July 16, 2008 AM erican River Complex Update
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/16/2008
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; 50% contained;
844 personnel: 19 crews; 8
helicopters; 51 engines; 7
dozers; 28 water tenders
Estimated Containment Date:
August 1, 2008
Fires
Government Springs/
Westville Fire
18,192 acres; 50% contained
Peavine - 551; 100 % contained
Placer County, CA - Firefighters have started mop-up operations along the north and south sides of the Government Springs/Westville fire. This fire is now 50% contained. Firefighters are continuing direct attack, working toward the American River on the fire's eastern flank. Rehabilitation of machine-constructed fireline is being assessed. Excess resources are being identified for release as progress continues on securing the perimeter.On Tuesday, continued favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to begin mopping up small, remaining hotspots within 150 feet of the northern fireline west to east form Texas Hill Spring to near Big Valley Canyon. As crews begin mop-up, hazardous trees within the mop-up area will be removed for the safety of personnel. Mop-up also began on the southern fireline, from Humbug ridge on the west to Canada ridge on the east.
Three 20-person hotshot crews, supported by helicopter water drops and engines, continued direct attack west of Big Valley Canyon on the northeast edge of the fire line, and five hotshot crews continued direct attack north from Canada Ridge toward the American River Canyon on the southeast edge of the fire.
Today, crews will continue mopping up within 150 feet in order to secure the fireline on the north and south sides of the fire. Focus on direct attack actions will continue north of the Canada Ridge area. New fireline will be constructed and existing fireline strengthened in order to corral the uncontrolled perimeter. Fireline patrol with engines will continue as needed, and rehabilitation work to reduce future erosion will begin where control lines are no longer needed.
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 .
Several road, trail and area closures remain in effect. Please see http://www.inciweb.org/ or www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe/fire/index.shtml for the complete listing of closures.
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