Hell's Half Update for July 16, 2008
Incident: Hells Half Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/16/2008
Tonight at 6:00 p.m. there is a community meeting at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Hall where residents can learn more about fires in the Lime and Hell's Half Fire Complexes. Residents are urged to attend.
The heavy smoke inversion that has blanketed areas surrounding the Hell's Half Fire Complex in Humboldt and Trinity counties lifted Tuesday, improving visibility but increasing fire activity as a result. The most active area of the fire was in the northwestern corner of the fire where the fire crossed Mingo Creek but firefighters worked aggressively to contain this area. Firefighters also attempted to burn out fuels to improve fire lines in the north, but shut down operations due to an increase in fire activity. Construction of a dozer line along the southern edge of the fire east to the Trinity River through the old Panther Fire was also completed. Mop up and patrol continued on the rest of the Divisions.
South: Crews will focus on protection and assessment of structures along the southern edge of the fire. Construction of a dozer line along the southern edge east to the Trinity River was completed yesterday with burnouts occurring as weather permits.
North: In the northwestern area of the fire, dozers will put in line from Route 6 east to the river. Fire crews will also be opening up roads in the area using a masticator, a large piece of equipment that removes overhanging limbs from trees. The limbs are then chipped to minimize available fuel for an oncoming wildfire. Burn out activities may occur if the weather permits in the north/northeastern section of the fire.
West: On the western side of the fire, mop up activities continue with firefighters reporting minimal activity.
East: Burnouts will occur if weather conditions.
Approximately 200 firefighters were relocated to a spike camp in Hyampom, reducing travel times to and from work locations. Aircraft will operate as conditions allow.
Wednesday's weather will continue with sunshine and afternoon breezes. Highs temperatures are expected from 83 to 91 degrees with light and variable winds in the morning becoming northwest to north 6 to 12 mph, with gusts to 18 mph on the ridges, and up the South Fork in the afternoon.
There will be a community meeting at 6:00 tonight at the Hyampon
Volunteer Fire Department to learn about fires in the Lime and Hell's Half Fire Complexes.
Area or Road Closures - Evacuations
The following area is closed until further notice: Beginning at the intersection of Forest Road No. 5N01 and Forest Route No. 6, then continuing south along Forest Route No. 6 to the Six Rivers National Forest boundary, then continuing northeasterly along the forest boundary to the northwest ¼ of Section 28, Township 5 North, Range 6 East (Humboldt Base and Meridian), and then continuing west to the starting point. The Underwood Mountain Road remains closed to the public but is open to local traffic. All evacuations remain in place but are being re-evaluated daily.
