Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/01/2008 11:13 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 07/01/2008 11:21 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
:
North Mountain Update for Tuesday July 1st....Now at 2,750 Acres and 50% Contained~By Dennis Cross
North Mountain Fire Update for Tuesday, July 1, 2008....Fire Status: Active; Cause: Lightning; Location: Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District; Acres Burned: 2,750; Percent Contained: 50%; Full Containment Expected: No Estimate; Date Started: 6/21/08; Resources: 12 hand crews, 32 engines, 2 dozers, 7 water tenders, 3 helicopters, air tankers on order; Personnel Assigned: 514; Injuries: 11; Overview....
At approximately 3:48 PM on Saturday June 21, 2008, lightning started the North Mountain Fire, which is now 2,750 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. Progress continues to be slow due to the steep, rugged terrain. Other crews are improving contingency lines and mopping up in the area. The North Mountain Fire Camp is complete and serving the needs of firefighters at Drew Meadow. A fire retardant mixing base is in operation near Pine Mountain Lake Airport. Residents will hear and see increased helicopter activity as more aviation equipment is utilized. Additional firefighters are being flown into remote wilderness camps. Up to seven crews will remain in the “spike camps” for the next seventy two 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. Specific inquiries regarding Yosemite can be directed to the Yosemite Media Relations Office at (209) 372-0248. Fire Information is available at
(209) 372-0480 or on the web at www.nps.gov/yose.
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 with increased winds from the southwest. Increased fire behavior is likely. Smoke may be visible throughout the area.
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.
Supporting firefighter needs at remote spike camps.
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 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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