Fire Burns 12 Acres Near Happy Jack in Lytle Creek Canyon, 200 FFs Assigned

A wind-driven fire burned 12 acres of heavy chaparral on steep terrain Sunday near Happy Jack in Lytle Creek Canyon, prompting temporary evacuation of five homes, Forest Service officials said.

The fire was reported at 4:56 p.m. Sunday near Sheep Canyon Road. As of 9 p.m. the blaze was considered 40 percent contained and there were 200 firefighters and other personnel assigned.

Lytle Creek Road was closed north of Sheep Canyon during the height of the fire, according to the Forest Service. Before sundown there were three helitankers and 3 tanker planes assisting crews on the ground.

The evacuation of five homes in Happy Jack was temporary and the road was re-opened before 9 p.m., Forest Service spokeswoman Carol Underhill said in a phone interview.

The fire burned part way into an area that was recently thinned for fuel reduction, which helped slow the fire, Forest Service officials said.

Some crews will work overnight improving fire lines. Commanders hope to have the fire surrounded by 6 a.m. Monday, and fully extinguished by 6 a.m. Tuesday June 26.

Responding agencies included the Forest Service, San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Fire and the Bureau of Land Management. No injuries were reported.

Forest Service investigators were trying to determine the cause of the blaze. Anyone with information was urged to call the Forest Service at (909) 383-5654.