Hat Creek Complex Fire Update - August 7, 2009
Incident: Hat Creek Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/7/2009
HAT CREEK COMPLEX
Lassen NF
Fire Information Number: 530-336-1026
Twitter.com/NorCalTeam2
Friday, August 7, 2009 - 9:00am
Today's Update: Northern California Incident Management Team II (NorCal Team II) is managing the Hat Creek Complex for the Lassen National Forest. There are three large fires in the complex in addition to 34 smaller fires. The three large fires are the Sugarloaf Fire, Brown Fire, and the Butte Fire. All of the fires are burning on the Hat Creek Ranger District.
Earlier this week, approximately 30 structures were threatened by the Brown Fire near Hat Creek and approximately 100 structures were threatened by the Sugarloaf Fire near Old Station. Minimal growth of the fires is expected as a low pressure system continues to provide cooler weather and higher humidity.
Yesterday, a small amount of precipitation fell on the eastern portion of Sugarloaf Fire. On the western portion of the fire, firefighters were able to take advantage of the higher humidity to secure control lines and burn-out interior portions to strengthen those lines.
Today, firefighters plan to patrol and mop-up hot spots to strengthen containment lines on all fires within the complex. On the south side of the Sugarloaf Fire, fire crews plan to mop-up hot spots around structures and complete firing operations along the west, southwest, and northwest sides. Along the eastern and southeastern sides of the Sugarloaf Fire, crews will continue to secure control lines around structures and control any hot spots.
Location: Near the communities of Old Station and Hat Creek - about 60 miles east of Redding, California, on both sides of Highway 89.
Estimated Total Complex Size: 10,125 acres
Estimated Total Complex Containment: 40%
Estimated Individual Fire Size / Containment:
Sugarloaf Fire: 8,184 acres / 25%
Brown Fire: 1,893 acres / 90%
Butte Fire: 48 acres / 100%
Estimated Complex Containment Date: 8/12/2009
Estimated Cost to Date: $4,400,000
Cause: Lightning
Injuries: 0
Resources: 43 crews, 6 helicopters, 68 engines, 13 dozers, 21 water tenders
Total Personnel: 1,369
Evacuations: The Rancheria RV Park evacuation has been lifted, however the Hat Creek Recreation Area campgrounds will remain closed for further evaluation of hazards.
Closures: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed between Twin Bridges and Baum Lake due to fire activity in the area. For current trail conditions, go to www.pcta.org.
All traffic closures that were in place as a result of the Sugarloaf and Brown Fires have been lifted: State Route 89 from State Route 299 to State Route 44, in Shasta County, is now open to all traffic. State Route 44 from State Route 89, in Shasta County, to State Route 36 in Lassen County is also open to all traffic.
Although the roads in the fire area are open, motorists are advised to use extreme caution as fire crews are still working and there will continue to be a lot of equipment also using the road system. Additionally, motorists may see some residual smoldering and smoke when driving through the fire area.
Remarks: There are still customers without power in Old Station and vicinity. PG&E estimates power will be restored by 3:00pm on Saturday, August 8.
