Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/02/2008 02:34 PM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/02/2008 02:37 PM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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North Mountain Fire Update for Wednesday July 2nd....75% Contained....Full Containment Expected Thursday!~By Dennis Cross
North Mountain Fire Update for Wednesday July 2nd....Fire Status: Active
Cause: Lightning; Location: Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District; Acres Burned: 2,711; Percent Contained: 75%; Full Containment Expected: 7/3/08; Date Started: 6/21/08; Resources: 14 hand crews, 14 engines, 2 dozers, 6 water tenders, 3 helicopters, air tankers on order; Personnel Assigned: 515; Injuries: 12. Overview....
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At approximately 3:48 PM on Saturday June 21, 2008, lightning started the North Mountain Fire, which is now 2,711 acres and burning in steep, rugged terrain with difficult access north of the Tuolumne River.
Current Situation:
Minimal fire activity was observed overnight. Crews continue to construct fire line and are being supported by three helicopters. Firefighters made great progress yesterday on the fires perimeter. The North Mountain Fire Camp is complete and serving the needs of firefighters at Drew Meadow. Residents will hear and see increased helicopter activity as more aviation equipment is utilized. Five crews will remain in the “spike camp” for the next forty eight hours to access the remote northeasterly edge of the fire. This will increase our ability to construct fire line in this remote and difficult area.
The North Mountain Fire continues to burn into Yosemite National Park. The Park Service is working closely with Interagency Team 2 to manage the fire.
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 effect.
“Firefighters and equipment will be working in the area” signs are posted on Cherry Lake Road to let motorists know of their presence…requesting that they drive slowly and advising them of the possibility of smoke in the area.
Areas Closed:
The Preston Falls Trail is closed.
Weather, Fire Behavior and Smoke Conditions:
Today’s weather will continue to be hot and dry.
Challenges:
Steep rugged terrain and heavy fuel loading.
Potential extended evacuation times.
Spotty cell phone and radio coverage.
Supporting firefighter needs at remote spike camps.
Progress:
Containment has increased rapidly over the past twenty four hours due to hard work both on the ground and in the air. Crews continue to work in extremely steep, rugged terrain. The anticipated arrival of additional helicopters will increase our ability to achieve full containment. Additional crews have arrived to support the firefighting efforts. Fire crews will be more visible as they continue to construct fire line where it is safe.
North Mountain Fire Cooperators include Stanislaus National Forest, Yosemite National Park, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE, Hetch-Hetchy Power, Tuolumne County Emergency Operations Center, Sierra Pacific Industries.
Southern California Interagency Incident Management Team
Ron Woychak, Incident Commander
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