Hell's Half Fire Complex Update - July 17, 2008 8
Incident: Hells Half Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/17/2008
Approximately 90 people attended a community meeting at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday night. Representatives of the Hells Half, Lime and Iron Fire Complexes were on hand to discuss the status of area fires and plans for containing the fires.
According to Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry, the fire activity picked up some yesterday afternoon for the second day in a row. "We've got folks in place in all areas of the fire, but really are concentrating the most resources where the fire perimeter has the greatest potential to grow. Firefighters will focus efforts in areas where homes are located along the southern edge of the fire, and in the northwest part of the fire in Mingo Creek where the fire is burning hottest."
Firefighters successfully burned out along two miles of fire lines in this area to strengthen and improve lines. Dozer line construction along the southern edge of the fire east to the Trinity River through the old Panther Fire was completed. Mop up and patrol are being conducted on the less active areas of the Hell's Half Fire. Firefighters are also supporting the Lower Trinity Ranger District with initial attack of any new fires.
The weather is expected to be increasingly hotter and drier on Thursday resulting in more visible fire activity and potential for smoke columns.
TODAY
South: Crews continue to focus on protection and assessment of structures along the southern edge of the fire, including mopping up 200 feet around residences. A dozer line along the southern edge of the fire east to the Trinity River will serve as a contingency line. Fire activity has decreased in most portions of the southern area over the last two days.
North: Dozers will continue line construction from the 6 Road east to the river and burn out in Mingo Creek if possible. Fire crews are removing overhanging limbs from trees to widen roads that will be used as firelines. More than 31 miles of hose have been laid in this area.
West: On the western side of the fire, mop up activities continue with firefighters monitoring minimal fire activity.
East: Burnouts will occur as the weather permits.
WEATHER
High pressure aloft will expand northward with warm afternoon temperatures accompanied by low late afternoon relative humidity. Northwest to north winds will become locally gusty up the South Fork although divisions situated farther away from this influence will develop only light to moderate upslope/up canyon winds during the afternoon.
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.
