Battling the Lake fire, which started Wednesday, has required more than 1,900 fire personnel, 50 crews, 121 engines, 16 helicopters and five air tankers, according to the National Interagency Coordination Center’s incident management situation report.
The blaze is the largest fire this year in California’s national forests.
The fire, which is now 21% contained, is burning at a moderate rate in the Barton Flats area, threatening 500 structures and charring trees and grass. The area has not burned in 100 years.
The fire is slowing, according to the U.S. Forest Service, and cooler temperatures this week are expected to help in the firefighting effort.
The low-intensity flames have allowed firefighters to gain ground and effectively attack the blaze.
The new fire growth is mostly along the east perimeter of the blaze near Coon Creek area. Wind is driving the fire, and burning logs rolling downhill also are spreading flames.
Fire crews plan to lay down new hose lines in dry rugged terrain as an aircraft drops water and fire retardant on the blaze.
Firefighters built hose lines along Highway 38, and crews are “making good progress” in the Heart Bar area, the U.S. Forest Service reported.
Fire engines on Sunday night were patrolling communities near Hell For Sure Canyon and the 10,000 Foot Ridge, ready to battle any flames moving toward homes.
Several areas remained closed Monday as firefighters continued their efforts. Highway 38 was closed between Angelus Oaks to Lake Williams.
Evacuations remained in effect for areas east of Angelus Oaks, Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Heart Bar and homes off Rainbow Lane.
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