Skip to content
CapRadio

CapRadio

signal status listen live donate
listen live donate signal status
listen live donate signal status
  • News
    • beats
    • State Government
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • Business
    • Arts and Lifestyle
    • Food and Sustainability
    • PolitiFact California
    • California Dream
    • Videos
    • Photos
  • Music
    • genres
    • Classical
    • Jazz
    • Roots
    • Eclectic
    • Videos
    • Daily Playlist
  • Programs + Podcasts
    • news
    • Morning Edition
    • All Things Considered
    • Marketplace
    • Insight
    • California State of Mind
    • The View From Here
    • music
    • Acid Jazz
    • At the Opera
    • Classical Music
    • Connections
    • Excellence in Jazz
    • Hey, Listen!
    • Insight Music
    • K-ZAP on CapRadio
    • Mick Martin's Blues Party
    • Programs A-Z
    • Podcast Directory
  • Schedules
    • News
    • Music
    • ClassicalStream
    • JazzStream
    • Weekly Schedule
    • Daily Playlist
  • Community
    • Events Calendar
    • CapRadio Garden
    • CapRadio Reads
    • CapRadio Travels
    • Ticket Giveaways
  • Support
    • Evergreen Gift
    • One-Time Gift
    • Corporate Support / Underwriting
    • Vehicle Donation
    • Stock Gift
    • Legacy Gift
    • Endowment Gift
    • Volunteering
    • Benefits
    • Member FAQ
    • e‑Newsletter
    • Drawing Winners
    • Thank You Gifts
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Close Menu
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 
 We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter 

American Fire Continues to Grow, Smoky Conditions Persist

Wednesday, August 14, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
Photo by Pavlica/US Forest Service

Photo by Pavlica/US Forest Service

Photo by Pavlica/US Forest Service



Tuesday coverage: American Fire Grows in Rugged Area of Tahoe National Forest, Auburn Air Smoky

Latest U.S. Forest Service Incident Report

 

Updated: 11 p.m. - Firefighters protecting historic mining structures, as hot, dry conditions persist

The American Fire burning in the Deadwood Ridge area in the Tahoe National Forest was active on both the north and south ends Wednesday, burning south to the Grouse Creek Trail and north up the drainage. The hotter and drier weather contributed to increased fire activity. It is 10 percent contained.

Wednesday night firefighters will prepare the line for defensive firing operations along the north end of Deadwood Road.

On the southeast side of the fire, firefighters continue to protect historic mining structures.

The fire is approximately 17 miles northeast of Foresthill, and the Foresthill community is not in danger.

Smoke continues to affect air quality in a wide area surrounding the fire area: the I-80 corridor, Lake Tahoe Basin, the Sacramento Valley, and the surrounding foothills. Officials advise people to take appropriate precautions concerning smoke. Several counties have issued air quality advisories.

Those planning to visit area campgrounds and other recreation sites may also experience intermittent heavy smoke, especially in the evening and early morning hours.

The fire is burning in steep terrain in heavy timber in an area that has not burned in several decades, which is contributing to the heavy smoke.

People are being asked to stay out of the fire area for their own safety and the safety of firefighting personnel.

Approximately 550 personnel are assigned to the fire, including 20 hand crews, 11 engines, 11 water tenders, 6 helicopters, 2 dozers, and air tankers as available. Ground resources are staffing the fire at night. Firefighter and public safety are the first priorities.

The Forest, the timber industry, local agencies, and private landowners are collaborating to establish a strategy and tactics to minimize impacts on resources under contract, special uses under permit, and local communities.

 

Updated: 1:15 p.m. - Fire grows to more than 3,000 acres, 5 percent contained

The American fire is burning in heavy fuels, on very steep slopes. Access to the fire area is limited.

The heavy fuels are creating large amounts of smoke. Smoke is a significant issue for the Sierra Foothills, Tahoe area, and Sacramento Valley. An air quality warning has been issued for Placer county. Those planning to visit area campgrounds and other recreation sites may experience intermittent heavy smoke. Smokey conditions may last for several days.

The fire is located about 17 miles northeast of Foresthill in the Tahoe National Forest. The fire has burned across the North Fork Middle Fork American River and is burning both up and down the river drainage. The potential for fire growth is high due to the heavy fuels, steep slopes (up to 150 percent), predicted high temperatures, and low humidities.

