Incidents All News

June 19, 2023 - Afternoon Update – Weather conditions for today are favorable for firefighters to utilize ground ignitions. The specific goal is to perform ground ignitions down the north side of Thomas Mountain to the constructed containment line. Smoke is visible from Highway 74 and nearby communities.

June 19, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto District will be continuing the prescribed burn today on Thomas Mountain; west of the community of Garner Valley and southeast of the communities of Idyllwild and Mountain Center. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. If you are traveling on California Highway 74 you may experience brief closures due to aerial operations. These closures are to protect both the firefighters involved in the operations and the public using the highway.

June 18, 2023 - Evening Update - Burn operations for today have concluded successfully and to date, approximately 1,122 acres have been accomplished. Due to a wind advisory, there were no ignitions today. Instead, the strategy involved utilizing the fire’s natural behavior to consume fuels and build depth to predetermined holding lines.

June 19, 2023 - Evening Update - Burn operations for today have concluded successfully. With approximately 1,222 acres accomplished so far, crews are making good progress. Taking advantage of favorable weather conditions was crucial for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the burn operations.

June 17, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto District will be continuing the prescribed burn today on Thomas Mountain; west of the community of Garner Valley and southeast of the communities of Idyllwild and Mountain Center. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. 

June 17, 2023 - Evening Update - Burn operations for today have concluded successfully and to date, approximately 1,000 acres have been accomplished. It is important to note that the burn does not necessarily result in a completely blackened landscape. The prescription for this burn is a hope to accomplish 70% consumption of the ground litter, including needle cast, leaves, and dead and down chaparral.

6/17/23 - update - The overall goal of the Thomas Mountain prescribed burn is to consume excess fuel in a particular area to reduce the risk of a larger, uncontrolled fire in the future. Smoke is more present this afternoon due to the success of both aerial and ground-based methods being used together to ignite and consume these fuels. Video of aerial helitorch device being used on the Thomas Mountain Prescribed Burn.

6/16/23 - Evening Update - Burn operations have concluded successfully on Thomas Mountain. Through the effectiveness and efficiency of the firefighters, a total of 580 acres was accomplished today. The fire continued to burn through the designated area, consuming the intended vegetation and fuel sources as planned. This helps reduce the accumulation of flammable materials, mitigate the risks of uncontrolled wildfires, and promote the health and regeneration of the ecosystem.

June 16, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto District will be continuing the prescribed burn today at Thomas Mountain; west of the community of Garner Valley and southeast of the communities of Idyllwild and Mountain Center. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. Firefighters will be monitoring the area until all piles are extinguished.

June 15, 2023 - The San Bernardino National Forest (BDF) San Jacinto District will be conducting a prescribed burn today through June 22nd. This operation will cover approximately 2500 acres on Thomas Mountain; west of the community of Garner Valley and southeast of the communities of Idyllwild and Mountain Center. Residents and visitors will see flames and smoke visible throughout the day and evening. Firefighters will be monitoring the area until all fire is extinguished.