American River Complex July 18 Update
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/18/2008
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
19,510 acres; 60% contained;
773 personnel: 16 crews; 8
helicopters; 37 engines; 6
dozers; 32 water tenders
Estimated Containment Date:
August 1, 2008
Fires
Government Springs/
Westville Fire
18,959 acres; 60% contained
Peavine - 551; 100 % contained
Placer County, CA - Warmer temperatures and lower humidity caused the Government Springs/Westville fire to become more active Thursday than in the past several days. Most of this activity was within the interior of the control lines, presenting little concern for fire fighters. The fire is now 60% contained. The largest section of uncontained perimeter is located on the northeast portion of the line from Big Valley Canyon to Sailor Flat, and the majority of active suppression activities were focused in this area.Firefighters continued to mop up and strengthen existing control lines. Rehabilitation of constructed line is underway along most of the fire perimeter and is progressing according to Tahoe National Forest guidelines. Crews are monitoring the fire as it burns in heavy fuels on the extremely steep slopes on the east side of lower Big Valley Canyon.
South of the American River, five 20-person hotshot crews worked in lower New York Canyon Thursday. Burn-out operations were conducted late into the night and early morning in order to remove unburned fuel from the perimeter and secure the fireline on the ridge between New York and Sailor canyons and also east along the American river in order to seal off the northeast flank. The fire continues to slowly burn downslope in a large field of brush toward the American River, inside the control lines. Firefighters are monitoring this situation and allowing it to continue in a natural process.
The focus of today's activities will be in the northeast perimeter with the construction of control lines and holding existing lines. Helicopter bucket drops will continue to be used on the steep slopes of Big Valley Canyon. The areas where burn-out operations were conducted will be mopped-up in order to secure that section of the perimeter. Rehabilitation will continue along the perimeter where required.
The boat ramp and upper parking lot at Sugar Pine Reservoir have been reopened for public use.
A fire information meeting will be held this evening at 7:00 pm at the Alta Community Center, 33950 Alta Bonney-Nook Road, Alta. Fire officials will present a brief update on the status of the fire, and answer questions. The public is invited to attend.
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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