Crime & Safety

Mountain Fire Containment Pushed Back to Tuesday, Cost Now $25.2 Million

Reported by Patch editors Guy McCarthy and Renee Schiavone

The date for full containment of the 43-square-mile Mountain Fire burn area near Idyllwild has been pushed back to Tuesday July 30, Forest Service officials said Friday.

There were 146 personnel, including a Burned Area Emergency Response team, and mountain watersheds scorched by the blaze were considered 92 percent contained as Friday afternoon, according to John Miller of the San Bernardino National Forest.

The total estimated cost of fighting the fire and dealing with its aftermath had cost $25.2 million as of July 26, Miller said.

The fire, which broke out Monday July 15 due to an electrical equipment failure on private property destroyed 23 structures, including seven homes, according to the Forest Service.

"Fire crews are continuing to improve fireline and extinguishing hot areas close to the fire’s edge," Miller said in the Friday update. "Extreme terrain at the northwest corner of the fire perimeter is hampering fireline construction, and as a result, the fire containment date is now Tuesday, July 30th."

Residents and visitors may still see smoke toward the north end of the fire, due to heavy fuels burning within the perimeter of the fire. The burn area Friday was estimated at 27,531 acres, or just over 43 square miles.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team was assessing the Mountain Fire burn, Miller said.

"The BAER team will assess the fire damage and determine if immediate actions are necessary," Miller said. "Actions may include work to help stabilize soil; control water, sediment and debris movement; prevent impairment of ecosystems; mitigate significant threats to health, safety, life property and downstream values at risk."

Closures:
  San Bernardino National Forest Closure orders 13-8 and 13-9 remain in effect for the San Jacinto Ranger District. The Pacific Crest Trail and associated connecting trails are closed. Humber Park is still closed. Mt. San Jacinto State Park is closed in all areas except for Idyllwild State Campground and Stone Creek Camp Grounds.

Open
:  Idyllwild and Pine Cove businesses are open.  Lake Hemet store and campground is open.  The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is open.  All areas west of State Routes 243 and 74 are open.

For previous Patch coverage of the Mountain Fire click the following links:

Cause of Mountain Fire Determined, Electrical Equipment to Blame

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