Chalk Fire Update - Oct. 17 (8:00pm)
Incident: Chalk Wildfire
Released: 10/17/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Friday, October 17, 2008, 8:00 PM
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 12,010
Miles of fireline to build: n/a
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 93
Expected containment: 10/20/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 17
Structures threatened: 9
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $17,023,259
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 7
Engines: 19
Helicopters: 11
Air tankers:
Dozers: 2
Total personnel assigned: 338
Current Status: The fire was very active during the day and spread north towards the west fork of Limekiln Creek. The fire moved swiftly aided by a south east wind, steep topography and rolling debris. Today's increase in acreage for the Chalk Fire is approximately 250 acres.
Air tankers and helicopters made retardant and water drops to reduce fire intensity and slow the fire's spread. Crews worked building direct fireline where possible. Fire fighter and public safety remains the highest priority.
Evacuations: Monterey County Sheriff's Department has issued an EVACUATION WARNING in effect for Limekiln State Park north to the New Camaldoli Hermitage. Approximately 9 residents are within the evacuation area. This warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to life and property. Persons who receive this notice should evacuate in accordance with the direction of the deputies on scene.
An EVACUATION WATCH has been issued by the Monterey County Sheriff's Department for Lucia north to Lopez Point. This order is for areas where a threat to life and property exists. Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued. Significant resources (hand crews, engines and dozers) are engaged in structure protection.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Highway-1 is open. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road remains closed, as well as South Coast Ridge Road, south to Willow Creek Road.
Weather: Predicted weather: Wind Speed 3-6 mph, Temperature 75-82 degrees, Wind Direction SW, Relative Humidity 15-25 percent.
Agencies: The incident is currently being managed by a U.S. Forest Service, Type-3, Incident Command Team. Transition to Incident Commander Dana D'Andrea (USFS) of Central Coast Interagency Incident Management Team 7 will occur at 6:00am Saturday, October 18, 2008.
