Fire Update - 09/30/08 AM
Incident: Chalk Wildland Fire
Released: 9/30/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Tuesday September 30, 2008, 6:00 AM
For Incident Information 805-961-5770
Inciweb: http://www.inciweb.org/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 1,708
Miles of fireline to build: approximately 9
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 5%
Expected containment: not determined
Firefighter injuries to date: 1
Structures threatened: 12
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $1.2 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 37
Engines: 31
Helicopters: 8
Air tankers: 8
Dozers: 5
Total personnel assigned: 1,186
Current Status: The fire was active last night above the fog line at 1,500 feet. Crews worked through the night improving and constructing control lines and completing a burning operation to tie in control lines. The fire has the potential to move extremely quickly and erratically today. Crews and dozers today will continue to construct and improve lines where possible and provide structure protection in the Dempsey Flat area. Firefighter and public safety is the highest priority.
Evacuations: The Monterey County Sheriff has revised the evacuation classifications as follows.
- An Evacuation Warning is in effect for the immediate fire area south of Chalk Peak and South Coast Ridge Road. This warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to life and property. Persons who receive this notice should evacuate in accordance with the direction of the deputies on scene. Approximately 7 homes, the Forest Service Nacimiento Fire Station, and 4 outbuildings are within this Evacuation Warning area.
- An Evacuation Watch is in place for the Lucia, Mill Creek, Hare Creek and Limekiln State Park. This order is for areas where a threat to life and property exists. Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued.
The SPCA for Monterey County Disaster Response Team is available to assist residents with emergency animal evacuations. Please contact the SPCA at 831-373-2631 or at 831-646-5534 (after hours) for information or assistance with evacuating pets and livestock. For disaster preparedness information and a listing of pet-friendly hotels and motels in the area, visit http://www.spcamc.org/disaster-preparations.htm.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road and South Coast Ridge Road are closed. Highway 1 is open.
Weather: Temperatures 78-85 degrees; relative humidity 15-25%; winds southwest 2-4 mph becoming downslope 1-2 mph overnight; marine layer to 2,000 ft.
Agencies: U.S. Forest Service and other cooperators under Incident Commander Jim Smith (USFS), of Central Coast Interagency Incident Management Team 7. The Incident Command Post is at Ft. Hunter Liggett. Media access to Fort Hunter Liggett is restricted. Contact the Goleta Fire Information Center for assistance.
