Panther Update: August 7, 2008
Incident: Panther - Klamath Theater Wildland Fire
Released: 8/7/2008
Fire Stats
Acres burned: 12,659
Acreage increase (last 24 hours): 1,637
Fire line to build: 14 miles
Date started: 7/22/2008
Percent contained: 14%
Expected containment: 8/28/2008
Injuries: 3 Fatalities: 1
Structures threatened: 0 residences, 0 other
Structures destroyed: 0 residences, 0 other
Resources
Suppression cost to date: $6,200,000
Crews: 20
Engines: 28
Helicopters: 11 (shared with other fires)
Dozers: 2
Total Personnel Assigned: 762
Command: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1- McGowan
The firefighters and personnel assigned to the Panther Fire share a deep sorrow for the victims of the helicopter crash and for their families. Our thoughts and prayers go out for them and their families.
Yesterday, the fire burned in the McCash Fork and Cub Creek drainages to within a mile of the wilderness boundary. In the Coon Hollow drainage, the fire has progressed to above the 3,000′ elevation. In King Creek, the fire has reached nearly to the Klamath River. In all areas, the fire was a low-intensity burn in the understory of the forest.
The fire moved along the southwest edge from the Ukonom Lookout east toward Lick Creek. The fire progressed to within a mile of the creek.
The burning operations in the late afternoon and last night went very well. Crews successfully brought fire along the line from the wilderness boundary to a point south of Ten Bear Mountain. Firing operations were stopped for the night at 11:00 p.m.
Today, crews will again be working to improve and hold fire lines as the fire progresses. The burnout priorities will be the along the western and southern edges of the fire.
Today's weather forecast is for a minimal chance of thunderstorms. There will be areas of dense smoke. The thunderstorms and lightning predicted yesterday did not arrive over the Panther Fire. Temperatures will be 83-93 degrees in the lower elevations. Humidity levels are expected to be 25-35% at mid slopes and ridges.
Tonight's operations will include burnout, patrolling, holding and mop-up along the fire line.
