Firefighters make significant progress on Pilot Fire at 64 percent containment

SILVERWOOD LAKE, Calif. (KABC) -- The Pilot Fire, which has burned more than 7,800 acres in the San Bernardino National Forest, is now 64 percent contained, according to fire officials.

Authorities reported the containment at 6 percent Tuesday afternoon, but the perimeter jumped to 64 percent by Wednesday morning.

Fire officials expect warmer temperatures with low humidity as well as 10 to 15 mph winds with gusts up to 30 mph, which could hamper the firefight. They are also battling the fire amid rough and rugged terrain in the mountainous area.

More than 4,700 homes were impacted by voluntary and mandatory evacuation orders, as well as nearby school districts that canceled classes. Also, more than 5,300 structures have been threatened by the 7,861-acre blaze.

The wildfire first erupted near Pilot Rock Conservation Camp at just 30 acres on Sunday.

EVACUATIONS

Mandatory evacuations:

- The entire community of Deer Lodge Park.

- Aleutian Drive, Klondike Drive, Evergreen Lane and Yukon Drive.

- Highway 173 north and south from Highway 138 to Arrowhead Lake Road.

Voluntary evacuations:

- Areas east of Santa Fe Road, south of Ranchero Road to Arrowhead Lake Road and north of the Spillway.

- Areas east of the Mojave River and south of Rock Springs Road to Kiowa Road.

- The community of Grass Valley Lake in addition to the area north of Peninsula and North Bay Roads to Hwy 173, and south of Hwy 173 from North Bay Road to Grass Valley Road.

The latest evacuation information is available from the Twitter feeds of the San Bernardino County Sheriff and the San Bernardino National Forest.

EVACUATION CENTERS

The American Red Cross moved its evacuation center from Ranchero Middle School to Oak Hills High School, located at 7625 Cataba Rd.

Another evacuation center was set up at Rim of the World High School, 27400 CA-18, Twin Peaks.

Individuals with large and small animals may bring their animals to the San Bernardino County Devore Animal Shelter, located at 19777 Shelter Way in San Bernardino.

ROAD CLOSURES

Highway 173 is closed from SR-138 to North Bay Road. Forest roads 2N33, 2N17X, 2N36 and 2N37 remain closed, and Miller Canyon OHV Area remains closed.