Hell's Half Complex Fire Update
Incident: Hells Half Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/18/2008
Crews have reached a new milestone by tying in lines completely around the Hells Half Fire, according to Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry. "I feel good about the progress our crews have made. If the weather prediction holds, we should be able to eliminate forest fuels and widen our control lines," said Quesinberry. In some areas a large amount of unburned fuel remains between the fire perimeter and the control lines. Preparations are being made to secure the line ahead of the fire. Firefighters will focus efforts in areas where homes are located and in the Mingo Creek area where the fire is burning the hottest. Today's fire size is 10,424 acres with 40 percent containment.
Firefighters successfully burned out nearly a mile long area of forest fuels along the northwest edge of the fire line on Thursday. Firefighters are also supporting the Lower Trinity Ranger District providing initial attack for any new fires. Efforts are also being focused to secure lines and to place firefighting resources in place to protect homes and private property.
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 weather conditions allow. Fire crews are removing overhanging limbs from trees to widen roads that will be used as control lines. More than 31 miles of hose lines have been laid in this area which will allow firefighters to create wider control lines.
West: On the western side of the fire, mop up activities continue with firefighters monitoring minimal fire activity.
East: Additional burnouts will occur as weather permits.
High pressure aloft will remain today resulting morning and afternoon smoke with moderate humidities. Later in the afternoon a sharp increase in temperatures and drop in humidity will occur.
Area or Road Closures - Evacuations
The following area is closed until further notice: Beginning at the intersection of Forest Road No. 5N33 and Forest Route No. 6, then continues south along Forest Route No. 6 to its intersection with Forest Road No. 4N13, then continues south along Grouse Creek to its intersection with Bear Creek, then continues south along Bear Creek to the southern boundary of Section 25, Township 4 North, Range 5 East (Humboldt Base and Meridian), then continues east to its intersection with the Forest boundary, then continues east and north along the Forest boundary to the intersection of County Road No. 447 and Forest Road No. 5N02, then continues westerly back to the starting point. The Underwood Mountain Road remains closed to the public but is open to local residents for important, necessary traffic. All evacuations remain in place but are being re-evaluated daily.
