BIG BEAR, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> U.S. Forest Service, CAL Fire. BML, and San Bernardino County firefighters battling a brush fire just east of Highway 18 Saturday afternoon.
The blaze, dubbed the Cactus Fire, sparked about 1:23 p.m. April 30, 2022. A group of off-road vehicles passing by called it in. It was reported a tree caught fire near the OHV Road 3N03 Smarts Ranch Rd. at Cactus Rd. The fire spread quickly to the brush, the California Highway Patrol Traffic Log reported.
The fire, which started at about 5-acres, burning towards Hwy 18 in rough terrain at a moderate rate of spread. At one point the fire could have potential for 200 acres. Two air tankers overhead and two helicopters.
At 2pm the fire burned approximately 10 acres with a mild wind push towards Hwy 18. Initial reports at the scene the fire may have started by a off-road vehicle. One vehicle was burned to the ground.
Reported at 2:30pm firefighters stated no structures were immediately threatened approximately 20 acres burned.
Crew are making good progress at 3:45pm, the fire has slowed down considerably at 28 acres. No containment had been reached yet.
The fire is now 35 acres, with 50% containment as of 5pm.
At 10:30pm firefighters have now gained 80% containment. Forward rate of spread is stopped.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available. Firefighters will remain in the area for mop-up operations though the night to make sure no hot spots flare up. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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