American River Complex Fire Update 07/04/2008 9 AM
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/4/2008
Tahoe National Forest
Fire Update
Friday, July 4, 2008, 9:00 a.m.
For further Information visit: www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe
American River Complex
Info Center (530) 367-6223, 6224, or 6226
Hours of Operation: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
By the Numbers
Complex
6,277 acres; 25% contained;
563 personnel: 13 crews; 7
helicopters; 25 engines; 10
dozers; 9 water tenders
Fires
Government Springs Fire -
4,701 acres; 10% contained
Westville Fire - 1,025 acres;
15% contained
Peavine Fire - 552 acres;
95% contained
Placer County, CA - On the Government Springs Fire, fire activity was moderate to intense yesterday and crews held the fire south of the Texas Hill Road. The wind did hamper firefighters' ability to complete substantial burnout operations along the northeast corner of the fire and northern flank due to unfavorable wind conditions. They completed minimal burnout operations on the northeast corner. In the morning, there was some interior burning toward the northeast side of the fire, which caused a noticeable increase in smoke.
Today, fire personnel will continue to assess options for placing additional dozer and hand lines on the northwest corner of the Government Springs Fire to impede the fire from moving out of Willmont Canyon and Burnett Creek. Crews will complete burnout operations if weather permits. If this occurs, expect to see an increase in smoke, especially on the I-80 corridor.
Fire activity increased on the east side of the Westville Fire yesterday. The fire moved east across portions of the Mumford Bar Trail. With this lateral movement, the fire established itself in some drainages, where it then moved south toward the Foresthill Divide Road. Crews kept the fire on the north side of the road.
Today, crews will continue to hold the fire north of the Foresthill Divide Road and look for opportunities to continue building dozer and/or hand lines in front of the fire. The public is advised to use caution on the Foresthill Divide Road above the road to Sugar Pine Reservoir (Forest Road 10).
A helicopter delivered the protective wrap to the Mumford Bar Cabin and crews did wrap the cabin. In the delivery process, the helicopter's rotor was damaged when it clipped a treetop. The pilot and crew returned safely to the helibase without any injuries. This incident is under investigation.
People recreating on or near Sugar Pine Reservoir or Lake Valley Reservoir will likely see helicopters dipping water from both reservoirs. Use extreme caution if you are on either lake. Stay clear of these operations.
The Peavine Fire remains in patrol status.
New Closures Announced July 3: To ensure public safety, the Tahoe National Forest closed numerous trails in the vicinity of the American River Complex yesterday. These trails included: Euchre Bar, American Eagle, Italian Bar, and Beacroft Trail (from the trailhead to the North Fork of the American River), and the American River Trail (east of the Mumford Bar Trail toward the Sailor Flat Trail).
Closures Already in Pace: The Mumford Bar Trailhead Campground and Mumford Bar Trail are closed. In addition, Texas Hill Road from Fulda Creek to Junction of Forest Road No. 38 is closed. The Placer County Sheriff's Department is staffing a road block at either end of the Texas Hill Road to ensure public safety. Tunnel Mills, North Fork, and Onion Valley Campgrounds are closed due to the 19 Road closure.
The Incident Command Post for the American River Complex did move yesterday from the Foresthill Divide Middle School to the Yuba Gap area off I-80. There are still fire personnel located at the school who are supporting the Westville Fire.
NOTE: Residents and visitors to the area are reminded that fire restrictions are in place on the Tahoe National Forest. This means, in part, that campfires are allowed only in designated areas and smoking is restricted to a closed vehicle or cleared area. For more information on the restrictions, please see http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/fire/index.shtml or http://www.inciweb.org/
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