The blaze has "extreme" growth potential as it continues to threaten homes
By Christina Cocca and Melissa Pamer | KNBC-TV Los Angeles| Wednesday, Jul 17, 2013 | Updated 8:18 AM PDT
A fire that decimated at least six homes after blasting through the San Jacinto Mountains continued to rage through 14,200 acres Wednesday morning, keeping the mandatory evacuations in place for numerous nearby communities.The Mountain Fire broke out Monday afternoon in steep, rugged terrain on private property just off State Highway 243 near the resort town of Idyllwild, and heavy smoke had spread into the Coachella Valley, Palm Canyon and Andreas Canyon by Tuesday.
At least 2,210 firefighters were battling the blaze along with 98 engines, 15 helicopters, 10 aircrafts, 73 hand crews, 6 water-tenders and 10 bulldozers. The fire remained at 10 percent containment Wednesday morning.
In the Bonita Vista area, the fire destroyed six homes, according to the report on InciWeb. At Pine Springs Ranch summer camp and retreat, one commercial building, a workshop, garage, and cabin were destroyed. Eleven outbuildings and several cars were also destroyed by the fire.
Camp Ronald McDonald, a charity-funded camp for children with cancer, was also evacuated, according to the report.
The area -- the San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent Mount San Jacinto State Park -- is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers and campers. San Jacinto Peak, the second-highest point in Southern California, is about eight miles north-northeast of where the fire began.
"With the heavy fuels we've got and the temperatures we're experiencing, it's making it a very aggressive, hot fire right now," Cal Fire spokesman Scott Visyak told NBC4 on Tuesday.
"There's a disaster area in there. It's devastating. There's several homes lost, there's several homes standing. The fire had just gone through there very aggressively," Visyak said.
Mandatory evacuations remained in effect for Fleming Ranch, Andreas Canyon Club, Bonita Vista, Pine Springs Ranch, the Living Free Animal Sanctuary and the Zen Mountain Center, according to the online incident report.
Smoke advisories were issued Tuesday for portions of Hemet/San Jacinto Valley, Banning Pass area, and the Coachella Valley, AQMD said. Air quality in those communities is most likely to reach the unhealthy range, depending on fire and weather conditions.
Anyone who can see or smell smoke from the Mountain Fire is urged to avoid unnecessary outdoor activities or indoor exertion. People with respiratory or heart disease, the elderly and children are being told to stay inside.
The Pacific Crest Trail was closed from State Highway 74 to Saddle Junction, as were the South Ridge Trail, Carumba Trail, Spitler Peak Trail, Fobes Trail, and Cedar Springs, according to an online fire incident report.
Those with day-use or overnight permits for the wilderness area were advised to call the San Jacinto Ranger Station at 909-382-2921.
Highway 243 was closed between State Highway 74 and Saunders Meadows Drive.
Evacuation centers were set up at the following locations:
- Hemet High School, 41701 E. Stetson Ave, Hemet
- Hamilton High School, 57430 Mitchell Road, Anza
- Large and Small Animals can be taken to Lake Hemet Campground in Garner Valley
- Small animals can be brought to the San Jacinto Animal Shelter, 581 S. Grand Ave, San Jacinto.
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