Chalk Fire Update - Oct. 21
Incident: Chalk Wildfire
Released: 10/21/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 8:00 PM
Incident Fire Information: 866-534-6961 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 15,359
Miles of fireline to build: 7.5
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 80%
Expected containment: 11/01/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 17
Structures threatened: 49
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $20 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 8
Engines: 32
Helicopters: 11
Air tankers: 10
Dozers: 5
Total personnel assigned: 654
Beginning October 22, the daily update will be issued in the morning only.
Current Status: Today crews were challenged by three spot fires on the north flank of the fire, but line was completed around all of them. The firing operation on the west side of the fire was completed today and crews now have the opportunity to build control line immediately adjacent to the fire. At the lower elevation in Limekiln State Park, higher humidity has slowed the fire's movement and crews are monitoring the fire's progression. Tonight crews will continue to hold and mop up any hot spots. Structure protection will continue in the Hermitage and Limekiln State Park areas.
Evacuations: On 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. This Evacuation Warning is still in effect.
An Evacuation Watch was issued by the Monterey County Sheriff's Department for Lucia north to Lopez Point. The Evacuation Watch is for areas where 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. This Evacuation Watch is still in effect.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Highway 1 is open. Nacimiento-Fergusson Road remains closed. South Coast Ridge Road, south to Willow Creek Road is closed.
Weather Overnight: Below 1,000 feet, fog with temperatures 44-52 degrees, relative humidity 75-85%, winds N to NE 5-10 mph. Above 1,000 feet, clear, temperatures 57-65 degrees; relative humidity 20-25%, winds N to NE 5mph with gusts to 10mph.
Agencies: The incident is being managed by a U.S. Forest Service, Type-2 Incident Management Team. The Incident Commander is Dana D'Andrea (USFS) of Central Coast Interagency Incident Management Team 7.
