Sheep Fire near Wrightwood contained at 27%, Victorville Fairgrounds open for animals
The Sheep Fire that began on Saturday night had grown to 990 acres by Monday afternoon, with 18% containment and firefighter's making good progress as they tightened fire lines, mopped-up and extinguished hot spots.
Later that evening, fire officials announced that containment had reached 27%, with firefighters planning to work through the night.
Strong and erratic winds continued to push the Sheep Fire through dry brush on Sunday afternoon, causing fire officials to issue an evacuation order for Wrightwood and the surrounding area.
A total of 300 people were evacuated from near the fire on Sunday, according to unified command agencies San Bernardino County Fire, Cal Fire, and the Angeles National Forest.
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There are 673 firefighting personnel on the fire, which officials say has been especially challenging to battle due to dense vegetation, steep terrain, and windy conditions.
On Monday morning, the fire had grown by 164 acres, with overnight mandatory evacuation orders continuing for all of Wrightwood and Desert Front Road and Wild Horse Canyon, Highway 2 south to Lone Pine Canyon Road and Wright Mountain Road to Sheep Creek Drive.
During a Monday morning briefing of fire agencies, the SBC fire chief reported that containment of the fire was looking good, with slightly better fire weather expected.
The fire and road closures
Firefighters on the ground continue to work along the fire's perimeter, with multiple engines, aircraft, and other resources on the scene and some night-flying operations reported.
Cal Fire reported that no one had been injured in the fire, and no structures had been destroyed or were immediately threatened.
With internet and cellphone outages reported in the area on Sunday night, law enforcement went door to door announcing a mandatory evacuation for Desert Front Road and Wild Horse Canyon.
The SBC Department of Public Works reported the temporary road closure of Lone Pine Canyon Road at Hwy 138 due to fire activity with no anticipated time for reopening. Visit Caltrans at https://roads.dot.ca.gov.
Red Cross volunteers are manning an evacuation center at Serrano High School at 9292 Sheep Creek Road in Phelan, northeast of the fire.
Red Cross officials on Sunday night said two individuals were staying at the evacuation center, with a handful of others planning to move on.
The Devore Animal Shelter at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino is taking in small animals and livestock, SBC Animal Care and Control officials reported.
The San Bernardino County Fairgrounds opened on Sunday night to receive large animals. Residents should call 800-472-5609 for assistance before arrival.
SBC Fair CEO/General Manager Jennifer Morgan told the Daily Press that as of 7 a.m. on Monday, no animals had arrived at the fairgrounds.
“I’m heading back to the fairgrounds this afternoon to see if we have any animals,” Morgan said. “The good thing is that we just completed the fair, so we’re prepped, cleaned and ready for anything.”
For specific evacuation orders and warnings, follow the SBC Sheriff's Twitter site @sbcountysheriff.
The wind
The National Weather Service reported that the Wrightwood area would remain breezy in the afternoon, with gusts up to 20 to 25 mph.
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NWS meteorologist Adam Roser said the wind gusts, coupled with humidity down to about 25%, translates to “elevated to near critical fire concerns.”
According to an NWS report, in the San Bernardino Mountains on Sunday, gusts of 45 mph were recorded at the Cajon Junction and Cajon Summit. The highest gust recorded in Wrightwood came in at 37 mph.
Residents react
For nearly two days, Ralph Finley, 65, has spent much of his time on his front porch wondering if the Sheep Fire would head his way.
“I’m prepared to move out of the fire that comes my way,” said Finley, whose property is near Highway 138. “My truck is packed with food, water, clothes, and other gear.”
Misty Vivirto, a Los Angeles County animal control volunteer, told the Daily Press that she spent $300 in gas to make four trips to rescue 14 cats, six horses, and numerous chickens, ducks and goats from the evacuation area.
Ashley Cockroft of Hemet came up from San Bernardino to help Phelan resident Nathan Johnston unload Charlene Slaten's sheep, which she was forced to abandon along with goats, horses, and 14 dogs.
Slaten, who operates a rescue for dogs and horses, said Nate Johnston with the Disaster Animal Relocation Team was able to retrieve the rest of her animals.
When asked about her home, Slaten said, "I have no idea" and that someone from D.A.R.T. told her that her house was still intact.
Saturday night
At 6:36 p.m. on Saturday, a fire was reported to Angeles National Forest Dispatch by SBC Fire. The fire was initially reported as approximately one-quarter acre in size.
Firefighting units headed to the scene quickly, and about an hour later, the fire was reported at approximately 30 acres and growing.
At that time, nearly 200 firefighters were assigned to the fire, fueled by heavy fuels and dry vegetation.
Fire officials reported that the fire was moving away from nearby Wrightwood and north toward High Desert.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227 or RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Sheep Fire grows to 930 acres, 27% contained in California's Wrightwood
