Big Bear Fire Map: Gold Fire Burns Over 1,000 Acres

BIG BEAR, CA — A fire that broke out Monday in the Big Bear area has scorched 1,079 acres with 15% containment as of Friday morning.

"A warming trend will intensify through Thursday and Friday, with very low afternoon humidity and poor overnight recovery. Expect typical southwest winds each afternoon and evening, with strong gusts over ridgetops and desert-facing slopes. Nighttime conditions will be warmer and drier on slopes, and cooler in valleys and drainages," Cal Fire reported in the latest Situation Summary report.

Management of the fire will transition Wednesday evening to the California Interagency Incident Management Team 6.

"Fire progression has slowed, allowing firefighters to take more direct action. Ground crews and aircraft will concentrate efforts on the northeastern flank, constructing handline and utilizing dozers where terrain allows. The area remains steep, rugged, and unstable, presenting challenging footing. Firefighters continue to prioritize safety while making effective progress," they said.

The non-injury fire forced the mandatory evacuation of Big Bear's Holcomb Campground located on Holcomb Valley Road, and the Pinnacles Climbing Area. Stay current on evacuation orders here.

There are no reports of structure loss, though several forest service roads were closed throughout the firefight.

The Gold Fire was first reported at 9:23 a.m. Monday off John Bull Flat Spur, north of Big Bear Lake.

The blaze is under the unified command of the U.S. Forest Service and Cal Fire/San Bernardino County Fire Department.

The Gold Fire is not the only significant mountain blaze burning in the Inland Empire. Further south in Riverside County, the Rosa Fire has forced mandatory evacuations and shut down a highway. Click here for updates.