American Canyon Complex Update July 20, 2008
Incident: American River Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/20/2008
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
20, 541; 75% contained;
705 personnel: 14 crews; 8
helicopters; 27 engines; 5
dozers; 29 water tenders
Estimated Containment Date:
August 1, 2008
Fires
Government Springs/
Westville Fire
19,977 acres; 75% contained
Peavine - 551; 100 % contained
Placer County, CA - Suppression efforts by firefighters has brought the containment up to 75%. Firefighters worked to suppress the stubborn northeast flank of the Government Springs/Westville fire on Saturday.A hotshot crew worked in Big Valley Canyon, supported by water drops. Efforts to contain and keep the fire on the south side of the North Fork of the American River have been successful.
Rehabilitation on the northern perimeter, west of Big Valley Canyon has been completed. Firefighters are utilizing dozers, chippers and excavators to assist with rehabilitation along the northwest and southern flanks of the fire.
All hot spots within two hundred feet of controlled lines are being extinguished, increasing security of containment lines located along the south and east flanks of the fire.
The California National Guard began a three-day training exercise yesterday in order to develop basic firefighting skills. This effort will enhance the capabilities of the National Guard to address possible firefighting requests in the future.
Expected higher relative humidities and recovering fuel moistures will help firefighters maintain existing firelines on the northeast flank of the fire along the American River.
Today, crews will continue to address ongoing suppression difficulties in the steep rugged terrain of Big Valley Canyon. They will be supported by helicopter bucket drops and will be using water pumps and hose.
Rehabilitation will continue and two hundred National Guard personnel will be deployed in the southern flanks of the fire for their second day of their three day training.
Crews will work along the northeast flank, west of the Big Valley Canyon today with handheld infrared detectors. This technology will help the crews identify hotspots to extinguish them.
Fire restrictions remain in effect within the Tahoe National Forest. More information on fire restrictions is available at 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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