Chips Fire Update 8 PM August 7, 2012
Incident: Chips Wildfire
Released: 8/7/2012
Plumas and Lassen National Forests
Fire Update - August 7, 2012 8:00 PM
Chips Fire Information
New Chips Fire Information Phone Numbers
(530)283-3593 and (530)283-3288
InciWeb: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3052/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/info ciimt1
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/84437500@N05/
Fire Facts:
Date started: July 29, 2012
Number of Personnel: 1,002
Location: 2 miles Northwest of Belden, CA
Crews: 19
Size: 16,787 acres
Engines: 51
Percent Contained: 10%
Dozers: 20
Estimated Containment Date: August 21, 2012
Water Tenders: 17
Cause: Under Investigation
Helicopters: 4 Type 1, 2 Type 2 and 2 Type 3
Cost to Date: $6,400,000
Air Tankers: Available if Needed
Structures Threatened: 25 Residence; 4 Commercial
Injuries to Date: 7
Today's Update:
Firefighters remained vigilant in holding containment lines today despite critical fire weather conditions. Crews aggressively attacked several new spot fires that were propelled by gusty winds near Mosquito Creek. They are also working to corral an area where the fire pushed past handlines near the mouth of Mosquito Creek. Aircraft assisted throughout the day by dropping water on hot spots near the fire's advancing edge. The fire continued its movement downslope towards Highway 70 on the southern flank. Fire activity along the western flank of the fire was minimal.
Containment objectives for the Chips Fire are to keep the fire south of Humbug Summit Road, north of Highway 70 and Tobin, west of the Butt Lake transmission lines, and East of Phillbrook Reservoir. Crews are stationed in communities along the Feather River Canyon to provide structure protection.
Contingency lines beyond the primary containment lines are planned. Crews will continue to construct contingency lines on the fire's northern and eastern flanks.
Fire Behavior and Smoke:
Crews will work through the night to hold and improve containment lines, and will conduct burnout operations if conditions are favorable. Light to moderate fire activity is likely, especially on the ridges, due to low humidity. Down canyon winds are expected to create smoky conditions in the Feather River Canyon and south of the fire.
Public Safety:
The California Department of Transportation is implementing traffic controls along Highway 70 due to safety concerns. Travelers should check Highway 70 conditions regularly (800-427-ROAD / www.dot.ca.gov). Motorists should expect delays and need to anticipate firefighting personnel and apparatus on the road in the vicinity of the fire.
Smoke will continue to pose health concerns for the public. Residents are encouraged to visit the "Protect Yourself from Smoke" website for smoke protection information at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/. Local air quality conditions and forecasts are available at http://airnow.gov/index.cfm action=airnow.main.
For tips on how to prepare for a potential evacuation and what to do if you are evacuated, residents in and near evacuation areas are encouraged to visit the "Ready, Set, Go" website at http://www.inciweb.org/incident/article/3052/15480/.
Power Outages:
To report and get updates on power outages please call PG&E's 24-hour emergency and customer service line: 1-800-743-5002.
Evacuations and Closures:
Butt Valley Reservoir recreation facilities administered by PG&E (Ponderosa Flat Campground, Cool Springs Campground, Ray Adams Day Use Area and Boat Launch, as well as Yellow Creek Campground) are closed due to the fire.
Belden, Maggie's Trailer Park, and Little Haven are under a precautionary evacuation notice. Voluntary evacuation notices have also been issued for the Rush Creek area. The Plumas County Sheriff's Office is encouraging residents along Highway 70 from Tobin to Twain to begin developing evacuation plans. A voluntary evacuation is in place for areas south of Highway 89 that includes Butt Valley Reservoir and Humbug Reservoir.
A hard closure remains in place along Caribou Road from Highway 70 to Butt Lake. Gansner Bar, North Fork, and Queen Lily USFS campgrounds remain closed. The Little Grizzly dispersed camping area and High Lakes OHV area are also closed. The communities of Meadow Valley, Chester, Canyon Dam, Greenville, and Susanville area are not threatened at this time, nor are those west of the fire area including Paradise, Jarbo Gap, and Concow.
A fire closure area has been established for both the Plumas and Lassen National Forests and will be in place until the area is safe. Please see the Forest Orders and closure maps on InciWeb (address above). Pacific Crest Trail hikers may bypass the affected area by hiking Highway 70/89 or catching a bus with Plumas Transit to Chester, CA (weekdays only). Motorists are encouraged to use caution on Highway 70.
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