California ‘Lake Fire’ Destroys More Than 30,000 Acres, Expected To Be Brought Under Control Soon

The huge San Bernardino wildfire dubbed “Lake Fire” is showing signs of containment after burning for well over 11 days and destroying several thousand acres of property. According to ABC 7 News, the Lake Fire has destroyed well over 30,000 acres of land in the area in the 11 days it burned continuously. At the time of publishing this story, the Lake Fire was at 40 percent containment. The high containment level also meant that officials reopened Highway 38 which remained close for most of the week. At last count, the Lake Fire had destroyed 30,526 acres of land which in turn caused damage worth an estimated $21.9 million.

The fire originally started on June 17 and was reported by Inquisitr back then as well. The Lake Fire had incidentally occurred just days after another large fire spanning 6,000 acres was reported from Alaska. While it was initially thought that the Lake Fire occurred due to natural causes, it is now being investigated by authorities as they are not ruling out the possibility of arson. No deaths have been reported following the fire; however, there were four confirmed injuries.

The Lake Fire caused authorities across the area to impose speed restrictions on several highways that were located close to it. At last count, over 120 firefighters were fighting the Lake Fire. To their relief, a thunderstorm that approached the area on Saturday has helped the containment efforts. The weather is also showing signs of improvement. Officials now believe that the fire has reached its maximum limit and would continue to shrink in the next few days.

Earlier on Wednesday, there were mandatory evacuations reported from several areas near the community of Burns Canyon and Rim Rock. Other areas that were served mandatory evacuation notices included all areas east of Angelus Oaks, which includes Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Rainbow Lane, Heart Bar and all cabins and campgrounds in the South Fork area and to the east. The community of Pioneertown was also been placed under voluntary evacuations.

To help people and animals affected by the Lake Fire, several evacuation centers have been set up in the area by The Red Cross. Animal rescue centers has also been set up in the region, with one each catering to large and small animals.

Authorities expect the Lake Fire to be completely brought under control by the end of next week.

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