Brush fire near San Gabriel Dam in ANF 45% contained

A roughly 110-acre brush fire burning near San Gabriel Dam in the Angeles National Forest was 45% contained Thursday.

The Gulch Fire was reported late Monday morning near Mile Marker 21 along San Gabriel Canyon Road, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department and Angeles National Forest officials.

As of early Thursday morning, the fire was reported at 113 acres and 45% contained, according to ANF officials.

“The fire … is burning upslope west and northwest,” according to an ANF statement Tuesday. “Warm and dry conditions can be expected across the incident today with gusts pushing the fire northwest.”

There were 170 firefighters battling the Gulch Fire with air support in the area of the San Gabriel Dam, which is 291 feet high, 1,500 feet long dam was constructed in 1939.

Meanwhile, the East Fire, which was reported Thursday in the general area, was listed at 93% contained and about 150 acres.

“Due to the Gulch Fire and East Fire, there is no access to San Gabriel Canyon at this time,” the ANF reported. “The fire danger level remains at ‘Very High,’ which allows for campfires and BBQs only in designated recreation sites — campgrounds and picnic areas.”

Investigators were seeking the cause of both fires. No structures were threatened, although there are power lines running through the area.

Highway 39 north of Azusa and San Gabriel Canyon Road north of Azusa were closed for an unknown duration as firefighting efforts were conducted.

Caltrans is reporting the State route 39 from the San Gabriel River Bridge to Crystal Lake Road could be closed throughout the Labor Day weekend.