BIG BEAR, CA. (Pain In The Pass) >> The blaze, which broke out in the San Bernardino National Forest on the southern side of the Big Bear and Snow Summit Mountain, spread from 5 to 50 acres in a matter of a hours. 

The Radford Fire was first spotted about 1:30pm September 5, 2022 by National Forest Helicopter 535 that was conducting lightning recon mission from yesterday storms.

The winds were gusting at about 10 to 20 mph in heavy brush/timber fanning the flames. Multiple helicopters and airtankers were called to the scene to do drops to help stop the fire.

At 5:15pm the fire is at 50 acres with 0% contained. Highway 38 closed in both directions from Mill Creek Rd to Lakewood Rd (Lake Williams).

No Structures were threatened at this time. The fire is about 3 mile south of Big Bear and moving towards the town. The fire remain under investigation by fire investigators but there was lighting in the area yesterday.

Update Tuesday morning at 9am the fire has burned about 450 acres, 0% contained.

UPDATE on Tuesday night the Radford Fire is 2% contained and 917 acres burned. Firefighters will continue to work throughout the night supported by air resources specially equipped for night flying.

Update on the Radford Fire is 1100 acres and still at 2% contained. Slightly cooler temperatures and mildly higher humidities aided firefighting efforts today.

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