UPDATE: Fire Near 243 + Black Mtn Truck Trail, 200+ Personnel Assigned

Update 7:55 p.m. A contingent of about 55 firefighters and other personnel will remain assigned to the Lawler Fire overnight, to continue containment efforts and keep watch, Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest Service said.

The fire was mapped at about 15 acres and it was considered 70 percent contained at sundown Sunday.

A red flag warning for gusting winds and low humidities expired at 6 p.m.

Update 4:05 p.m. Fire commanders estimated full containment of the Lawler Fire will be achieved by 6 p.m. Monday, Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest Service said just before 4 p.m. Sunday.

Update 2:15 p.m. The two firefighters who sustained minor injuries were both transported to a hospital, Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest Service says.

Update 1:35 p.m. The Forest Service estimates the fire is about four miles north-northwest of Idyllwild, burning in the Dark Canyon watershed.

"The fire continues to burn at a slow rate of spread with isolated torching of snags," Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest Service said. "Steep terrain and wind-driven fire spotting behavior are challenging firefighters."

Crews are constructing fire lines and have contained 70 percent of the perimeter, Kramer said. Smoke is visible from Highway 243 east of the North Fork drainage.

"Forest fuels in this area have been treated as part of the North Fork and Highway 243 fuel treatment projects of 2006 – 2009," Kramer said. "Fuel reduction efforts are aiding fire crews to suppress this fire safely and to defend the homes in the area."

Two firefighter injuries had been reported as of 1:30 p.m., according to Kramer.

Cal Trans was managing traffic with pilot car escorts, Kramer said. Motorists were advised to drive slowly, obey posted speed limits, and choose safe turnouts for stopping.

Update 1:25 p.m. Six or seven homes in the Eagle Nest community are considered threatened, Kate Kramer of the U.S. Forest said in a phone interview a few moments ago.

No structures have been damaged or destroyed, Kramer said.

One helicopter crew is making water drops but the two tankers assigned to the fire were on standby at Hemet Ryan, Kramer said.

Posted 12:45 p.m. A fire that started overnight in windy conditions in the San Jacinto Mountains above the Pass had burned about 15 acres by noon Sunday near Highway 243 and Black Mountain Truck Trail, a Forest Service dispatcher said.

An estimated 215 personnel were assigned to the fire, which was reported at 2:30 a.m. Sunday near Lawler Lodge on the 243, Andrea Lannen of the San Bernardino National Forest said.

The fire was considered 70 percent contained as of noon, Lannen said. One firefighter had sustained a minor injury during the operation.

"They have hand line and hose line around the main fire," Lannen said. "There are a few small spots outside the main fire because of the winds."

Two tanker planes and one helicopter were assigned to the fire, according to Jody Hagemann of Cal Fire-Riverside County.

Highway 243 remained open, Lannen said.

Lawler Lodge is between Lake Fulmor and Pine Cove.

A red flag warning was in effect until 6 p.m. for gusting winds, low humidities and heightened fire weather conditions.