Fire East of Los Angeles Leads to Precautionary Evacuation of Campgrounds

Friday, September 14th 2007, 10:20 pm

By: News On 6

FAWNSKIN, Calif. (AP) _ A wind-driven wildfire burned at least 200 acres of brush and timber in the San Bernardino National Forest on Friday, forcing the evacuation of several campgrounds.

The fire was reported in the early afternoon and was burning away from mountaintop communities, said U.S. Forest Service spokeswoman Melody Lardner. It burning out of control, authorities said.

Winds of nearly 30 mph fanned the flames, Lardner said.

Fire officials evacuated the Camp Whittle, Hannah Flats, Big Pine Flats and Ironwood Group campgrounds as a precaution, said Forest Service spokeswoman Norma Bailey.

A fire that has charred 2,170 acres in a remote, mountainous area east of San Diego was 50 percent contained Friday, said Audrey Hagen, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokeswoman.

The fire was started by an illegal campfire Wednesday afternoon and spread rapidly.