Wednesday, July 18, 2007

California Fire News

California Fire News

Chief's Weekly Memo

Posted: 18 Jul 2007 09:45 AM CDT

Chief's Weekly Memo: Chief's Memo - July 2, 2007
Chief's portrait- Message from the Chief - Tulare County Contract Ends / Change, Doing Things Differently / Use of the DC-10
This is a very nice and very informative message from the Ruben Grijalva, Chief Director of CAL FIRE - He discusses the final process during the CDF handover to the newly expanded Tulare County fire department formally ending the long standing historic CDF fire protection contract and the final radio message:

On Sunday, July 01, 2007 the following statements were simulcast on state and county fire frequencies:

Visalia (state dispatch) 2 beeps:
0758 hours: "All personnel are advised, the Command and Control of the Tulare County Fire Department has been transferred from CAL FIRE Administration to the Tulare County Administration. CAL FIRE wishes the best of luck to Tulare County fire, and it has been our honor to serve the citizens of and visitors to Tulare County. Visalia is out of service - KNDH 519."

Fire Com (county dispatch) 2 beeps:
0759 hours: "All personnel are advised, the Command and Control of the Tulare County Fire Department has been transferred from CAL FIRE Administration to Tulare County Fire Administration. Tulare County Fire also wishes to thank Chief Wristen and the many CAL FIRE personnel that have provided an outstanding service to the citizens of Tulare County for the past 80 years. Fire Com is in service - KMG 297.

And the Chief discusses expanding use of new high tech devices such as the predator type UAV Drones flying at 42,000 feet above a fire, and new emerging technologies such as Structure protection gels which will become a routine activity in the future. Of course the controversial DC-10 Airtanker and decision to move forward with a 3-year contract and further evaluation of this aircraft is covered along with the official scoop regarding the tree strike the DC-10 suffered on the "White Fire" in Kern County

Overall this is a very good read so check out the chiefs message: The chiefs weekly memo is to long to print here find the whole article at : Chief's Memo - July 2, 2007

InciWeb: Fletcher Wildland Fire - 7,600 acres - 40% - Into Oregon

Posted: 18 Jul 2007 12:35 AM CDT

InciWeb: Fletcher Wildland Fire: Fletcher Wildland Fire

Fletcher Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 18:30 HRS

The Fletcher Fire created tornado-like winds on Monday
Credit: Kellie Carlsen, Oregon Department of Forestry

view pictures || view maps

Summary

The Fletcher Creek has burned about 7,600 acres. Nor Cal Team II (Kaage), is managing the suppression efforts. The Lake County Sherrif's Office reports there are no new evacuations today. Monday's tornado-like wind up-rooted trees and caused tree tops to explode. Seven structures were destroyed by the fire on Monday, including five at the Point Ranch. The southwest end of the fire is holding well. Progress was made on the rest of the fire today using air support followed by hand crews and dozersto complete the fire line around the entire fire.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Under Investigation
Date of Origin 07/10/2007 at 1315 hrs.
Location 20 miles North West of Davis Creek
Incident Commander Bill Kaage, Norcal 2

Current Situation

Total Personnel 409
Size 7,600 acres
Percent Contained 40%
Estimated Containment Date 07/20/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Timber (Jeffrey pine, white fir, juniper) and grass

Fire Behavior

Late Monday afternoon, fire crews near Point Ranch, along the California-Oregon border, observed extreme fire behavior. The fire produced tornado-like winds that up-rooted trees and caused tree tops to explode. On Tuesday, fire behavior was more moderate.

Significant Events

Significant progress was made on the fire today. Air support dropped fire retardant along the perimeter, followed by hand crews and dozers building fire line.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Winds Monday afternoon pushed the fire to approximately 5,800 acres, crossing the Oregon border. Structure protection is in place in the Cove Ranch area. Evacuations are in place for parts of Modoc County and Lake County along the westside of Goose Lake. At this time, no evacuation is planned for the town of Lakeview, Oregon.

Fire crews will continue to construct a combination of direct and indirect dozer line. Firefighters are strengthening the northwest and northeast flanks of the fire.

Projected Movement

Some spread may occur along the Dry Creek Rim where steep terrain and dense vegetation are more difficult areas to access.

