Despite winds over the weekend and dry conditions, a wildfire in southwest San Bernardino County was nearing 85% containment Thursday with its forward rate of spread halted, Cal Fire reported.
The Lake Fire had scorched 489 acres since it was reported just before 5 p.m. Saturday in the area of Highway 173 and Cedar Springs Dam Trail, near the Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area north of Hesperia that’s currently closed to the public.
“Firefighters made good progress today, and an increase in fire activity was observed on the western side of the fire,” according to a Cal Fire update released Wednesday evening. “Crews continue to focus on strengthening control lines in areas where the fire is still active. The forward rate of spread is stopped.”
Evacuation orders and warnings had been issued for areas near the 138 and 173 highway, Summit Valley Road and Arrowhead Lake Road, but those are now lifted, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
San Bernardino National Forest officials temporarily closed two sections of the Pacific Coast Trail between Silverwood Lake and Interstate 15 along Highway 138.
“Numerous firefighting air tankers from throughout the state are flying fire suppression missions,” according to Cal Fire.
On Tuesday, 10 crews, three helicopters, 54 engines, two bulldozers and four water tenders were battling the blaze.
It was unclear how many structures the Lake Fire threatened.
No injuries or damaged structures were reported.
The fire’s cause was under investigation.
Updated July 3, 2025, 9:14 a.m.
