Wildfire in Big Bear burns 100 acres and forces evacuations

A wildfire burning near the Snow Summit Ski Resort in Big Bear has scorched 100 acres and forced evacuations throughout the area, authorities said.

The fire erupted about 12:30 p.m. south of Big Bear Lake on U.S. Forest Service land, according to the state Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

The so-called Summit fire was burning in heavy brush and timber area made more combustible by the state’s lingering drought. Firefighters are being assisted by several water-dropping helicopters and air-tankers.

Mandatory evacuations are in place for the area from Knickerbocker Road east to Georgia Road and south of Pennsylvania Road, authorities said. Voluntary evacuations are also now in place for the area south of Brownie Lane, east of Thrush Drive, north of Switzerland Drive and west of Summit Blvd.

Media reports said that hundreds of homes were threatened in the surrounding area.

A U.S. Forest Service spokesman told ABC-TV Channel 7 that no one had been injured and no structures have been damaged.

An evacuation center has been set up at the Big Bear Convention Center, at the intersection of Big Bear Boulevard and Division Road, said Lynnette Round, a Cal Fire spokeswoman.

The Big Bear Valley Unified School District said all schools in the area, with the exception of Fallsvale School, will be closed on Monday.

Officials say the fire is about 30% contained. The cause remains under investigation.

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