Hat Creek Complex Fire Update - August 8, 2009
Incident: Hat Creek Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/8/2009
HAT CREEK COMPLEX
Lassen NF
Fire Information Number: 530-336-1026
Twitter.com/NorCalTeam2
Saturday, August 8, 2009 - 9:00am
Today's Update: Northern California Incident Management Team II (NorCal Team II) is managing the Hat Creek Complex for the Lassen National Forest. There are three large fires and 34 small fires, all on the Hat Creek Ranger District. The three large fires are the Butte Fire, Brown Fire, and the Sugarloaf Fire.
Earlier in the week, the Brown Fire threatened 30 structures near Hat Creek and the Sugarloaf Fire threatened approximately 100 structures near Old Station.
On August 6, a cold front moved over the fire complex which provided cooler temperatures and increased humidity. This change in weather reduced fire activity and allowed firefighters the opportunity to complete more containment lines and begin reinforcing the lines that had already been constructed.
Today, firefighters will continue to mop-up hot spots and strengthen containment lines. Additionally, fire suppression repair will be initiated on the Brown Fire. Actions on the Sugarloaf Fire include patrol and mop up operations to further secure fire perimeter around structures. Patrol and mop up of the 34 additional fires on the Hat Creek District continues.
Estimated Total Complex Size: 11,269 acres Estimated Total Complex Containment: 70%
Estimated Individual Fire Size / Containment:
Sugarloaf Fire: 9,356 acres / 60% Brown Fire: 1,865 acres / 90% Butte Fire: 48 acres / 100%
Estimated Complex Containment Date: 8/12/2009
Estimated Cost to Date: $5,900,000 Cause: Lightning Injuries: 0
Resources: 38 crews, 3 helicopters, 60 engines, 2 dozers, 20 water tenders Total Personnel: 1,233
Evacuations: All of the Forest Service Campgrounds in the Hat Creek Recreation Area will remain closed for further evaluation of hazards.
Closures: The Lassen National Forest has closed a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail through the fire areas - between Twin Bridges and Baum Lake. For current trail conditions, go to http://www.pcta.org/
All traffic closures along State Routes 89 and 44 in Shasta County and Lassen County have been lifted. Although the roads in the area are open, motorists are advised to use extreme caution as fire crews are still working in the area. Additionally, motorists will see some residual smoldering and smoke when driving through the fire area.
Remarks: PG&E has restored power to the communities in the Hat Creek Valley affected by the fires.
