Approximate Location
33.795 latitude, -116.743 longitudeSummary
The Snow Fire started on 8/21/07 at approximately 1200 hours in the Snow Creek drainage area. The confirmed cause was from a lightning hold over (smoldering) that occurred 4 days prior on 8/18/ 07. Forest Service staff evacuated Black Mountain and Boulder Basin campsites for unimpeded access of firefighting equipment and personnel.
Southern California Type 2 IIM3 (Fiorella) assumed command of the Snow Fire at 0600 hours on August 22, 2007. Fuels consisted of mixed conifer up hill and cheat grass from the Verbena Fire on the downhill slope. Ground crews laid fire line and removed hazardous snags; aircraft made water and retardant drops. Firefighters transported crews and equipment to the fire via the washboard, 10 mile, dirt Black Mountain Road which climbs to an elevation of 7000 feet. No injuries were reported, which was exceptional, given the steep and rocky terrain.
The fire was pronounced fully contained at 0700 on 8/27/07. The Southern California Type 2 IIMT3 (Fiorella) transitioned management of the fire back to the San Jacinto Ranger District of the San Bernardino National Forest. Mop-up and mitigation continue.
All roads and hiking trails are open except the section of of Black Mountain Road south of the Fuller Ridge Trailhead.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildland Fire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | Tuesday August 21st, 2007 aprox 11:57 AM |
| Location | Northeast of the Pine Cove Community, near Black Mountain |
| Incident Commander | Dave Fiorella |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 332 |
|---|---|
| Size | 100 acres |
| Percent Contained | 100% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Monday August 27th, 2007 aprox 07:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | The area is primarily timber and heavy brush, and has experienced tree mortality as a result a previous six year drought and bark beetle infestation. |
| Fire Behavior | Smoldering |
| Significant Events | On 8-26-07, IC Dave Fiorella and the Southern California Incident Management Team #3 was released, handing mop-up of the Snow Fire back to the San Bernardino Forest. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Continued improvement of existing fireline with mop-up as conditions permit. Many hazardous snags and weakened trees exist |
|---|---|
| Projected Movement | No predicted spread, if current conditions continue. |
| Growth Potential | Low |
| Terrain Difficulty | Firefighters contended with steep, difficult terrain and an approximate elevation of 7000 feet in the Black Mountain area of the San Jacinto Ranger District. |
| Containment Target | Containment target was met as of 0700 on 8/27/07. |
| Remarks | 10 crews, 3 helicopters, 15 engines, and 4 water tenders are on scene. |
Weather
| Current Wind Conditions | 3 Gusts 6 mph E |
|---|---|
| Current Temperature | 86 degrees |
| Current Humidity | 25 % |
