Big Bear Fire Map: See Gold Fire Perimeter, Evacuation Areas

BIG BEAR, CA — A brush fire broke out amid steep, rugged mountain terrain near Big Bear Monday afternoon, forcing the evacuation of a popular campground.

The Gold Fire began at about 9:30 a.m. Monday morning north of Big Bear City, according to Cal Fire. By evening, it had scorched more than 340 acres.

As of Monday afternoon, mandatory evacuation orders were in place for Holcomb Campground along Arctic Canyon Road north of Big Bear Lake.

"The Gold Fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain in the northern area of the Mountaintop Ranger District, near the desert rim. Fire behavior is exhibiting a moderate rate of spread, with short-range spot fires contributing to increased complexity," THE United States Forest Service and Cal Fire.

"Access to the area remains limited due to terrain inaccessibility, making containment efforts difficult. Firefighters are actively engaged in suppression efforts and continue to assess safe options to slow the spread. Additional updates will be shared as conditions evolve."