American River July 17, 2008 Update
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/17/2008
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
19,322 acres; 55% contained;
831 personnel: 19 crews; 8
helicopters; 29 engines; 6
dozers; 29 water tenders
Estimated Containment Date:
August 1, 2008
Fires
Government Springs/
Westville Fire
18,771 acres; 55% contained
Peavine - 551; 100 % contained
Placer County, CA - The Government Springs/Westville Fire experienced little growth yesterday, but interior burning produced smoky conditions in some areas. Favorable weather conditions allowed firefighters to continue mopping up hotspots within 150 feet of the northern fireline west to east from Texas Hill Spring to Big Valley Canyon.Increase in acreage was due to burnout operations conducted along a small southeast portion of the fire. Crews continued to build direct fireline, working down the steep slopes toward the American River on the fire's eastern flank, and the southeastern perimeter of the fire. Fireline rehabilitation will prevent erosion as well as protecting watershed values.
The northeastern perimeter in the Big Valley Canyon area is presenting some tactical and strategic concerns. Steep and inaccessible terrain makes it difficult to build control lines in order to prevent fire spread. Hotshot crews continue to work the area with constant helicopter support.
Today, mop-up will continue within 150 feet of the fireline on the north and south sides of the fire. Hotshot crews will continue direct fireline construction on the rugged southwest and southeast flanks, while indirect lines will be prepared to the north and east of the fire using existing roads where possible. Crews will be supported by helicopter water drops while working hotspots in the Big Valley area. Fire supervisors will be assessing this area for potential solutions to complete control lines in a manner that does not endanger firefighters. Cooler portions of the fireline are now in patrol status, and excavators are performing rehabilitation work in these areas to reduce the potential for soil erosion.
A fire information meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 pm at the Foresthill Divide Middle School, 22888 Foresthill Road, Foresthill. Fire officials will present an update of progress made on the fire and answer questions. The public is invited to attend. Another information meeting will be held Friday evening at the Community Center in Alta.
Fire restrictions remain in place on the Tahoe National Forest. For information on the fire restrictions, please check the following website: 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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