Growth slows in Lake fire, now 20% contained

A wildfire burning in the San Bernardino National Forest grew minimally Friday, and forecasted light rain is expected to help firefighters battling the blaze that erupted June 17.

The Lake fire grew to just over 30,500 acres near the mountain towns of Burns Canyon and Rimrock, which remained under evacuation.

Ground crews teamed with helicopters to construct containment lines and control the spread of the fire, which was 20% contained by Friday evening, said Ralph Bellah, a spokesman for the U.S. Forest Service.

There were no significant flare-ups in the stubborn fire on Friday, although it continued to creep through steep canyons. More than 2,000 firefighters are assigned to the blaze, along with 18 helicopters and three large air tankers, Bellah said.

@julie_cart