The community of Foresthill is not being threatened at this time.

Fire perimeter shown in red:

American Fire Perimeter - Aug 14

Basic Information

Basic Information

Incident Type  Wildfire
Cause  Under Investigation
Date of Origin  Saturday August 10th, 2013 approx. 04:30 PM
Location  Deadwood Ridge, northeast of Foresthill
Incident Commander  Dana D'andrea

Current Situation

Total Personnel  873
Size  3,950 acres
Percent Contained  10%
Fuels Involved

 Heavy timber

Fire Behavior

 Moderate fire behavior over night was observed. The north end of  the fire was most active.

Significant Events

 Defensive operational firing used along Deadwood Road. Some  spotting.

Outlook

Terrain Difficulty

 Very steep terrain

Remarks

 Continue to fight aggressively with direct and indirect lines.

Current Weather

Wind Conditions  3-6 mph SW
Temperature  73 degrees
Humidity  14%

Follow us for more stories like this

CapRadio provides a trusted source of news because of you.  As a nonprofit organization, donations from people like you sustain the journalism that allows us to discover stories that are important to our audience. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, please donate today.

Donate Today  

    Related Stories

  • American Fire Keeps Growing, Crews Gaining Ground

    Friday, August 23, 2013
    The American Fire has grown to more than 20,200 acres while firefighters have the blaze 66 percent contained. Mop-up efforts are under way on two fronts, to keep the fire from spreading beyond containment lines. Update: 6:15 p.m.
  • Crews Holding Containment of American Fire

    Thursday, August 22, 2013
    Aggressive firefighting from the air and ground have kept the American Fire from rapid growth. Containment stands at 60 percent as of Thursday night. Nearly 18,000 acres have burnt. Update: 10:30 p.m.
  • American Fire Pricetag: $1 Million Per Day

    Wednesday, August 21, 2013
    Officials say the American Fire burning in the Tahoe National Forest does not appear to be arson, but was caused by humans. So far, the wildfire has cost $ 1 million a day to fight.
  • Crews Gain Ground on American Fire, Erratic Winds Still a Concern

    Wednesday, August 21, 2013
    The American Fire was 63 percent contained as of late Tuesday, as winds are pushing the blaze nearer the Foresthills area. A Red Flag warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. today. Fire officials say full containment is expected around Sept. 1.
  • Heavy Timber, Weather Conditions Make American Fire a Challenge

    Tuesday, August 20, 2013
    Fighting the American Fire is slow-going, thanks to heavy timber, rugged terrain and changing weather. The fire is nearly 15,000 acres, with containment at 54 percent as of Tuesday afternoon. Updated: 2:45 p.m.
  • Fires and Hot Temperatures Worsen Air Quality in Northern California

    Monday, August 19, 2013
    The air quality in canyons on the west slope of the Sierra has been in the unhealthy range for all groups range for about a week. But air quality is expected to improve as more of the American Fire is contained and as thunderstorms move in.
  • 146th Airlift Wing / YouTube

    Cockpit Video From American Fire Airdrop

    Monday, August 19, 2013
    A public briefing on the status of the American Fire at 7 p.m. today at the Foresthill Veteran's Memorial Hall. The fire continues to grow, consuming almost 15,000 acres, with 49 percent containment. Weather conditions are a concern. Update: 5:30 pm
  • American Fire Keeps Growing, Crews Making Progress

    Sunday, August 18, 2013
    Predictions of thunderstorms and winds have fire officials ready for the American Fire to become more erratic in the coming days. The fire has grown to nearly 14,000 acres and is 49 percent contained as of late Sunday.
  • Photo by Westfall / U.S. Forest Service

    More Than 1,400 Battling for American Fire Containment

    Saturday, August 17, 2013
    The American Fire is now more than 12,000 acres and is 40 percent contained as of late Saturday night. Heavy fuels, low humidity and steep terrain are contributing to the difficulty of fighting the fire. Smoky conditions persist. Updated: 9:55 p.m.
  • National Weather Service

