July 15, 2008 AM erican River Complex Update
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/15/2008
For further Information visit: www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe or http://www.inciweb.org/
Info Center (530) 367-6223, 6224, or 6226 Hours of Operation: 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
By the Numbers
Complex
18,799 acres; 40% contained;
925 personnel: 18 crews; 8
helicopters; 49 engines; 8
dozers; 25 water tenders
Estimated Containment Date:
August 1, 2008
Fires
Government Springs/Westville Fire
18,192 acres; 40% contained
Peavine - 551; 100 % contained
Placer County, CA - The 28 square mile Government Springs/Westville fire was relatively quiet Monday in response to continuing favorable weather conditions and ongoing suppression work.
The weather pattern of night time east winds, which produced unusually low relative humidity and record high daytime temperatures of recent weeks, has moderated. A more seasonable pattern is now in place with lower temperatures and higher humidity. As a result, the fire behavior Monday produced relatively low intensity, slowly creeping ground fire burning underneath the forest canopy.
In response to the improved conditions, firefighters are initiating direct attack on the fireline where it can currently be supported, and identifying further opportunities to safely and aggressively attack the blaze.
On the north side of the fire, crews and dozers with helicopter support continue direct attack, pushing east into Big Valley Canyon, as well as constructing contingency line along the 19 road north of the Big Valley Lookout. Good progress in this area allowed for reprioritization of resources to other areas of the fire.
The suppression actions on the southern perimeter have been very successful allowing the consolidation and redeployment of resources to the southeast section and discontinuing night shift. Perimeter patrols on the southern perimeter will continue with attention given to any hotspots that may occur.
The southeast and northeast flanks of the fire will receive increased attention and added resources taking advantage of the opportunity for direct suppression action and line construction. Favorable conditions allowed Hotshot crews supported by helicopters to initiate direct attack on the fire west of Sailor Canyon yesterday with good success.
Resources continue to prepare the Soda Springs road east of Robinsons Flat as a contingency fireline.
Direct suppression actions will also be initiated in the vicinity of Sugar Pine Point Research Natural Area (RNA) and proceed toward the American River. Actions will be in accordance with restrictions for minimal impact to the RNA and the Wild and Scenic River corridor.
Fire restrictions remain in place on the Tahoe National Forest. For information on the fire restrictions, please go to www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe.
The American River Complex firefighters thank Placer and Nevada Counties citizens for their cooperation and numerous outpourings of support during the fire.
Several road, trail and area closures remain in effect. Please see http://www.inciweb.org/ or http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/fire/index.shtml for the complete listing of closures.
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