The massive Lake Fire, which has burned more than 32 square miles in an area south of Big Bear, was threatening several new communities on Wednesday night.
The fire began on June 17 in the Barton Flats area and moved eastward towards the Heart Bar and Coon Creek areas and southward into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, according to InciWeb, a website maintained by the U.S. Forest Service and other federal agencies.
On Wednesday night, new mandatory evacuations were ordered the areas of Burns Canyon and Rimrock, the site stated.
Fire officials also placed the community of Pioneertown under a voluntary evacuation order.
Since the fire began, numerous evacuations have been in effect including, areas east of Angelus Oaks, Onyx Summit, Barton Flats, Seven Oaks, Heart Bar and homes off Rainbow Lane.
All Hiking Trails into the San Gorgonio Wilderness Area were also closed due to the proximity of the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) was closed from Whitewater Preserve to Onyx Summit.
Also on Wednesday, approximately 360 campers were evacuated from the Camp Oakes in the Lake Williams area, according to the website.
This was done as a precautionary measure due to the large number of campers, fire officials stated.
An American Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at the Big Bear Community Church, 40946 Big Bear Blvd, in the city of Big Bear.
Another shelter for evacuees was opened at Copper Mountain College located at 6162 Rotary Way.
Small animals could be taken to the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter at 4755 Malin Way, while large animals were being accepted at the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center located at 7429 Avalon Ave.
No injuries or structural damages have been reported. Some 500 structures were threatened by the 20,875-acre fire, according to InciWeb.
The cause of the Lake Fire was under investigation.
