Hells Half Complex Update for July 20, 2008
Incident: Hells Half Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/20/2008
Through the continued efforts of firefighters, the 11,658-acre Hells Half Fire is now 60 percent contained. Fire crews successfully continued burnout operations-"burning out" unburned fuel between the fireline and any areas the fire burned-in the northern portions of the fire, approximately 13 miles north of the community of Hyampom.
An anticipated change in the weather on Tuesday has highlighted the importance of the work these firefighters are accomplishing. These burnout operations take time, but they can be very effective in limiting the fire's spread.
In the south, fire crews are moving forward with fire activity repair work. This may include covering dozer lines, constructing water bars and, in some areas, reseeding to prevent future erosion. "These crews are focused on removing evidence of several weeks of firefighting activities as much as they can," said Incident Commander Mike Quesinberry.
TODAY: North: Firefighters will continue burnout operations, and mop up previously burned out areas. Firelines will also be improved and the fires spread will be monitored in the Coon Creek and Surprise Creek drainages. South: Crews will continue to monitor and mop-up in burned areas and repair areas where fire activities have taken place. East: Firefighters will concentrate on improving and securing the firelines, including those along the old Panther Fire boundary. West: Firefighters will hold and mop up the firelines from yesterday's burnout operation.
WEATHER: Low pressure will approach the coast today with light southerly ridgetop winds during the morning and early afternoon. Upcanyon/upslope winds will develop during the afternoon with improved atmospheric mixing leading to a few gusts during the late afternoon. A few cumulus buildups can be expected mainly to the north and east of the fire. The inversion will lift as early as 2 to 3 p.m. in southern portions of the fire and between 3 and 4 p.m. across the remainder. Smoke will drift towards the northeast.
AREA OR ROAD CLOSURES/EVACUATIONS: The following area is closed until further notice: begins 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 necessary traffic. All evacuations remain in place but are being re-evaluated daily.