Growth Potential

Extreme

Terrain Difficulty

High

Containment Target

7/20/07

Remarks

The fire has destroyed seven structures, including five at Point Ranch. California and Oregon agencies are working together and providing assistance in containing the fire. Road closures are in effect: Modoc County Road 48, five miles west of Davis Creek; Crowder Flat Road at Forest Road 136; and the Westside Road near the California-Oregon border near the northwest side of Goose Lake. Oregon Department of Forestry, the Fremont-Wileama National Forest, and the Bureau of Land Mangement in Oregon are providing resources to assist with the suppression effort.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 10 mph S
Current Temperature 55 degrees
Current Humidity 45 %

Elk Complex Update - News release - Protection of the town of Happy Camp

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 11:59 PM CDT

Elk Complex Update 7.17.07

Incident: Elk Complex
Released: 11 hrs. ago

Contact: Incident Information, Phyllis Swanson

Phone: (530) 493-1519

July 17, 2007

Protection of the town of Happy Camp is the number one priority. Yesterday good progress was made on the Little Grider Fire with the firing out of line on the intersection of 16N30 and N1716. A voluntary evacuation is still in effect on the Elk Creek Road. On the Titus Fire, a firing operation was conducted to check the fire progression. Outlying structures are being protected east of the Titus Fire.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department Office of Emergency Services has taken steps to locate an evacuation center at Marble Mountain Ranch in the event a voluntary evacuation becomes necessary in the town of Happy Camp from Dolittle Road to Chambers Flat. Individuals with special needs, such as bed ridden individuals, need to let the Sheriff's Office know so plans can be made.

A public meeting will be held tonight at the Grange in Happy Camp CA at 7:00 pm to discuss the seamless transition of the fire complex to the CA Type 1 Incident Management Team #5.

Happy Camp District:

Little Grider Fire (approx. 1032 acres): The fire continues to burn down hill towards Perkins Gulch and has spotted across to the other side of the gulch.

Titus Fire (approx. 1856 acres): The fire was spotting ahead and encroaching on the constructed lines. A firing operation took place in order to check the progression of the fire. There is a mandatory evacuation for campers and miners. Lines have been constructed around structures.

King Creek II Fire (approx. 2243 acres): The fire is burning north east to Coon Creek.

Elk Fire (approx. 1215 acres): This fire continues to be monitored. This fire is in very steep inaccessible area.

Tom Martin Fire (approx. 40 acres): Fire contained.

Clear Fire (approx. 10 acres): Fire contained.

The remaining small fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as resources allow.

Total Complex Acreage: 6,905 acres

Total Complex Containment: 15% Expected Full Containment: 7/29/2007

Cost to Date: $3,000,000 Injuries to Date: 6

Structures Threatened: 506

Committed Resources: 1179 personnel

Additional Fire Information: http://www.inciweb.org/ (including other fires) or (530) 493-2243. Please go to the Klamath NF website for more information on restrictions and trail closures at www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/conditions/.

InciWeb: Elk Complex Wildland Fire - 8,250 acres - 15%

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 11:54 PM CDT

InciWeb: Elk Complex Wildland Fire:

Elk Complex Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 20:28 hrs
NEWS RELEASE

Elk Complex Update 7.17.07
Contact: Incident Information, Phyllis Swanson Phone: (530) 493-1519 July 17, 2007 Protection of the town of Happy Camp is the number one priority. Yesterday good progress was made on the Little Gride... more

Photo of Moon over the Elk Complex

Elk Complex Moon
Credit: Matthew Swanson

view pictures || view maps

Summary

Numerous lightning fires within the Happy Camp Ranger District boundaries that started Wednesday, July 11, 2007.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/10/2007 at 00 hrs.
Location Happy Camp Ranger District
Incident Commander Kent Swartzlander

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,215
Size 8,250 acres
Percent Contained 15%
Estimated Containment Date 07/29/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Mature heavy timber overstory with brush understory, large quantities of dead fuels and snags.

Fire Behavior

Moderate fire activity on the Titus, Elk and Little Grider fires due to precipitation and higher humidity. Understory burning operations proceeding well. Moderated weather allowed for burnout of lines on the Little Grider fire. Intiated action on Elk. Burnout of two miles on Titus fire.

