Chalk Fire Update - Oct. 18 (12 Noon)
Incident: Chalk Wildfire
Released: 10/18/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Saturday, October 18, 2008, 12:00 NOON
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics (10/17 @1500)
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 (10/17 @1500)
Crews: 7
Engines: 19
Helicopters: 11
Air tankers:
Dozers: 2
Total personnel assigned: 338
Current Status: The Chalk Fire was active last evening in an area between Twin Peak and Cone Peak, even though approximately inch of rain fell along the coast. Light rain continued this morning in some areas of the fire. Firing operations which were planned for today, are now being re-evaluated. The fire has continued to creep towards the outer edge of Lime Kiln State Park in a mixture of grass and some heavier fuels. Pre-existing dozer lines above the New Camaldoli Hermitage are being re-opened and the area is being prepared for a possible firing operation if it should be needed.
Firefighter and public safety continue to be the highest priority.
Evacuations: On Friday, October 17, The Monterey County Sheriff's Department issued an EVACUATION WARNING for Limekiln State Park north to the New Camaldoli Hermitage. Approximately 9 residents are within the evacuation area. This stage of Evacuation Warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to life and property. Persons who receive notification of this warning should evacuate in accordance with the direction given to them by Sheriff's Department Deputies who are on scene.
An EVACUATION WATCH was also issued by the Monterey County Sheriff's Department for Lucia north to Lopez Point. This stage of Evacuation Watch is for areas where a threat to life and property exists. Persons who receive notification of this watch 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: Weather for today will be cloudy, but north east winds and hotter and drier conditions are predicted again for the coming week.
Agencies: The incident is currently being managed by a U.S. Forest Service, Type-2, Incident Command Team. Incident Commander Dana D'Andrea (USFS) of Central Coast Interagency Incident Management Team 7 assumed command of the incident at 6:00am today, Saturday, October 18, 2008.
