By Melissa Pinion-Whitt
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, California)
Copyright 2006 MediaNews Group, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
MENTONE, Calif. — The 2,000-acre Emerald Fire sparked by target shooters Tuesday was 60 percent contained Thursday morning, fire officials said.
“Fire crews and equipment worked throughout the night and air support is expected to start later this morning,” said Melody Lardner, U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman.
More than 1,200 firefighters working on the ground and in the air were preparing to continue battling the blaze in near triple-digit temperatures and 16 percent humidity.
The fire was expected to be fully contained by 6 p.m. Friday.
The Emerald Fire started just after 3 p.m. Tuesday on Aqueduct Road south of Villers Street in Highland, the U.S. Forest Service said. It marched east across the Mill Creek basin, destroying two homes on Fish Hatchery Road, two other structures and killing at least a half dozen pets and livestock.
Officials determined illegal and negligent target shooting was the cause. Forest service investigators found what they called “substantial evidence” and submitted it to the Department of Justice.
Firefighters contended with low humidity, high temperatures and shifting winds Wednesday, but kept the blaze from expanding.
Evacuations in Mountain Home Village and Loch Leven Christian Camp and Conference Center remained in effect. An evacuation center has been established at the Jerry Lewis Community Center, 7793 Central Ave. in Highland, forest service officials said.
Highway 38 was closed for use by fire and other emergency personnel.
Forest service officials said residents of Forest Falls, Angelus Oaks and other mountain areas can travel on the 38 if they show proof of residency at the Lake Williams roadblock.
Tips aiding the investigation by the U.S. Forest Service and the Department of Justice can be submitted to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, (909) 883-1112.