Wildfire In The San Gorgonio Wilderness Off Of Highway 38

Unfortunately, a large wildfire broke out in the San Gorgonio Wilderness this past Wednesday.  Presently the wildfire has grown past 10,000 acres and is continuing to grow.  Myself and two buddies from work, actually hiked the Vivian Creek Trail this past weekend, as part of our Mt. Whitney training.  Although the Vivian Creek Trail is on the opposite side of the mountain, from where the fire is currently burning, there area along the Vivian Creek Trail was the driest I had ever seen it. The fire has shut down Jenks Lake Road and is burning in that location, near the South Fork Trail. We actually have permits to hike the South Fork Trail this weekend, as part of our continued Mt Whitney Training. Given that all trails are closed for good reason, we will be on Mt. Baldy this weekend.  (Photograph credited to the Press Enterprise)

According to a Los Angeles Times Article: The fire began around 4:00 p.m. Wednesday near Jenks Lake Road, charring 50 acres near a cluster of summer camps operated by churches and the YMCA, according to the U.S. Forest Service. But the blaze, which is 5% contained, grew overnight, moving east as it consumed timber and threatening several structures. The San Bernardino National Forest received rain last Friday, but it was not enough to relieve dry conditions. The Lake fire quickly grew in the afternoon from 1,500 acres to 7,500 acres because of dry, windy conditions, said Anna Bribiescas, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Forest Service. By 7 p.m., the fire had spread to 10,000 acres, making it the largest blaze this year on the state’s national forests.  Fire officials have also ordered evacuations for areas east of Angelus Oaks, Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks and homes off of Rainbow Lane. Hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness area were closed because of the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail is also closed from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit. Jenks Lake Road has been shut down, and Highway 38 is closed between Angelus Oaks to Lake Williams.