Significant Events

Titus fire made a significant run this afternoon towards Elk Creek Rd.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Protection of Happy Camp is #1 priority. Dozer lines are being constructed on the West side of Happy Camp. Structure protection is being implemented. Outlying structures are also being protected east of the Titus Fire. Control lines are being constructed around the Titus and Kings fires. Continued firing operations on the Titus fire.

Projected Movement

12 hours: Cooler temperatures and higher RH's are expected to moderate fire behavior. There will be spread due to rollouts and short upslope runs.

Growth Potential

High

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme

Containment Target

Unknown

Remarks

Tentative transition to Dietrich's Type I team is Wednesday, July 18 at 0600. Trigger points are in place for Happy Camp. Voluntary evacuations still in place. Contingency dozer lines are being implemented.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature 54 degrees
Current Humidity 63 %

Inciweb Update: China-back Complex - Wildland Fire- total acres burned at 2,828, and containment at 50%

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 11:16 PM CDT

China-back Complex Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 19:09 hrs.

Summary

The China and Back fires which started as a result of severe lightning from thunderstorms last week, continue to have smoke visible from Yreka and motorists on Interstate 5. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), US Forest Service, and multiple agencies remain in Unified Command and continue to engage in fire suppression throughout the area.

The last 48 hours of aggressive firefighting and favorable weather have again given fire crews an advantage with the China Fire. The fire control line established two days prior has held the fire in check, with total acres burned at 2,828, and containment at 50% . Forty structures along the control lines near the Klamath River continue to be threatened and are being monitored by firefighters as life safety is still the priority in this battle.

State Highway 96 between State Highway 263 and Scott River Road have been reopened to all motorists. However, motorists are cautioned to drive carefully since fire crews are working in the area, and smoke may occasionally reduce visibility.

The Back Fire has a fire containment line established around the fire perimeter and will require additional work to ensure complete extinguishment.

691 firefighters are working on the fires. Three firefighters sustained heat related injuries yesterday and are expected to recover.

Trees of Heaven Campground on Highway 96 still has remained closed for public use.

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/10/2007 at 00 hrs.
Location 12 miles west of Yreka, Calif
Incident Commander Norm Walker

Current Situation

Total Personnel 769
Size 2,828 acres
Percent Contained 85%
Estimated Containment Date 07/21/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved

Timber

Fire Behavior

The fire continues to burn through the dry vegetation, and remained moderately active through the afternoon and early evening each day. All burning occurred well within the fire containment lines.

Significant Events

Not available

Outlook

Planned Actions

Firefighters will continue to improve and extend fire lines around the perimeter of the fire.

Growth Potential

Low

Terrain Difficulty

The terrain is extremely steep in many locations.

Remarks

Smoke is visible along Interstate 5 from Weed, CA to the Oregon border.

State Highway 96 is open to all motorists.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions 5 mph SW
Current Temperature 69 degrees
Current Humidity 49 %

Inciweb Update: ZACA Fire - ZACA Incident - 28,000 acres - 35%

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 10:47 PM CDT

Zaca Fire Perimeter Map - 07/17/07

view pictures || view maps

Zaca Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 20:45 hrs.
ANNOUNCEMENT

Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified
**For Immediate Release**Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified - The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the Joint Unified Incident Management Team, has modified the Zaca Fire
Evacuation area and warnings map

ZACA Fire / ZACA Incident - Evacuation map

Summary

Current Fire Information

Resources - Hand Crews: 58; Dozers: 36; Engines: 108; Air Tankers: 6 ; Helicopters: 17; Water Tenders: 39; Overhead Personnel: 314; Total Personnel: 2,133; Injuries: 15; Structures Threatened: 50; Estimated Cost-to-Date: $21,100,000

Current Closures

Santa Barbara County Fire Officials have ordered the following road closures:

  • Happy Canyon Road closed to the east at Baseline Road except to residents.

  • Figueroa Mountain road closed to the east at Highway 154

Los Padres National Forest Officials have ordered the following forest closures:

  • The expanded forest closure is still in effect. The expanded closure encompasses the entire San Rafael Wilderness and adjacent national forest land roughly from Highway 166 on the north to the Buckhorn Road area on the south. The 382,000 acre area will be closed until further notice. This closure will limit access to the San Rafael Wilderness in order to insure the safety of citizens and fire personnel.

