Monday July 7th 9 PM PDT Update
Incident: Piute Wildfire
Released: 7/8/2008
Monday, July 7th @9 PM PDT Evening Update
Fire Acres % Contained Cost Total PersonnelPiute Fire
26,285
22%
$11,494,098
1,191
Resources
Crews
Engines
Dozers
Watertenders
Helicopters
Overhead
24
84
9
26
4
254
WHAT'S NEW & EVENTS:
· Dozers and hand crews were pulled off the northern and western lines due to smoke and extreme fire behavior caused by stronger than predicted winds.
· Helicopter bucket and retardant drops were used to slow fire movement.
· Firefighters continued to make progress along the Piute Mountain Road and in the Kelso Valley area.
· A recommended evacuation notice was issued for the residents living on both sides of the Caliente/Bodfish Road from the intersection of Saddle Springs Road at Hooper Hill south to the Piute Meadows Trading Post.
· A public meeting is scheduled at Kern Valley Senior Center tomorrow evening, July 8th, from 7-8 pm.
Fire Status: The fire was active on the western and northern perimeters due to strong southeasterly winds. Control lines on the western perimeter were lost as the fire burned through the Red Mountain area. Crews are actively engaged in structure protection around Havilah and an assessment is being made of structures lost. Along the north, contingency lines under construction will be evaluated in the morning to assess fire movement and potential alternative line locations. Crews completed indirect dozer and hand line in the Kelso Valley area to prevent the fire from moving onto private land. A small spot fire occurred along the Piute Mountain Road to the south. Air operations continue to work the fire with water bucket and retardant drops.
Evacuation Shelter: A shelter at the Kern Valley Senior Center, 6409 Lake Isabella Blvd, is now open. Animal control will be on site to assist with companion animal sheltering if needed.
Existing Closures and Road Status: On July 1, the Forest Service implemented a Piute Fire Area Closure. This area includes all access points west of the Pacific Crest Trail. BLM closures include Nichols Peak, Bright Star Wilderness Area, Cortez Canyon, Dry Canyon, Jawbone Canyon and Lynch Canyon, Piute Mountain Road, Saddle Springs Road, Erskine Creek Road and all routes of travel west of the Pacific Crest Trail, are now closed to off highway vehicles (OHV). Other road closures include McCray Road from the end of the pavement south, and Fawn Drive from the end of the pavement south. Further information may be obtained at 661-391-6005. There is an area closure in effect for the Piute Mountains from Piute Mountain Road at Caliente Creek Road; Saddle Springs Road at Caliente/Bodfish Road; Jawbone Canyon Road south of Piute Mountain Road; Roads 29S02 and 29S03 and Erskine Creek Road at pavement.
Weather: A strong, high pressure area is bringing very hot temperatures to the area; southeast winds are expected to continue though Tuesday. Residents can expect more smoky conditions in areas north and west of the fire.
Cooperating Agencies & Partners: US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, Kern County Fire Department, Kern County Sheriff, and Kern County Office of Emergency Services, CALFIRE, California Highway Patrol and the Kern County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
