Columbia Mountain Times™: Saddle Fire

Incident Current fire situation:Crews completed fireline around the perimeter of the fire today. However, the fire has not tested those containment lines in all places, and they could still be affected by strong winds and embers from the interior of the fire. Crews will work tonight to hold and improve those containment lines and make sure the fire is cold to 50 feet (as appropriate) within the perimeter ("mop up"). Structure defense will continue along County Road 311. A slight cooling trend is expected over the next few days as a weak weather system moves onshore. While it may aid in humidity recovery overnight, this system is not expected to significantly impact the fire.

The primary fire objective is to provide for firefighter and public safety. Firefighters doing mop up along the perimeter of the fire are being especially cautious of weakened trees and ash pits (holes where stumps have burned completely, leaving deep and dangerous holes). Other challenges include steep terrain, drought-stressed vegetation, and hot, dry weather conditions.

Evacuations: All mandatory evacuations have been changed to advisory. All advisory evacuations remain in place.

Health Advisories: No advisories today
North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District
2300 Myrtle Avenue, Eureka, CA 95501 Telephone: 707-443-3093 FAX: 707-443-3099http://www.ncuaqmd.org

Basic Information

Current as of6/15/2015, 9:42:34 AMIncident TypeWildfireCauseLightningDate of OriginTuesday June 09th, 2015 approx. 05:30 PMLocationNorthwest of Hyampom, west of Lower South Fork RoadIncident CommanderJoe Molhoek

Current Situation

Total Personnel1,214Size1,509 AcresPercent of Perimeter Contained45%Fuels Involved

Heavy logging slash, Hardwood leaf litter and brush.

Significant Events

Fire behavior was moderate over the night hours, assisted with higher humidity setting in over the area. Crews were able to continue mopping up in all divisions.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Firefighters will improve line construction in all divisions and continue to mop up along the fire perimeter.

Projected Incident Activity

Fire activity is expected to moderate slightly with cooler temperatures and higher humidity.

Crews will continue to mop up around the perimeter and attend to areas of heat when found.

Remarks

The Trinity County Sheriff's Office has implemented an evacuation advisory along County Road 311, also known as the Lower South Fork Road, north of Big Slide Campground to Manzanita Ranch, as are residents of Hyampom. The Red Cross has set up an evacuation center at the Hayfork High School.

Current Weather

Weather Concerns

A weak upper trough will move into the Pacific Northwest through the day, bringing slightly cooler temperatures and increasing humidity. This weather system is expected to stay in place throughout the week. With these conditions persisting over the area, the smoke inversion is expected to break earlier in the morning.

UNIT INFORMATION