Posted by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/04/2008 09:12 AM
Updated by: Kim_Hamilton on 07/04/2008 09:13 AM
Expires: 01/01/2013 12:00 AM
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North Mountain Fire 100% Contained!~By Dennis Cross
North Mountain Fire Update for Friday, July 4, 2008....Fire Status: Active; Cause: Lightning; Location: Stanislaus National Forest, Groveland Ranger District; Acres Burned: 2,889; Percent Contained: 100%; Full Containment: 7/3/08; Date Started: 6/21/08; Resources: 12 hand crews, 5 engines, 6 water tenders, 3 helicopters; Personnel Assigned: 377; Injuries: 18. Overview....
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At approximately 3:48 PM on Saturday June 21, 2008, lightning started the North Mountain Fire, which is now 100% contained at 2,889 acres. This fire burned in steep, rugged terrain with difficult access north of the Tuolumne River.
Current Situation:
Crews are directing their efforts towards hazards that remain such as islands of unburned fuel and snags. Crews continue to monitor the fire and mop up all threats to the perimeter. Helicopters continue to support the incident by transporting crews, providing water drops and back hauling extra equipment and trash from the fire line. Firefighters made great progress yesterday on the fires perimeter. Five crews will remain in the “spike camp” for the next twenty four hours to access the remote northeasterly edge of the fire. This will increase our ability to reinforce the perimeter of the fire in this remote and difficult area.
The National Park Service worked closely with Interagency Incident Management Team 2 to contain the fire and mitigate hazards. Working with the Groveland Ranger District and other cooperators, the team was able to meet its objectives.
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.
Road Closures:
No road closures are in effect.
The public is reminded to be cautious when driving on Cherry Lake Road due to firefighters and equipment still working in the area.
Areas Closed:
The Preston Falls Trail remains closed until further notice.
Weather, Fire Behavior and Smoke Conditions:
Today’s weather will be cooler with higher humidity levels with increasing temperatures over the weekend.
Challenges:
Steep rugged terrain and heavy fuel loading.
Spotty cell phone and radio coverage.
Supporting firefighter needs at remote spike camps.
Progress:
Full containment has been achieved due to the hard work both on the ground and in the air. 100% containment means that there is a line completely around the fires perimeter. Excess crews are being demobilized and reassigned to help firefighting efforts throughout the state.
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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