Chalk Fire Daily Update - Oct. 8
Incident: Chalk Wildland Fire
Released: 10/8/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Wednesday October 8, 2008, 8:00 AM
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-7pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 11,189
Miles of fireline to build: 13
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 69%
Expected containment: 10/17/2008
Firefighter injuries to date: 15 (2 sprain/strain injuries on 10/7)
Structures threatened: 9 residences; 15 outbuildings
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $11.9 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 28
Engines: 61
Helicopters: 10
Air tankers: 2
Dozers: 7
Total personnel assigned: 1,322
Current Status: The fire activity was very low overnight. Today crews will build direct line where possible and mop up existing lines in all divisions of the fire. Crews will also begin to backhaul equipment and trash. There continue to be occasional flare-ups in interior areas and some smoldering in heavy down fuels. Firefighters will monitor the fire and respond to hot spots. Extremely steep and rugged terrain is making overall containment a slow and arduous process. 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 78-85 degrees; relative humidity 15-25%; upslope winds 2-4 mph; ridgetop north winds 4-8 mph.
Agencies: This incident is now being managed by the U.S. Forest Service. 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.
Notice: Starting today, there will be one update per day, issued in the morning. The Goleta Information Center will be staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and a recorded update will be available after hours. Inciweb will be updated in the morning and evening.
