Chips Fire Morning Update 8/20/12
Incident: Chips Wildfire
Released: 8/20/2012
Fire Status: Last night, crews completed several successful burnout operations. As the fire made a push to the north and north-east in the Clear Creek drainage, fire managers were able to complete firing operations from approximately 4 miles south of Canyon Dam, northwest to Butt Lake Road along the contingency line, when timing was crucial. Firing was also completed in Yellow Creek west of Soda Ravine towards Cottonwood Meadow. Fire Managers conduct firing operations at night to take advantage of the moderated fire behavior and lower relative humidities which increase the ability to control fire put on the ground. The north and south perimeters of the fire are looking good, with the southwest side continuing to creep.
Today's Actions: Today, crews will continue to patrol, mop-up and construct direct line where necessary near the north fork of the Feather River, and from the south end of the fire near Rogers Flat, northwest towards Morris Lake. On the southeast end of the fire, crews will prepare control lines for yesterday evening's firing operations and mop-up as necessary. Weather is expected to be similar to yesterday, but slightly warmer. Increased fire behavior is expected late in the afternoon to early in the evening. Heavier smoke will be present today with smoke lifting from the canyons and drainages slightly later in the day. Fire managers are prepared for a fire weather watch that has been issued for Tuesday.
Evacuations: The mandatory evacuation order issued by the Plumas County Sherriff's office is still in place for Canyon Dam and Big Meadows. For more information, please see related links.
Community Meetings: Two community meetings will be held today, August 20, 2012. The first meeting will be held at Lake Almanor West Community Park at 10:30 a.m., 177 Lake Almanor West Drive, Lake Almanor West, CA 96020. The second meeting will be held at the Hamilton Branch Fire Station at 12:30 p.m., 791 Big Springs Road Hamilton Branch, CA 96137.
Additional Fire Information: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3052/ or call (530) 283-3593 and (530) 283-3288 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
