Stafford Fire Daily Update 9/9/2012
Incident: Stafford Wildfire
Released: 9/9/2012
Stafford Fire
&
Happy Fire
SITUATION UPDATE
Community Meeting Tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Hayfork Elementary School
September 9, 2012
8:00 a.m.
Current Situation:
Firefighters were challenged yesterday afternoon by aggressive fire behavior. The fire grew by approximately 1000 acres to 3,491 acres however, heavy use of aerial assets, both fixed wing and rotary, assisted the firefighters on the ground in slowing the progress of the fire. The fire is burning on steep slopes in heavy fuels. It has spotted up to one-quarter mile outside the perimeter by throwing embers ahead of itself.
The priorities for today are to continue to provide structure protection to the communities of Hayfork, Hwy. 3, Wildwood and Wild Thing roads, Morgan Hill and Duncan Creek. Firefighters will be constructing direct and indirect handline, burning out where opportunities present themselves and hold the planned perimeter of the fire.
The southern flank of the fire continues to hold. The most active area being the northeast where we expect active fire spread today. With lower temperatures, humidity and winds last night; firefighters had good opportunities to build the lines needed to move towards containment. Steep terrain, very dry fuels and high temperatures will continue to challenge firefighters again today.
The fire is being managed under Unified Command. Northern California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (Nor Cal 1) along with an IC and support staff from the Shasta Trinity Unit of Cal Fire has been delegated responsibility for suppression of this fire.
An additional mandatory evacuation was called for in the Barker Creek, Barker Valley area and Duncan Rd. up to and including Duncan Creek Lane. With only one available entrance and exit road, this evacuation was instituted in order to assure the safe and orderly evacuation of residents. Other mandatory evacuations include: Wildwood Road, Morgan Hill, and Wild Things area and including Barker Creek west to Big Creek Road, which involves Barker Creek Road, Farmer Ranch Road, and Meadow Lane. A Red Cross evacuation center is in place at the Solid Rock Church in Hayfork. Traffic on Hwy 3 is restricted and closures are possible. Evacuations will remain in place until it is safe for the public to return.
The Happy Fire, which is located four miles northeast of Mad River, started on September 5, 2012 has burned 75 acres and is eighty percent contained. Crews will continue to improve the containment lines patrol and mop up. Happy Fire personnel consists of 1 engine and crew.
Location: 5 miles east-southeast of Hayfork, California south of Highway
Start Date & Report Time: September 5 2012 at 2:42 p.m.
Cause: Under investigation
Acres: 3,491
Percent Containment: 15%
Estimated Containment: September 12, 2012
Resources: Hand Crews: 35
Helicopters: 8
Engines: 118
Dozers: 18
Water Tenders 20
Injuries: None
Estimated Cost-to-Date: $3,000,000
Total personnel assigned to the incident: 1,403
Additional Information: Additional fire information can be obtained by calling (530) 628-5459.
