Full containment was expected Wednesday, July 24.
Fire officials stressed the larger size was not due to the fire spreading, rather more accurate infrared mapping established the new area.
Tuesday, firefighters continued to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter. When conditions permit, crews will continue to construct direct line, mop up, patrol and perform fire suppression repair.
Significant demobilization has started and a plan for turning the incident back to the San Bernardino National Forest was being developed. The number of personnel was 1,146, less than a third at the fire’s peak on Friday. Thus far, the fire has cost $22.8 million.
Mt. San Jacinto State Park Wilderness is closed. However, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway reopened Tuesday, July 23.
The San Jacinto Wilderness on the federal side and Humber Park remain closed. The San Bernardino National Forest Closure Orders 13-8 and 13-9 are still in effect. (See https://idyllwildtowncrier.com/2013/07/23/breaking-mountain-fire-updates/ for details and maps. For instance, the Pacific Crest Trail, as well as connecting trails, remain closed.
Monday, residents of the Apple Canyon and Bonita Vista roads areas received precautionary warnings about potential flash floods and mud slides from possible heavy monsoon rains. Idyllwild School was the temporary evacuation center. According to Ray Smith, Riverside County public information officer, no one had used the center as of 6 p.m. Monday.
