Panther Update: August 8, 2008
Incident: Panther Wildland Fire
Released: 8/8/2008
Fire Stats
Acres burned: 14,410
Acreage increase (last 24 hours): 1,751
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: $6,800,000
Crews: 20
Engines: 27
Helicopters: 15 (shared with other fires)
Dozers: 2
Total Personnel Assigned: 751
Command: California Interagency Incident Management Team 1- McGowan
Yesterday, the fire burned actively in McCash Fork, Cub Creek, and Coon Hollow drainages. In the King Creek drainage, the fire has reached the Klamath River. In all areas, the fire burned at a low to moderate intensity.
From the Ukonom Lookout west, the fire along the hand line is within 1.5 miles of the Klamath River. There were two spot fires yesterday and due to the steep terrain it is likely firefighters will be forced to use the contingency line for containment. Clear air on the west side will allow more helicopter water drops.
The burning operations on the south edge have increased the line depth from inside the wilderness west to Panther Creek. Also along the south edge, the fire has moved from the lookout east to a point beyond Lick Creek and remains inside the fire line.
Last night, a successful extraction of three injured personnel was done by helicopter using a hoist. All three were flown by the Air National Guard Blackhawk helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Redding. Two injuries were heat-related to crew members and one was an ankle injury to an Emergency Med. Technician. All were released back to work.
Today, crews will again be working to improve and hold fire lines as the fire progresses. Firing operations will include the line on the north, along Titus Ridge.
Today's weather forecast is for mostly clear skies with areas of dense smoke. Temperatures are expected to be 80-90 degrees in the lower elevations. Humidity levels are expected to be 25-35% at mid slopes and ridges. The drier humidity should contribute to more active burning today. The wind is going to be more in the southwest area of the fire, with gusts in the afternoon to 20 mph. This will also increase fire behavior.
Night operations will include burnout, patrolling, holding and mop-up along the fire line.
