Chalk Fire Evening Update, Oct. 6
Incident: Chalk Wildland Fire
Released: 10/6/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Monday October 6, 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: 11,189
Miles of fireline to build: 20
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 67%
Expected containment: 10/17/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 13
Structures threatened: 9 residences; 15 outbuildings
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $10,843 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 28
Engines: 61
Helicopters: 10
Air tankers: 2
Dozers: 9
Total personnel assigned: 1,387
Current Status: The reduction in "acres burned" is the result of more accurate mapping and ground truthing of the fire's perimeter. The reduction in "fire line to build" reflects a change in fire suppression tactics. Earlier on the fire, crews had to construct indirect line because of active burning conditions. Due to the effect of the Oct. 4 rain on fuel conditions, firefighters are now able to do more direct line construction which more closely follows the fire's perimeter.
Today firefighters continued to improve contingency lines between Twin Peak and Cone Peak. Conditions allowed crews to build indirect line from the perimeter of the west flank of the fire. Tonight crews will patrol and continue to mop up 100-300 ft. around structures in the Prewitt Ridge area. On the north flank of the fire, they will construct indirect line where possible, and look for opportunities to build direct line. They will also cold trail and pick up hot spots. Firefighter safety and structure protection remain top priorities.
Evacuations: There are no Evacuation Warnings. An EVACUATION WATCH is in place for residents in the following areas: the immediate fire area west of Chalk Peak and South Coast Ridge Road (Alms Ridge, Dempsey Flats and Prewitt Ridge areas), 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.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Hwy 1 is open, but subject to traffic delays up to 20 minutes. Vehicles must travel 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 52-59 degrees below 1500 ft. and 61-68 degrees above 1500 ft.; relative humidity 70-85 below 1500 ft. and 50-60% above 1500 ft.; down slope winds at 2-4 mph, ridge top winds north-northeast 3-7 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.