    More Resources Dedicated to American Fire, Areas Closed

    Friday, August 16, 2013
    The American Fire has grown to nearly 10,000 acres and is 31 percent contained. Smoke from the fire, burning in a remote area of the Tahoe National Forest, is expected to settle over the Sierra overnight and early Saturday. Updated: 10:10 p.m.
  • American Fire Grows, Along With Containment

    Thursday, August 15, 2013
    Closures of areas adjacent to the American Fire in the Tahoe National Forest have been ordered. The fire is in a remote area near Foresthill, and has burned 5,400 acres. It is 35 percent contained. Updated: 11:20 p.m.
  • The Windish Agency

    Insight: American Fire / The Difficulty of Removing a Mayor / Kushman by the Bottle / Ivan & Alyosha

    Wednesday, August 14, 2013
    With news of San Diego Mayor Bob Filner's refusal to resign, we find out what having a strong mayor really means. We get an update on the American Fire. Plus, wine cost versus value in Kushman by the Bottle, and Seattle folk-pop band Ivan & Alyosha.
  • Todd White / National Forest Service InciWeb

    American Fire Grows in Rugged Area of Tahoe National Forest, Auburn Air Smoky

    Tuesday, August 13, 2013
    The American Fire, burning in a remote area 17 miles NE of Foresthill, has grown to an estimated 1,900 acres. Smoke from the fire is affecting air quality over a wide area, including the Sacramento Valley and Lake Tahoe Basin. Updated: 10:40 p.m.
  • Fire in Tahoe National Forest Continues to Grow

    Monday, August 12, 2013
    The 'American Fire' burning in a heavily forested area of steep terrain about 17 miles northeast of Foresthill in Tahoe National Forest has grown to more than 1,000 acres. No evacuations or road closures have been issued.

 americanfire

Coronavirus Newsletter

Get answers to your questions, the latest updates and easy access to the resources you need, delivered to your inbox.

 

Want to know what to expect? Here's a recent newsletter.

Thanks for subscribing!

We'll send you weekly emails so you can stay informed about the coronavirus in California.

Browse all newsletters

More Stories

John Locher / AP Photo

Nevada Seeks To Address ‘Equity Crisis’ In COVID-19 Vaccine Access

February 23, 2021

AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez

Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Deal Incentivizing Schools To Reopen By April

March 1, 2021

Listen To CapRadio’s New California Politics Show Every Friday

February 24, 2021

Most Viewed

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: CDC Endorses Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

California Coronavirus Updates: Tax Filers Facing Unemployment Fraud Should Request Corrected Forms, Says IRS

Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Deal Incentivizing Schools To Reopen By April

As Blue Shield Takes Control Of California Vaccine Rollout, Some Counties Worry About Distribution

We Get Support From:
Become a Supporter

Most Viewed

When Can I Get A COVID-19 Vaccine? How Will I Find Out? Answers To Your California Vaccine Questions.

California Coronavirus Updates: CDC Endorses Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

California Coronavirus Updates: Tax Filers Facing Unemployment Fraud Should Request Corrected Forms, Says IRS

Newsom, Lawmakers Reach Deal Incentivizing Schools To Reopen By April

As Blue Shield Takes Control Of California Vaccine Rollout, Some Counties Worry About Distribution

Back to Top

  • CapRadio

    7055 Folsom Boulevard
    Sacramento, CA 95826-2625

    • (916) 278-8900
    • Toll-free (877) 480-5900
    • Email Us
    • Submit a News Tip
  • Contact Us

  • About Us

    • Contact Us / Feedback
    • Coverage
    • Directions
    • Jobs & Internships
    • Mission / Vision / Core Values
    • Press
    • Staff Directory
    • Board of Directors
  • Listening Options

    • Mobile App
    • On Air Schedules
    • Smart Speakers
    • Playlist
    • Podcasts
    • RSS
  • Connect With Us

    •  Facebook
    •  Twitter
    •  Instagram
    •  YouTube
  • Donate

  • Listen

  • Newsletters

CapRadio stations are licensed to California State University, Sacramento. © 2021, Capital Public Radio. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Website Feedback FCC Public Files: KXJZ KKTO KUOP KQNC KXPR KXSR KXJS. For assistance accessing our public files, please call 916-278-8900 or email us.