Big Bear Fire: Wildfire Dubbed ‘Lake Fire’ In San Bernardino National Forest Spans 1,000 Acres, Evacuations Ordered

Just a few days after the Inquisitr reported about the massive 6,500 plus acre wildfire from Alaska, we now have reports of another wildfire — this time from San Bernardino, California. The fire, dubbed “Lake Fire” and the Big Bear fire, is raging across a large area east of Camp De Benneville Pines, KTLA reports. Burning overnight, the Big Bear wildfire has already scorched 1,000 acres of land in the San Bernardino National Forest. According to NBC News, the fire was spreading at a moderate speed and is being largely fueled by dry timber. Strong gusts of wind are, however, making the firefighting efforts more difficult.

Meanwhile, authorities have confirmed that evacuations have been ordered from several camps in nearby areas. Nearly 200 people are thought to be impacted by the evacuation order. The camps affected by the Big Bear fire are Camp de Benneville Pines, Camp Ta Ta Pochon, Camp Alpine Meadows, Camp Edwards, and Camp Tulakes. The San Bernardino County Sheriff has also shut down Highway 38 as a precautionary measure. While there have not been reports of any casualties or loss of property from the wildfire, several structures remain threatened as the Big Bear fire spreads.

Currently, a team of 100 firefighters are actively working to battle the wildfire. Eleven engines, five air tankers, five helicopters, one air attack plane, two crews, and two water tenders are being used to bring the fire back under control.

Meanwhile, it is thought that unlike the Alaska wildfire, which was caused by human activity, the Big Bear fire has been caused by the Southern California heat wave. In fact, the National Weather Service had warned of elevated high fire damage in interior mountain, valley, and desert areas due to the heat wave. Temperatures across California are expected to reach the mid 90s and the low 100s in the days to come.

According to NBC Los Angeles, there has been heightened wildfire activity in California this year. In fact, it is thought to be double the average for this time of the year. Since the beginning of May, over 1,100 wildfires have been reported, and a total of 4,200 acres of land have been charred.

In case you are resident of the area, it is highly advisable that you move out of the place and obey the evacuation order issued by local authorities.

[Photo by Bill Wechter / Getty Images ]