Moonlight Fire Update 9/12/07 1000 Hrs.
Incident: Moonlight Wildland Fire
Released: 9/12/2007
Firefighters are making good progress on establishing and reinforcing line around the fire. Fire growth was kept to a minimum yesterday, with no new growth during night time operations. There was an additional increase in the amount of direct fire line built. Acreage is now 64,271 acres with 58% containment.
The most active part of the fire today is expected along the northeast and southeast perimeter. Predicted winds over the next few days will be coming out of the southwest. The northern perimeter from Red Rock Lookout area east to Wildcat Ridge will have increased resources. The fire is still active along the south perimeter. Crews were successful in tying in a large portion of line from Kettle Rock area to Hungry Creek. The burned areas from the Stream Fire and the Antelope Fire are helping crews control the fire spread to the east.
Winds from the southwest will continue today, becoming progressively stronger throughout the day. Winds will be 4-8 mph this morning and increasing to 5-10 mph with possible gusts to 20-25 mph in the afternoon. A low pressure from the coast is moving into the area and will create stronger winds on Thursday. There is a fire weather watch posted for Thursday, with southwest winds 12-20 mph, with gusts of 30-40 mph.
Indian Valley residents should see smoke clearing from the area. However, smoke will increase in the Susanville and Janesville areas.
The potential for extreme fire behavior will continue. Historic low fuel moisture levels combined with steep terrain, heavy fuels, and erratic winds continue to challenge firefighting efforts. Structure protection will continue in portions of the Diamond Mountain, North Arm, Indian Valley, Franks and Wilcox Valley areas.
Evacuees only are being allowed to return to areas in the Diamond Mountain/North Arm Road area. Diamond Mountain Road from North Valley Road (Deadfall Lane) to Moonlight Valley Road intersection is open. The mandatory evacuation order is still in place for the North Arm Road to the Fire Station. Taylor Lake, Franks Valley, and the Antelope Lake areas are still under mandatory evacuation. A voluntary evacuation order remains in place for the residents Genesee Valley.
A Forest Closure Order in in place to ensure safety in the vicinity of the fire. All major highways remain open, however most Forest Roads in the area of the fire are closed to access. Road closures include: 27N46 north of Antelope Lake, 28N03 (known as the Antelope Lake Road) on the east end at the intersection with 28N01 (Janesville Grade), and the 29N43 road from Genesee to Antelope Lake is closed at the Flournoy Bridge.