Significant Events

Fire behavior last night was calmer than expected and the fire was held north of Cachuma Saddle. Fire behavior may increase this afternoon. No further evacuations were ordered and the current order and warning will be re-evaluated this afternoon. Structure protection in the Happy Canyon area, containing the south, southeast flank, and preventing the fire from crossing containment lines, is today's immediate priority. Contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 for current conditions.

Current Situation: The fire is still burning in an easterly direction in the San Rafael Wilderness, andcontinues to make runs to the south towards Cachuma Saddle. The northeast portion of the fire is still holding at the Hurricane Deck Trail, butwork in the wilderness continues to be a challenge due to the steep and rugged terrain. All efforts are being made to protect natural and cultural resources. Bulldozers will continue to construct contingency lines outside the wilderness boundary. Public and firefighter safety remains the top priority.

Safety Message: Residents should use caution when evacuating. Travelers using SR-154, please be cautious of firefighting equipment and personnel. Fire Information fact sheets and display boards have been placedthroughout the Santa Ynez and Santa Maria Valley to keep those communities updated on the fire's status.

Media Message: Due to the expanded forest closure, media must be escorted by a Public Information Officer.Information Officers will be available to provide an escort to an operations approved location. Credentialed media will need to check in at the Incident Command Post at Live Oak Camp (SR-154) for an escortedtour.

Additional Information: The fire has potential for increased growth and extended duration of wildfire suppression activities. Depending on wind conditions, smoke from the Zaca Fire may be visible over a wide area with occasional drift smoke as far away as Santa Barbara, Goleta or other areas of the county. If you would likemore information, please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to http://www.fire.ca.gov/, http://www.inciweb.org/, or http://www.sbcfire.com/

###

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 15 miles north east of Buellton, CA.
Incident Commander Aaron Gelobter

Current Situation

Total Personnel 1,756
Size 28,000 acres
Percent Contained 35%
Fuels Involved

Chaparral and Oak Woodlands. North Flank of the fire is burning in heavy, 40 year old fuels with high dead to live ratio. Fuel moisture levels are extremely low, and are at levels which are usually not seen until late in the summer.

Fire Behavior

The fire laid down through the night,but fire activity is expected to increase with the heat of the day. The fire continues it's easterly movement in the San Rafael Wilderness approaching the Sisquoc River. Control lines on the northwest portion of the fire continue to hold.

Significant Events

Estimated spread of 3,000 acres toward McKinley Mtn.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Continue direct and indirect line. Both fixed wing and rotary aircraft will continue to support ground action. Structure protection and construction of contingency lines will continue.

Projected Movement

The fire could grow 1500 acres in the next 12 to 24 hours.

Growth Potential

High.

Terrain Difficulty

Extreme.

Containment Target

Suppression Tactics have continued to be successful in protecting communities and structures at risk. Containment of the fire in wilderness remains difficult due to poor access, rough terrain and extreme fire behavior. Long Range Appropriate Management Response Plans are being refined for the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness.

Remarks

A successful public meeting was held in Solvang with the Santa Barbara Unified Command. There were between 200-300 public attendees.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature Not available
Current Humidity Not available

InciWeb: Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 10:43 PM CDT

InciWeb: - Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified

**For Immediate Release**

Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified
Incident: Zaca Fire

Released: 20:00 hrs. * Modified Evacuation Order (PDF 84 kb)

Zaca Fire Evacuations Modified

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with the Joint Unified Incident Management Team, has modified the Zaca Fire evacuation order issued on July 16.

The area within the Los Padres National Forest boundary and the Peachtree community remain under a full 'Evacuation Order.'

All other areas that were within the previous Evacuation Order and Warning will remain under an 'Evacuation Warning' and the public should be prepared to evacuate should fire conditions change.

The American Red Cross shelter at Santa Ynez High School will close at 8:00 p.m.

The Red Cross requests that if you live in the Evacuation Order area and have a need for emergency housing as a result of the Zaca Fire evacuation to call the Red Cross at 1-800-951-5600.

If you are unable to evacuate and need assistance call 911.

- END-

Napa Co SO detain media covering fire

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 10:06 PM CDT

Napa Co SO detain, media covering fire:


By DAVID RYAN
Register Staff Writer
6:30 p.m.Thursday, July 12, 2007

KGO-TV's ABC7 news director Kevin Keeshan said Wednesday he would be
pressing criminal charges and filing a civil lawsuit against Napa
County Sheriff's Deputies for briefly detaining two of his colleagues.

