What's Burning In The Inland Empire: 2,000+ Acres Scorched In Area Mountains

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Firefighters continue to battle brush fires burning across the Inland Empire on Friday. Here's the latest information on the Rosa and Gold Fires.

The Rosa Fire:

The Rosa Fire, which erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest between Anza and Pinyon Pines, has burned 1,690 acres and was 40, percent contained Friday, according to Cal Fire. Full containment of the blaze was expected by Sunday, according to the Incident Command. Evacuations and evacuation warnings remained in place as firefighters battled the blaze burning east of Temecula.

Evacuation shelters have been set up at the Anza and Palm Desert community centers. Animal evacuation shelters are in operation at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus and San Jacinto Animal Shelter

Read also: 66 Animals Evacuated From Fires Burning In RivCo

Residents in the Rosa Fire evacuation warning zones were allowed to access their property late Wednesday, through a checkpoint on Highway 74 and the Art Smith Trailhead, Cal Fire reported. Proper identification was required.

"If conditions intensify, this soft closure will be changed back to a hard closure," they advised. "All evacuation order zones remain in effect."

On Thursday, the incident command released a further update.

"Last night, the crews continued to make good progress," Cal Fire stated. "Today, fire crews will continue to construct and strengthen existing containment lines." Factors that firefighters are dealing with include a heat advisory with relative humidity that is expected to be in the single digits and steep terrain.

"The fire continues to hold within the established containment lines. Pockets of unburned fuels may burn within the interior portions of the fire. Please drive carefully as emergency personnel are still working throughout the fire area,"

The non-injury fire was reported at 12:25 p.m. Monday on the north side of Highway 74 at Santa Rosa Truck Trail, according to Cal Fire.

There have been 1,081 total personnel assigned to the fire from Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Palm Springs Fire Department and other agencies. The equipment includes 118 engines, 16 water tenders, two helicopters, 18 dozers and 22 hand crews, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

Residents in the evacuation warning zones were able to access their property through the checkpoint at Highway 74 and Art Smith Trailhead beginning at 6 p.m. Thursday. Residents will need identification to gain access through the checkpoint.

If fire conditions intensify, this soft closure will be changed back to a hard closure, authorities said.

The road closure at Highway 74 and Highway 371 was moved to the east and set up at Highway 74 at the Santa Rosa Pit Stop, 63145 Highway 74, in Mountain Center.

The Gold Fire:

The Gold Fire, still burning in the San Bernardino Mountains north of Big Bear, has scorched 1,079 acres and was 15 percent contained, according to Cal Fire.

A total of 549 firefighters remained at work to gain the upper hand on the wildfire, which ignited for reasons still under investigation on Monday morning, one mile northeast of Holdomb Valley Campground, near Big Bear. The blaze has consumed over 1,000 acres.

"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.

Forest Visitors: please stay out of the Holcomb Valley Campground and Pinnacles Climbing Area. These areas are closed for your safety and our firefighter's safety."

On Thursday, "ground Crews and aircraft will focus their efforts on the northeastern side building handline and using dozers where possible. The terrain in this area is steep and rugged with loose, difficult footing. Firefighters will work effectively, taking appropriate action, providing for personnel safety."

Related:

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