Update: 10:30 p.m. - Containment Holds Steady as Crews Mop-up to Prevent Hotspot Activity
The American Fire grew by another 1,000 acres Thursday, but aggressive action has bolstered containment lines, while crews work to prevent the fire from spreading across the boundaries.
A total of 17,796 acres had burnt in the Tahoe National Forest by late Thursday, with 1,812 people working the incident.
Fire Status: Crews continued to mop up on the west and north sides of the fire to prevent any fire from potential hotspots from crossing established containment lines. Today fire crews continued to hold and improve containment lines on the north-east and east sides of the fire. Aggressive fire suppression efforts have limited fire movement south to south-west along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of theAmericanRiver.
Efforts to contain the fire along the more difficult steep and hazardous terrain on the south and south-east perimeters has been very successful and that area will now be patrolled for hotspots.
The fire is established in Antoine, Manilla and Scewrauger Canyons and below the Barny Cavanah Ridge. Consumption of heavy fuels will continue to contribute to smoke in surrounding areas. An additional camp is in operation on the east side of the fire to reduce travel times for firefighters in division Z.
Hand Crews: 48 Engines: 88 Dozers: 25 Water Tenders: 45 Helicopters: 17
Structures Destroyed: 4 structures have been destroyed by the American Fire.
Closure Update: Mosquito Ridge Rd (FSR 96) is closed from the junction of Ralston Ridge Rd (FSR 96-023) to the junction of the Duncan Diversion Dam access road (FSR 96-052), west of French Meadows Reservoir. Foresthill Rd is closed from Humbug Canyon Road (FSR 88-066) to Robinson Flat Campround and Forest Rd 43 (Robinson Flat Rd) is closed from Robinson Flat Campground toMosquito Ridge Rd.
Robinson Flat Campground and Duncan Peak Lookout remain closed.
French Meadow Reservoir and access to the Oxbow Middle ForkAmerican Rafting Launch put in remain open.
Update: 9:20 a.m. - Crews Holding Containment of American Fire
The fire stands at 16,812 acres, with 50 hand crews; 88 engines; 32 bulldozers; 50 water tenders; and 12 helicopters assigned to its containment.
Four structures have been lost in the blaze, as crews continue to mop-up the west and north sides of the perimeter. The fire is now managed by the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4.
Photo courtesy U.S. Forest Service Inciweb
Agencies working the incident include Placer County Sheriff’s Department, Placer County, Placer County Water Agency, CHP, Foresthill School, and the Foresthill Fire Department.
On the north-east and east edge, fire crews continue to hold and improve containment lines. Wednesday night a back firing operation utilizing a low intensity burn was initiated to strengthen the containment line. Aggressive fire suppression efforts have limited fire movement south to south-west along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River.
Efforts to contain the fire along the more difficult steep and hazardous terrain on the south and south-east perimeters continues with crews attacking the fires edge where possible.
The fire is established in Antoine, Manilla and Scewrauger Canyons and below the Barny Cavanah Ridge. Consumption of heavy fuels will continue to contribute to smoke in surrounding areas.
Closure Update: Mosquito Ridge Rd (FSR 96) is closed from the junction of Ralston Ridge Rd (FSR 96-023) to the junction of the Duncan Diversion Dam access road (FSR 96-052), west of French Meadows Reservoir. Foresthill Rd is closed from Humbug Canyon Road (FSR 88-066) to Robinson Flat Campround and Forest Rd 43 (Robinson Flat Rd) is closed from Robinson Flat Campground to Mosquito Ridge Rd.
Robinson Flat Campground and Duncan Peak Lookout remain closed.
French Meadow Reservoir and access to the Oxbow Middle Fork American Rafting Launch put in remain open.
Forest Order No 17-13-06 has closed portions of the Tahoe NF on the American Ranger District.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Under Investigation |
| Date of Origin | Saturday August 10th, 2013 approx. 04:30 PM |
| Location | 10 miles northeast of Foresthill. |
| Incident Commander | Rocky Opliger |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 1,812 |
|---|---|
| Size | 17,796 acres |
| Percent Contained | 60% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Sunday September 01st, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved |
10 Timber (litter and understory). |
| Fire Behavior |
Due to successful fire suppression efforts,lowfire behavior /activityin DIV B,DIV F,DIV H,DIV A;The south and west portions of the fire were tested with increased SW winds. The northeast and southeast portions of the fire produced moderate fire behavior with active surfae fire, tree torching, and short crown runs. Firing operations conducted last night and this morning at the north end of the fire continue to back down towards the main body of the fire. |
| Significant Events |
Continued significant fire growth in DIV Z due to fire position and canyon alignment; Good progress in DIV A,DIV B,and DIV H. Continued burning operations in DIV R. The Incident is also supporting Initial Attack requests over the TFR footprint. A partial road closure of Mosquito Ridge Rd from the junction of Ralston Ridge Rd(Forest Rd 23)east to the junction of Forest Rd 96-052, west of French Meadows Reservoir for public and firefighter safety. Recreation opportunties remain open in French Meadows and surrounding recreational areas.. |
Outlook
| Growth Potential |
High |
|---|---|
| Terrain Difficulty |
Extreme |
| Remarks |
Fire is in an old growth timber stand with no recorded fire history, in steep, hazardous terrain with dry, heavy fuels.Consumption of heavy fuels continues to create heavy smoke. The Forest, timber industry,local agencies, and private landowners are collaborating to implement strategy and tactics which will minimize impacts to high value timber resources, Western States Trail, watershed, and local communities. Critical resources are on order to contain fire with the least resource damage safely attainable. |
Current Weather
| Wind Conditions | 10 mph SW |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 83 degrees |
| Humidity | 20% |
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