Keeshan said ABC7 news photographer Craig Southern and reporter Wayne
Freedman were detained by deputies around 4 p.m. Wednesday over an
argument about whether the journalists were too close to a fire
burning around the 2600 block of Atlas Peak Road.

Editors note: The media has the right by law to cover the fire and pass police barriers and it was not the Heavy handed Sheriffs concern as to what constitutes :"to close to the fire" Regardless and in fact the video of the incident shows it is quite obvious they were not close to the fire by any judgment at least a quarter mile away. And the Sheriff had allowed others even closer.
The Sheriff also purposely destroyed the reporters cell phone and manhandled the camera, detained the men in a closed police car without air during a heat wave, ...
Requiring a police supervisor to respond with a large dose of sanity and subsequently releasing the reporter and camera man without any charges!
The Sheriffs office supervisor let them out and apologized. If there were reasonable grounds for the arrest the Capt. would not have released them and apologized. At least there was one "thinking individual." Ref: Press law here in California - CPC 409.5 Access at Incident Scenes - http://www.chp.ca.gov/html/media.html

409.5(a) of the Penal Code: [The CHP may close the area to the public if] "...a menace to the public health or safety is created by a calamity such as a flood, storm, fire, earthquake, explosion, accident or other disaster..."

In spite of the preceding section:

409.5(d) of the Penal Code:
"Nothing in this section shall prevent a duly authorized representative of any news service...from entering the areas closed..."

Note: A safety hazard to the press does not justify restriction; however, it is CHP policy to warn the media of potential danger before allowing access.

Reasons for Denying Access to the Media

  • Access would clearly interfere with emergency crews or equipment (Leiserson vs. San Diego).
  • Site is a crime scene.

If access is denied, the CHP has two obligations:

  1. Restrict media only as long as there is clear interference
  2. Provide a press area with maximum access possible under the circumstances

The CHP may provide escorted access to a pool reporter and cameraperson.

CA-HTF-Conway - Wildland fire

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 07:42 PM CDT

CA-HTF-Conway: "CA-HTF-Conway FIRE
LOCATION: 9 miles south of Bridgeport California near Conway Summit on Hwy 395 near Hwy 167.
SIZEUP: - 75 acres with additional resources being ordered.

Fire Name: Conway
07/16/07 @ 7:30 p.m.
Elayn Briggs
SFIDC Information Officer

LOCATION: 9 miles south of Bridgeport California
150 acres
sagebrush and pinyon juniper

Highway 395 is closed both directions from Bodie Road to Conway Summit.

Fire is potentially threatening the Virginia Creek subdivision.

Other Threats:

Threats to Bodie State Historical Park and the eastern sierra viewshed.

No estimate of containment or control

Remarks:
1 minor burn injury

Update: As per Sierra Front:
Estimated at 200 acres, containment: 90% Fire is potentially threatening the Virginia Creek subdivision and threatens Bodie State Historical Park and the eastern sierra viewshed.

National Interagency Fire Center - Fire Information - National Fire News

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 07:22 PM CDT

National Interagency Fire Center - Fire Information - National Fire News

National Preparedness

Level 4

(On a scale from 1 to 5)
ABRIDGED FOR CALIFORNIA

National Preparedness Level 4

(On a scale from 1 to 5)

Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are
(MST) 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
208-387-5050
This report will be updated daily.

July 17, 2007

Lightning activity in the West significantly increased fire activity with 20 new large fires reported yesterday. Currently, 52 large fires are burning nearly 900,000 acres across the United States. Firefighters are preparing for another day with winds and thunderstorms in the Great Basin.

Conditions throughout the western United States are extremely dry. Please be careful when traveling to or recreating in your wildlands. Fire restrictions are in effect in many areas. Contact your local land management agency for information on current restrictions.

Weather Discussion: Increasing wind in combination with thnderstorms will occur this week mainly over the Great Basin. Windy conditions will develop today from the Sierra Nevada mountains eastward over the southeast Oregon and the southwest portion of the Great Basin. Thunderstorms will focus over the Northwest and the Great Basin eastward. The driest storms will be across the southern Great Basin. Cooler conditions and higher relative humidity will begin to increase over the Northwest and northern California. Alaska will see warmer conditions with continued showers and thunderstorms.

