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One Hundred Percent Contained, Butler 2 Fire

Highway 18 Remains Closed

By News Staff Member
Thursday, September 20, 2007

Inciweb lists the Butler 2 Fire as 100% contained. At 4:55 pm, Fawnskin opened to the public as State Route 38 reopened between Fawnskin and the Big Bear Dam.

Highway 18 remains closed between Running Springs to the Big Bear Dam. The checkpoint area at SR18 and SR330 is necessary in order to turn big rigs, tour busses, and high profile vehicles around that may be trying to go to Big Bear. From Green Valley Lake Road to the Big Bear Dam, SR18 is closed to all traffic.

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Wednesday Butler 2 fire perimeter map. (Photo by US Forest Service.)

Original report, Thursday, September 20, 2007

The Butler 2 Fire, first reported on Friday, September 14, is estimated to be fully contained Thursday. With precipitation falling, containment lines were further improved and reinforced over night. There was no forward movement of the fire. The growth potential has decreased to "medium" today as compared to the "extreme" of previous days. Rehabilitation and mop-up along the fire's perimeter continues.

The cause remains under investigation.

Extensive demobilization of resources is underway. This morning, departing helitanker 707 pilot said, "Thanks. It was good working with you. See you on the next one." Another helicopter pilot stated, "Thanks guys. Had a good time. See you on the next big one."

(Photo by Sandra F. Anderson.)

Structure protection is in place within the community of Fawnskin as needed. At 6:00 pm yesterday, the mandatory evacuation orders for Fawnskin were downgraded to voluntary. Highway 38 from the Big Bear Dam to the Discovery Center is open to residents only with proof of a physical address. Post office boxes are not acceptable. A utility bill showing the physical address may be used.

Highway 38 will reopen to everyone today at 6:00 pm and the general public will be allowed into Fawnskin.

Tuesday at 6:00 pm, voluntary evacuation orders were lifted for Green Valley Lake, Running Springs, Arrowbear Lake and Lucerne Valley.

A wind advisory remains in effect from until 11:00 am Friday for the San Bernardino County Mountain areas, Apple and Lucerne Valley areas. A strong low pressure will bring local, gusty west winds to the deserts this afternoon through Friday.

Highway 18 remains closed between Running Springs to the Big Bear Dam. The checkpoint area at SR18 and SR330 is necessary in order to turn big rigs, tour busses, and high profile vehicles around that may be trying to go to Big Bear. From Green Valley Lake Road to the Big Bear Dam, SR18 is closed to all traffic, except emergency vehicles.

Inciweb, the Incident Information System, states that effective today, fire information updates will be provided once daily at 8:00 am.