Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 06/27/2008 11:23 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 06/27/2008 02:41 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
:
North Mountain Fire Update for Friday June 27th~By Jerry Snyder
North Mountain Fire Update for Friday, June 27, 2008....Fire Status:
Active; Cause: Lightning Location: Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District; Acres Burned:1,411;Percent Contained: 30%; Full Containment Expected:No Estimate; Date Started: 6/21/08; Resources:9 hand crews, 17 engines, 2 dozers, 3 water tenders, 2 helicopters, air tankers on order
Personnel Assigned: 422; Injuries: 5. Overview....
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At approximately 3:48 PM on Saturday June 21, 2008, lightning started approximately ten small fires, the largest of which is now 1,411 acres and burning in steep, rugged terrain with difficult access north of the Tuolumne River.
Current Situation:
Last night’s fire behavior was influenced by down canyon winds that surfaced for the first time around midnight. Increased fire activity was noted on the north and west flank of the fire. Crews are constructing fire line and continue slow progress in the steep, rugged terrain. Other crews are improving contingency lines in the area. The North Mountain Fire Camp is complete and serving the needs of firefighters at Drew Meadow. A Type 1 heavy helicopter has arrived and will begin operations today supporting line construction on the north end of the fire. A fire retardant mixing base may go into operations at Pine Mountain Airport on Saturday that will allow for rapid turnaround times and use of retardant on the fire. Residents will hear and see increased helicopter activity as more aviation equipment arrives. The weather pattern that is approaching has the possibility of bringing change to area that will be watched closely by firefighters.
Incident Priorities:
Firefighter and public safety is our core value.
Maximize protection of resources at risk.
Provide timely public information on current and predicted fire conditions.
Provide for productive relationships with local, County, State and Federal officials.
Evacuations:
No evacuations are in place. Contingency plans have been developed to evacuate organizational camps, campgrounds, and forest recreational residences should the need arise.
Road Closures:
No road closures are in place at this time. “Firefighters Working” signs are posted to let motorists know of their presence…requesting that they drive slowly and the possibility of smoke in the area. Coordination with Federal, State and local officials will take place should the need arise to effect a hard closure.
Areas Closed:
The Preston Falls Trail is closed.
Weather, Fire Behavior and Smoke Conditions:
A FIRE WEATHER WATCH is in effect as a weather system moves through the area from the southwest. Possibility exists for thunderstorms. Subtropical air will move into the area bringing instability, winds and increased chances of thunderstorms and lightning.
Challenges:
Securing additional resources and assets.
Steep rugged terrain and heavy fuel loading.
Long travel distances for crews and equipment.
Potential extended evacuation times.
Spotty cell phone and radio coverage.
Progress:
Containment grows slowly as crews work in extremely steep, rugged terrain. The Type 1 helicopter will increase opportunities to expand our containment lines. Additional crews have arrived and more will continue to arrive. Fire crews will be more visible as they continue to construct fire line where it is safe.
North Mountain Fire Cooperators include Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, Yosemite National Park, Hetch-Hetchy Power, Tuolumne County Emergency Operations Center.
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team
Ron Woychak, Incident Commander
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