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 Keeps Growing, Crews Gaining Ground

Friday, August 23, 2013 | Sacramento, CA
  
Latest U.S. Forest Service Incident Report

Update: 6:15 p.m. - Containment Improves, Mop-up Continues on Two Fronts of American Fire

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. This area will be patrolled by airresources today.

Thursday night fire crews continued to hold and improve containment lines on the north-east and east sides of the fire. Aggressive fire suppression efforts have stopped fire movement southto south-west along the North Fork of the Middle Fork of the American River.

0823 American Fire lookout

 

Efforts to contain the fire along the more difficult steep and hazardous terrain on the south and south-east perimeters has been verysuccessful and that area will now be patrolled for hotspots. Strongwinds produced hotspots outside the line on the north-east corneryesterday.

Infra-red equipment detected these and were quickly extinguished by crews. Crews will begin repairing areas damaged by firefighting activity.

The fire is established in Antoine, Manilla and Scewrauger Canyons andbelow the Barny Cavanah Ridge. Consumption of heavy fuels willcontinue to contribute to smoke in surrounding areas. An additional camp is in operation on the east side of the fire to reduce traveltimes for firefighters in division Z.

Closure Update: Mosquito Ridge Rd (FSR 96) is closed from thejunction of Ralston Ridge Rd (FSR 96-023) to the junction of theDuncan Diversion Dam access road (FSR 96-052), west of French MeadowsReservoir.

Foresthill Rd is closed from Humbug Canyon Road (FSR88-066) 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 AmericanRafting Launch put in remain open.Forest Order No 17-13-06 has closed portions of the Tahoe NF on theAmerican Ranger District.http://tinyurl.com/mvx4w3c

Further information: Information Call Center (530) 367-8020, staffed 7am to 8pm. www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe

Follow the incident on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Tahoe_NFwww.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3624 

Forsmoke information: www.placer.ca.gov/apcd

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 20,232 acres
Percent Contained 66%
Estimated Containment Date Sunday September 01st, 2013 approx. 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved

10 Timber (litter and understory).

Fire Behavior

The south, the west, and the northern most portions of the fire showed little activity. The eastern portions of the fire produced moderate fire behavior with active surfacefire, isolated single and group tree torching and short crown runs.

Significant Events

Continued significant fire growth in DIV Z and DIV R due to fire position and canyon alignment; Good progress in DIV A,DIV B,and DIV H. 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 (Hwy 96)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 burning in an old growth stand of timber with no recorded fire history.Significant changes in fuel types associated with the fire continue to burn in steep and hazardous terrain as well as receptive timber fuels that have not burned in decades.Consumption of heavy fuels continues to create heavy smoke in the surrounding area. The Forest, timber industry,local agencies, and private landowners continue to contribute to collaborate to implement strategy and tactics that will minimize impacts on high value timber resources, The Western States Trail, watershed, and local communities. Aerial ignition options are being reviewed for implementation. Critical resources remain ordered to maintain options to contain fire with the least resource damage that can be safely accomplished.

Current Weather

Wind Conditions 10 mph NE
Temperature 59 degrees
Humidity 54%

Update: 8:45 a.m. - American Fire Keeps Growing, Crews Gaining Ground

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 the American River. 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.

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.

Forest Order No 17-13-06 has closed portions of theTahoeNF on the American Ranger District.

http://tinyurl.com/mvx4w3c

Further information: Information Call Center (530) 367-8020, staffed 7am to 8pm.www.fs.usda.gov/tahoe Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/Tahoe_NF

www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/3624 For smoke information: www.placer.ca.gov/apcd


 


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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Smoke is Major Problem with American Fire

    Thursday, August 15, 2013
    The American Fire burning in the Tahoe National Forest has doubled in size to nearly 5,000 acres and it is still growing. But containment has also doubled to 35%.
  • Photo by Pavlica/US Forest Service

    American Fire Continues to Grow, Smoky Conditions Persist

    Wednesday, August 14, 2013
    The American Fire in the Tahoe National Forest has grown to almost 4,000 acres. Nearly 550 personnel are working the incident, which is not threatening structures. The fire is 10 percent contained as of late Wednesday. Updated 11:00 p.m.
  • 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.
  • Coverage of the American Fire

    The American Fire is 100 percent contained. Fire crews remain on the scene, doing mop-up work in the wake of the blaze in the Tahoe National Forest. Update: 2:12 p.m. Friday

 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

Andrew Nixon / Capital Public Radio

Billionaire Investor Backs Out Of Deal To Bring Major League Soccer Team To Sacramento

February 26, 2021

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Watch: President Biden Delivers Emotional Remembrance Of 500,000 COVID-19 Victims

February 22, 2021

Andrew Nixon / CapRadio

Sacramento County Proposes Taking Some Emergency Calls Away From Law Enforcement

February 25, 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.