North Pass Fire Update 09-04-2012
Incident: North Pass Wildfire
Released: 9/4/2012
NORTH PASS FIRE INFORMATION
(707) 983-6318
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Covelo, CA - The North Pass Fire is 41,983 acres with 62% containment.
Yesterday firefighters made good progress on all sides of the fire. Fire line on the east side of the fire, around the area near Howard Lake stretching north, is almost complete. Mop-up operations will follow, as well as fire suppression repair in that area. The north end of the fire perimeter that follows the path of the Eel River has reached the riverbed and is holding with the help of fire crews. The west end of the fire in the Stick Lake Canyon area of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness is in steep, rugged terrain, but crews are working on direct fire line at the fire's edge.
Smoke will continue to impact the communities around the fire. Some of the smoke that is being observed is from areas of vegetation that are well inside the containment lines. The smoke will clear later in the day as winds blow it eastward, but will settle in the Round Valley area at night. The public is urged to avoid the exposure to smoke and limit activity outdoors, especially those with health problems.
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.
PARTIAL MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST CLOSURE IN EFFECT
RESIDENTS ONLY
Evacuations have been lifted for the following areas and residents are allowed back in
with ID but Forest Roads remain closed to non-residents
Indian Dick Rd from FH 7 (Mendocino Pass Rd) to Boardman Camp
FH 7 (Mendocino Pass Rd) from Eel River Workstation to benchmark 2444
GENERAL PUBLIC
Closure order remains in effect for the fire area, including all road closures. Forest Highway 7 remains closed from Eel River Station to Mendocino Pass.
PLEASE CHECK INCIWEB FOR DETAILS AT:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3201/
North Pass Fire Summary:
Size: 41,983 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: 54 engines, 30 water tenders, 8 dozers, 28 hand-crews, 18 aircraft
Total Personnel: 1,372
