Massive Wildfire Closes Pacific Crest Trail

A huge wildfire on San Bernardino National Forest and adjacent lands in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County,California,has closed part of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and its connecting trail system.The Mountain Fire had grown steadily to 27,179 acres as of four hours ago.The blaze ignited at 1:45 pm Monday. Several communities have been evacuated,including Idyllwild,Fern Valley and Trails End.Local high schools are being used as American Red Cross evacuation centers for the 6,000 evacuees,and both their large and small animals are being sheltered in San Jacinto. A number of camps in the area and Forest Service campgrounds along Highway 243 have been closed,as well as San Jacinto State Park and National Forest Wilderness.The iconic Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Highway 74 north to Saddle Junction. The inferno is being battled by 3316 wildland firefighters with 263 engines,19 helicopers,10 fixed wing aircraft and 10 bulldozers.Humidity is only 12-15% in the remote chapparal and timber ecosystem. The fire's cause is under investigation.The affected area is roughly between Los Angeles and San Diego,just south of Palm Springs. Update:As of Saturday,progress had been made against the Mountain Fire,with containment of the fire at about 50%.Evacuations remain in force.Ten structures had been lost,including homes and mobile homes.The progress was partly attributed to pinpoint determination of drop zones by new digital technology in the tanker aircraft.