Update on the Bobcat Fire: Oct. 3

CURRENT CONDITIONS as of 8:56 a.m.

Today’s fire behavior is expected to mainly consist of smoldering where heat exists within existing footprint. Most areas of the fire will consist of firefighters mopping up, patrolling and improving containment lines.

An exception is an interior island northeast of Mt. Wilson. This area of the fire will continue to consume approximately 300 internal acres well within the fire control lines. This is not a prescribed burning operation but is a pocket of fire in difficult terrain that has been difficult for firefighters to access. Firefighters expect this pocket to burn on its own through the day.Crews are patrolling this area and monitoring for spotting and adverse behavior in the steep rugged terrain in this area. Heavy smoke may be visible during peak heat hours as this internal island of fuel burns.

Please note that the most recent numbers of residential and other structures damaged or destroyed have increased in today’s update but are not a result of fire activity in the last five days. The number of damaged and destroyed buildings may rise as damage assessment teams continue to gather accurate data from properties spanning over 114,900-plus acres.

AFFECTED RESIDENTS:

For assistance, LA County residents can call 2-1-1 and make an appointment with the Local Assistance Center.  The center is located Palmdale High School Assistance Center but due to COVID-19 safety concerns, walk-ins are not permitted.  This center will be open open until Oct. 6. Property tax relief, cleanup, repair and rebuilding information, mental health resources and help with replacing lost or damaged legal documents are all available at this Center.  Please dial 2-1-1 to make your appointment.

The Red Cross Evacuation Centers at Palmdale High School and Santa Anita Park are now closed. Anyone still needing assistance can call the Disaster Distress Hotline at (800) 675-5799.

EVACUATION ORDERS:

  • Paradise Springs – South of Big Pines Highway, east of Devil’s Punchbowl, west of Largo Vista Road, and north of the forest.
  • South and west of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and north of Angeles Crest Highway.
  • Residences along Angeles Crest Highway, between Angeles Forest Highway and Highway 39.

EVACUATION WARNINGS:

  • South of Big Pines Highway, east of Largo Vista Road, west of  263rd Street E (County line), and north of the forest.
  • South of Mount Emma Road, north of Upper Big Tujunga Canyon, east of Angeles Forest Highway, and west of Pacifico Mountain.
  • East Fork Areas: Julius Klein Conservation Camp 19, Camp Williams, and the River Community.

ROAD CLOSURES: 

  • Big Santa Anita Rd (the Chantry road) is closed.
  • Big Pines Highway is open but Big Rock Creek Rd remains closed.
  • Highway 2 is closed from Big Pines to La Canada
  • Angeles Forest Highway is closed from Aliso Canyon to Highway 2
  • Upper Big Tujunga Canyon Rd is closed.
  • Highway 39 is closed above Old San Gabriel Canyon Rd.

FOREST CLOSURE

The Angeles National Forest Closure Order is in effect until Oct. 8 for now. The Forest is closed to all general activity, including developed campgrounds and day-use sites due to wildfire threat. Prohibition of the use of any ignition sources (campfires, gas stoves, etc.).