Two sizable brushers continued burning in the San Bernardino National Forest as crews worked to contain the Gold and Rosa fires, officials said Tuesday.
The Gold Fire had burned 1,050 acres and was 79% contained, up from 63% containment the previous day, according to an update Wednesday morning from the U.S. Forest Service.
“The Gold Fire has not grown and remains within its current footprint,” the forest service reported. “Crews working throughout the fire area will continue to monitor and patrol the area while working on hazard assessment and mitigation plans. Resource advisors continue working closely with firefighters to avoid sensitive natural and cultural sites and to minimize disturbance to endangered fora in the fire area during the suppression and repair process.”
In a previous statement fire officials added that “suppression repair is a critical part of firefighting efforts to reduce erosion and soil degradation in the areas used in the firefighting efforts. Effective water bars can prevent runoff from concentrating on these lines and causing trenches and gullies to form. Continued mitigation of suppression damages will minimize long-term impacts caused by personnel and equipment.”
Evacuation orders were lifted for the Holcomb Family Campground and Pinnacles Climbing Area but a closure order was issued effective Aug. 6 to Sept. 7 for National Forest locations within the fire’s footprint that includes the campground, the John Bull Trail and Holcomb Valley.
Forest Service roads 3N10, 3N07, 3N32 and 3N43 were closed Tuesday but were accessible Wednesday, Cal Fire reported.
On Wednesday 323 personnel were involved in the firefight, according to the Cal Fire. Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state were flying fire suppression missions, officials said.
The Gold Fire erupted Aug. 4 around 9:23 a.m. in the area of the John Bull Flat Spur north of Big Bear Lake and Holcomb Valley.
No injuries or damaged structures were reported.
The fire’s cause was under investigation.
Rosa Fire
A brusher in the San Bernardino National Forest east of Anza was 98% contained Wednesday at 1,671 acres, with all evacuation orders and warnings lifted in the area north of the Santa Rosa Truck Trail, east of Santa Rosa Road, south of Saint Pierre Road and west of Palm Canyon Drive.
“Crews will be patrolling the perimeter, monitoring hot spots, and working on suppression repair and mop-up. Please use caution when entering the area as firefighters are working with heavy equipment and resources,” A statement from Riverside County Fire Department said Tuesday morning.
Damage inspection teams in the area identified two structures destroyed in the blaze, which was first reported at 12:25 p.m. Monday on the north side of Highway 74 at Santa Rosa Truck Trail.
Highway 74 from Palm Desert to Anza was closed until the order was lifted Saturday. Travelers were advised to drive safely near the fire zone because emergency crews continue working in the area.
On Tuesday 493 personnel were battling the blaze, including 28 engines, 11 hand crews, 10 dozers and six water tenders.
Riverside County officials said personnel from Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Palm Springs Fire Department, Cathedral City FD and other agencies were sent to the location Aug. 5 and found flames moving northward at a moderate rate through dense vegetation.
The California Highway Patrol closed both directions of State Route 74 for 25 miles between Highway 371 in Anza to the west and the area near the Big Horn Golf Club, just south of Palm Desert.
Two structures were destroyed by the fire, and no injuries were reported, according to Cal Fire.
Officials have not yet determined the cause of the fire.
Updated Aug. 13, 2025, 11:48 a.m.
