Lake Fire containment increases to 50 percent; 30,716 acres burned

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KABC) -- Containment of the Lake Fire, a wildfire that erupted in a remote area of the San Bernardino Mountains, has increased to 50 percent with the help of cooler weather.

Earlier in the week, containment had dropped from 27 percent to 19 percent as the fire grew to more than 30,000 acres. Favorable weather conditions have allowed helicopters and air tankers to drop water and fire retardant on the more active areas of the blaze.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation, but sources tell Eyewitness News arson is suspected.

EVACUATIONS

The Lake Fire, which is burning in the Barton Flats area south of Big Bear near Highway 38, caused around 360 campers at Camp Oakes in the Lake Williams area to be evacuated.

All evacuations have been lifted except the Burns Canyon area.

EVACUATION CENTERS

The Red Cross set up an evacuation center at Big Bear Community Church, 40946 Big Bear Blvd. A second evacuation center has been set up at Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way, Yucca Valley.

Small animals may be taken to the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, 4755 Malin Way, Yucca Valley. Large animals may be taken to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center, 7429 Avalon Avenue, Yucca Valley.

CLOSURES

Highway 38 reopened at 8 a.m.

All hiking trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit are closed.

The following campgrounds are closed: Barton Flats, San Gorgonio, South Fork, Skyline, Council, Heart Bar, Oso, Lobo, Heart Bar Equestrian, Wildhorse Equestrian, Coon Creek Cabin, Coon Creek Yellow-post Sites and Mission Springs PCT Trail Camp.