CHERRY VALLEY, Calif. — The El Dorado Fire burning in the Yucaipa area, where a firefighter was killed fighting the fire, has grown to 22,666 acres and is 92 percent contained.
Earlier this week, the firefighter killed was identified as 39-year-old Charles Morton, a Big Bear Interagency Hotshot Squad Boss.
“Charlie was a well-respected leader who was always there for his squad and his crew at the toughest times,” said U.S. Forest Service Chief Vicki Christiansen. “Our hearts go out to Charlie’s loved ones, coworkers, friends and the Big Bear Hotshots. We will keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
There are currently 590 personnel battling the fire, which has been burning for 20 days.
Firefighters remain vigilant as fire backs down slopes and burns off the fuels in the remaining areas that have not reached Hwy 38.
Residents of Mountain Home Village, Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks, Seven Oaks and Barton Flats have been allowed to return but remain under an evacuation warning.
Damage assessment teams in the Oak Glen Area have determined that five residences and 15 outbuildings have been destroyed, and that four homes have been damaged.
#ELDORADOFIRE
— San Bernardino National Forest (@SanBernardinoNF) September 27, 2020
Acres: 22,666
Containment: 92%
Personnel: 590
Injuries: 13
Fatality: 1
Homes: 4 damaged;5 destroyed
Outbuildings:15 destroyed
No further evening updates
More info at: https://t.co/GQgLVT8nlq @CALFIREBDU @SBCOUNTYSHERIFF @SBCOUNTYFIRE @CHP_HQ
@Caltrans8 pic.twitter.com/EuiZcSiYCE
Residents and businesses can check to see if they are within evacuation order or warning areas by going to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Interactive Mapping Tool.