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center


Daily statistics 7/17/07
Number of new large fires 20 States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires 52 Alaska (2)
Arizona (2)
California (4)
Idaho (14)
Montana (4)
Nevada (5)
Oregon (15)
Utah (4)
Virginia (1)
Washington (3)
Wyoming (2)
Acres from active fires 893,951
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires 4
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres 15,026
Fires contained on 7/16/07 5
Year-to-date large fires contained 507
Year-to-date statistics
2007 (1/1/07 - 7/17/07) Fires: 52,394 Acres: 3,184,420
2006 (1/1/06 - 7/17/06) Fires: 64,155 Acres:4,281,825
2005 (1/1/05 - 7/17/05) Fires: 34,497 Acres: 3,399,133
2004 (1/1/04 - 7/17/04) Fires: 42,565 Acres: 4,175,922
2003 (1/1/03 - 7/17/03) Fires: 30,911 Acres: 1,124,686
2002 (1/1/02 - 7/17/02) Fires: 49,038 Acres: 3,407,194
2001 (1/1/01 - 7/17/01) Fires: 46,819 Acres: 1,380,662
2000 (1/1/00 - 7/17/00) Fires: 53,697 Acres: 2,491,450
10-year average
1997- 2007 Fires: 46,340 Acres: 2,619,562
Current Wildland Fires
Chitty Fire - Arizona (Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest): This fire was contained at 14,200.
California Fires: 4 Acres: 40,175 New fires: 0 Fires contained: 1
Zaca (Santa Barbara County Fire Department): 25,000 acres at 35 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles northeast of Buellton and is burning in chaparral. The Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Department has issued an "Evacuation Order" for the residents of Happy Canyon Road above Baseline Road, including the communities of Tunnel Ranch, Peachtree Canyon, Rancho De Los Vistadores, and the Sedgwick Ranch.
Information: Call 805-961-5770 or visit the web site.
Elk Complex (Klamath National Forest): 6,825 acres at 15 percent contained. This complex is one mile south of Happy Camp and is burning in timber. The community of Happy Camp is threatened.
Information: Call (530) 493-1519
China-Back Complex (Klamath National Forest): 2,250 acres at 50 percent contained. This fire is 25 miles southwest of Yreka and is burning in timer and hardwood litter. Active fire behavior with crowing was reported.State Highway 96 between State Highway 263 and Scott River Road have been reopened to all motorists. However, motorists are cautioned to drive carefully since fire crews are working in the area, and smoke may occasionally reduce visibility.
Information: Call (530) 842-2266.

CA-AEU- 49 incident - Coon Hollow area - contained 30 acres

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 07:01 PM CDT

Wildland Fire Coon Hollow area - contained 30 acres CA-AEU- 49er Fire
KCRA channel 3 has coverage - contained at approx 30acres.
Location; Highway 49 near Coon Hollow Road, north of Placerville.

Full wildland response:
(WLF-HOTLIST) - TCU sent one ST Engines code 3 as well as a ST of crews.

News source: KCRA: Mandatory evacuations are now being lifted in all areas affected by a Placerville wildfire -- except for Via Monterosa Road.
The fire has burned about 30 acres on the outskirts of Placerville in the Coon Hollow area.
CalFire is calling this the "49er Fire."

Wildland Fire threatening Coon Hollow area

Posted: 17 Jul 2007 06:55 PM CDT

[EDIS] mandatory evacuations, el dorado county


UPDATE: Restrictions lifted - El Dorado County Sheriff`s Department has lifted the mandatory evacuation order and all roads are now open.

Wildland Fire threatening Coon Hollow area

Instruction:
Wildland Fire threatening area, mandatory evacuations for Via Montrosa Road, Excelsior Road area,Chaplain Road and Court, Pardi, Big Cut to Excelsior, Excelisor to Coon Hollow, Coon Hollow to Hwy 49. Evacuation Center at the El Dorado County Fairgrounds in Placerville.

Evacuation status call 530-621-5895

Area: El Dorado

Affected Counties or parts of: El Dorado,

No comments:

CNN.com

News: Breaking News -- MercuryNews.com

AP Top U.S. News At 8:45 p.m.