Chalk Fire Evening 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, 8:00 PM
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 12,168
Miles of fireline to build: 21
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 30%
Expected containment: 10/17/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 11
Structures threatened: 19 residences; 30 outbuildings
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $8.43 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 25
Engines: 88
Helicopters: 12
Air tankers: 8
Dozers: 9
Total personnel assigned: 1,319
Current Status: Rain, cloud cover and humidity slowed fire progression last night and today. Weather related hazards were evaluated to ensure safe working conditions for firefighters. Crews mopped up on the west and southwest flanks of the fire, and constructed indirect line north from Hwy 1 toward Cone Peak. Structure protection preparation continued at Merle Ranch. There was little fire progression on the northeast flank due to favorable weather conditions.
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 Prewitt Ridge areas). Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued. A "Fire Evacuation Watch" remains in place for Lucia, Mill Creek, Hare Creek and Limekiln State Park.
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 is closed due to emergency equipment in the area.
Weather: Temperature 66 degrees; relative humidity 68%; northwest winds at 4 mph.
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.
