Crime & Safety

Sierra Fire: 'Low' Growth Potential Forecast for Cajon Pass Blaze, Aggressive Attack Planned Wednesday

The U.S. Forest Service plans an aggressive attack Wednesday on a 200-acre fire burning near the Cajon Pass, officials said.

The fire-- dubbed the Sierra incident-- broke out just before 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24 near Glen Helen Road and west of Interstate 15, prompting mandatory evacuations on Glen Helen at around 5:30 p.m., a Forest Service spokesman said Tuesday.

As of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the size was still estimated at around 200 acres, according to the latest incident update provided by the Forest Service.  Glen Helen Road remained closed west of Glen Helen Parkway.

Evacuations remain in place for residents along Glen Helen Road, west of Interstate 15, however they are now considered voluntary, according to U.S.F.S. reports.

At this time, the Sierra Fire is considered 40 percent contained, and crews estimate that full containment will be reached Friday by 6 p.m.

"Yesterday afternoon the fire spread quickly to 200 acres," the U.S.F.S. reported.  "Crews will continue to fight the fire aggressively."

The resources assigned to that aggressive approach included 46 engines, 5 helicopters, 6 air tankers including the DC-10, 10 crews, 5 dozers, and 4 water tenders.  Nearly 400 personnel were assigned.

Though crews will continue to attack the blaze with strong numbers, the U.S.F.S. reported the fire in steep, rugged terrain had low growth potential as of Wednesday.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.



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