Chalk Fire Morning Update, Oct. 4
Incident: Chalk Wildland Fire
Released: 10/4/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Saturday October 4, 2008, 11:00 AM
(Will be updated at approximately 8:00pm)
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 11,968
Miles of fireline to build: 21
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 22%
Expected containment: 10/17/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 11
Structures threatened: 19 residences; 30 outbuildings
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $7.28 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 30
Engines: 73
Helicopters: 12
Air tankers: 8
Dozers: 9
Total personnel assigned: 1,334
Current Status: Rain will slow fire behavior and firefighting actions temporarily. The west flank has reached Hwy 1 near Limekiln and Hare Canyon. Crews established containment lines south of Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd to the junction of South Coast Ridge Rd and McKern Rd. As conditions allow, crews will hold that containment line and begin structure protection preparation at Merle Ranch. Crews will construct direct line north from Hwy 1 toward Cone Peak, and improve lines on the McKern Trail and Slick Rock. On the northeast flank in the Ventana Wilderness, challenges include extremely steep terrain and few opportunities to construct containment lines at the fire's edge.
The increase in the number of firefighter injuries is due to three separate vehicle accidents yesterday. Personnel were taken to a local hospital, evaluated and released.
Evacuations:
- The fire Evacuation Warning has been reduced to an Evacuation Watch for residents in the immediate fire area west of Chalk Peak and South Coast Ridge Road (Alms Ridge, Dempsey Flats and Presitt Ridge). Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued.
- An Evacuation Watch remains in place for Lucia, Mill Creek, Hare Creek and Limekiln State Park. Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued.
SPCA Monterey County's Disaster Response Team is available to assist residents with emergency evacuations of pets and livestock. Call 831-373-2631 or 831-646-5534 (after hours) for information or assistance. For disaster preparedness information and a listing of pet-friendly hotels and motels, visit http://www.spcamc.org/disaster-preparations.htm.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Hwy 1 is open, but subject to traffic delays up to 20 minutes. Vehicles must drive slowly and watch for debris and emergency equipment and crews. Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd is closed. South Coast Ridge Rd is closed from Nacimiento-Fergusson Rd to Willow Creek Rd. Limekiln State Park is closed. Mill Creek Day Use Area on Hwy 1 is closed.
Weather: Temperature 59-66 degrees; relative humidity 50-65%; northwest winds at 5-9 mph with gusts to 16 mph; winds 3-5mph in the canyons.
Agencies: This incident is being managed under Unified Command with the U.S. Forest Service and Fort Hunter Liggett. The Incident Command Post is at Fort Hunter Liggett. Media access to Fort Hunter Liggett is restricted. Contact the Goleta Fire Information Center for assistance.
