Whiskey Fire
Incident: Whiskey Wildland Fire
Released: 6/13/2008
Willows, June 13, 2008 - The Whiskey Fire, which has burned about 2,000 acres in the Tehama County on the Mendocino National Forest, is burning in chaparral brush and grasses in a sparsely habited area about five miles northwest of the community of Paskenta.
The Whiskey Fire is being managed under Unified Command by the Forest Service and CAL FIRE.
No recreation areas are threatened; however, portions of Forest Roads M-2 and M-4 will be closed to public travel beginning this afternoon to expedite movement of fire equipment and personnel to the fire lines. Five structures are listed as threatened but there is no evacuation ordered.
The fire was initially reported about 12:30 yesterday afternoon (June 12) as about 10 acres in size and it spread rapidly through the brush. Last night the fire spotted over Thomes Creek, but crews were able to construct a fire line around it to keep it from spreading.
About 200 fire fighters are currently on the scene, plus three air tankers, one air attack aircraft and three helicopters. The crews are from State and Forest Service units.
Cause of the fire is unknown. An investigation team has been ordered.
The fire area ranges from about 1,500 feet to 4,000 feet in elevation. Temperatures are hot and dry. Vegetation is very dry because of recent winds and low precipitation.
Nor Cal Interagency Incident Management Team II will assume management of the Whiskey Fire at 6:00 p.m. today. The team draws on expertise from federal, state and local fire fighting agencies throughout California.
For more information, contact Fire Information, at (530) 934-3316, or Mickie Jakez, CAL FIRE, at (530) 528-5124.
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