North Pass Fire Update 09-03-2012
Incident: North Pass Wildfire
Released: 9/3/2012
Covelo, CA - The North Pass Fire is 41,848 acres with 58% containment.
Today firefighters will continue to build containment line on the north end of the fire as it backs down the steep slopes to the Middle Fork of the Eel River. The fire has reached the Eel River on the northeast side and is remaining on the west side of the river. Crews have prepared several containment lines on the east side in case the fire moves across the Eel River. Fire lines are holding along the south and west fire perimeter and crews have begun fire suppression repair in this area. Interior smoke may be observed in this area but all fire activity is well within the perimeter of the fire. Excess firefighters and equipment are being released from the incident and being sent to their home units or other fires. This process will continue for the remainder of the incident.
Heavy smoke will continue to affect the communities around the fire especially Round Valley, Williams Valley, and Bauer Ranch. This smoke will make visibility limited and may cause difficulty for people with health problems. Please stay indoors if possible to reduce smoke exposure. The weather in the area will remain the same for the next few days. Temperatures will be in the mid 80's and low 90's with low humidity between 13-18%.
Evacuations have been lifted for the majority of the Bauer Ranch subdivision. Damage assessment is ongoing and so far 16 structures have been identified as destroyed. Roads in the area still remain closed due to firefighting activity and removal of hazardous trees.
Road Closures
· Forest Road M-1 (Indian Dick Rd): all areas north of the Forest Service gate at Boardman Ridge Campground
· Forest Highway 7 (Mendocino Pass Rd): all areas east of Benchmark 2444 to Forest Road M-4
EVACUATIONS & FIRE RESTRICTIONS
PARTIAL MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURE IN EFFECT
PLEASE CHECK INCIWEB FOR DETAILS AT:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3201/
North Pass Fire Summary:
Size: 41,848 acres
Date Started: 08/18/2012
Cause: Lightning
Expected Containment: 09/10/2012
Injuries to Date: 9
Impacts: Smoke impacts to local communities and commercial wineries; hunters and recreationists impacted by forest closure
Resources: 53 engines, 29 water tenders, 8 dozers, 27 hand-crews, 21 aircraft
Total Personnel: 1,315
