Hidden Fire: 466 Acres
Incident: Hidden Wildland Fire
Released: 9/16/2008
The Hidden Fire grew to 466 acres yesterday. Fire managers anticipated further growth yesterday because of hot dry conditions. A red flag warning was forecast for low relative humidity. This fire was ignited by a lightning strike on the evening of September 10.
The fire continued to show spotting and control issues on the northeast flank. The southern flank showed backing into Yucca Creek. The western flank is holding. Cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity are forecasted that may help firefighting efforts.
The parks briefed the incoming team and plan to transition management of the fire this afternoon.
Approximately 115 firefighters are on this fire, including the fire management team. Five helicopters and five air tankers are also assigned to the fire to support ground operations. Spotting and roll-outs are creating control issues on the north and east flank. The west and south flanks are currently holding. The fire is approximately 20% contained.
This fire is burning in steep terrain and heavy fuels at approximately 6,000 to 6,500 feet in elevation. It has a high potential for growth. It is located near Hidden Springs in the North Fork of the Kaweah River drainage north of Ash Mountain. As of now, there are no closures associated with this fire. However, residents and visitors will see firefighting operations and smoke from this fire.
The fire is highly visible from nearby communities including Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, and Badger. Residents in these areas should anticipate smoke, especially in the morning hours when down canyon winds will pull the smoke to lower elevations.
A meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th at the Veterans Memorial Building in Three Rivers from 7:00 -8:30 pm. This will provide residents an opportunity to get an update on firefighting efforts as well as ask park and team fire managers about smoke and other impacts this fire will have on the communities near the park.
