Clover Fire News Release- June 11
Incident: Clover Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 6/11/2008
Date: June 11, 2008
Contact: Fire Information Kern River Ranger District
Phone: (760) 376-3781 ext. 699
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
KERNVILLE, CA.... Fire growth was moderate Tuesday despite wind gusts of up to 30 mph that hit the fire in the early afternoon. Holding actions on key ridges continue to be successful. A High Pressure area is expected to move in over the fire that will put relative humidity's in the 10 to 15 percent range. The good news is that winds are expected to diminish.
The California Fire Use Management Team arrived on Tuesday to manage the fire and took command at 6:00 PM. There job is to make sure the fire does not burn further South and keep it West of the Kern River.
"Right now, we want to make sure that we provide for firefighter and public safety first," said Sid Beckman, Incident Commander. "We will also be working hard to assist hikers through the fire on the Pacific Coast Trail as they continue to hike North from Mexico."
The fire is burning in Jeffrey Pine stringers, Mountain Moahogany, Sage and Montane Manzanita.
"Even though fuels moistures are high, the fire spread seems to be coming from pine needle scatter," said Beckman. "We are seeing some benefit; however, from past fire use events that seem to slow and in some cases, these old fires have slowed the spread of the fire."
Hazy smoke, moving easterly can still be seen from Kennedy Meadows, Ridgecrest and throughout the Kern River Valley communities.
Smoke monitoring equipment is set up at the South Fork of the Kern River near Kennedy Meadows. This module is used in smoke sensitive areas during wild land fires to track particulates and their potential impacts to human health. The 24 hour readings at Kennedy Meadows are in the moderate range
Firefighters continue to assist hikers approximately 2 miles, through the Pacific Crest Trail portion of the fire area during daylight hours. Hikers are reminded not to attempt to hike in the area after dark.
A total of 105+ fire personnel are assigned, including two helicopters and two hand crews.
Fire personnel continue to monitor the fires' progression, fire effects and behavior, and smoke dispersal. The Team will also be developing a long range strategy to manage the fire in the next several days.
For further information, please contact Fire Information at Kern River Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 Ext 699.
