is currently 2400 acres and the Fish Fire is 3000 acres. Both fires are 0% contained. 610 personnel are currently engaged on these fires including handcrews, engines, helicopters, fixed wing aircraft, bull dozers, and water tenders.

Red Flag and excessive heat warning remain in effect.

Fire restrictions are at Very High and Angeles Nation Forest Order No. 01-16—04 is in effect regarding the use of campfires, smoking, firearms and welding.

When drones interfere with firefighting efforts, a wildfire has the potential to grow larger and cause more damage. On the San Gabriel Complex­­, an FAA Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect and any private aircraft or drone that violates the TFR could face serious criminal charges.

Even without a TFR, anyone who hampers firefighting efforts could face charges­­­. For more information on drones the public can visit the FAA’s website at www.KnowBeforeYouFly.org. “If you fly, we can’t!­”

Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety. Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

The San Gabriel Complex is under unified command, Mike Wakoski commanding with Los Angeles County, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department. Assisting agencies include Arcadia Fire Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff, Arcadia Police Department, Southern California Edison, Caltrans, Los Angeles County Public Works, American Red Cross, Los Angeles County Health Department and California Office of Emergency Services.