Antelope Complex Fire Information July 9, 8 PM
Incident: Antelope Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/10/2007
July 9, 8 p.m.
Plumas National Forest
For more Information: http://www.inci-web.org/
Phone: (530) 283-7882 / (530) 283-7883
Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Wheeler Fire, which has burned an estimated 22,366 acres. The fire is 21 percent contained, with no estimate of full containment. Favorable weather on Sunday and Monday helped the over 1,400 firefighters contain portions of the fire, but the continued dry and hot conditions challenge them each day. Fire managers are utilizing a suppression approach that takes advantage of roads, natural fuel breaks, or modified fuel areas with crews, engines and dozers working throughout the day and night. Burnout operations over the past two nights, which are then held by the day shift, have proven to be a successful strategy to date.
Mop-up operations have started on the western side of the fire. The north and northeast flanks, located east of Antelope Lake, have largely held through Monday evening. The biggest concern is the forecast for thunderstorms Tuesday and Wednesday, where gusty and strong winds could push the fire across the established containment lines. In addition, new starts from lightning could challenge the firefighters.
Smoky conditions and falling ash could continue throughout a large area, especially in Portola, Greenville, and Quincy. Smoke could also drift into Janesville or Milford and often will be visible, as residents have experienced over the past several days. Further information on mitigating the effects of smoke can be found on http://www.inciweb.org/.
No evacuations are currently in place for the Janesville and Milford areas. A contingency plan has been prepared to provide adequate time for residents should it become necessary. Residents should prepare personal effects in advance, as well as plan to take livestock to the Lassen County Fairgrounds.
Campers that left equipment at evacuated campsites around Antelope Lake as well as evacuated residents in the Hungry Creek, Frank Valley, Taylor Lake, and Wilcox Valley will also be permitted into the fire area at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday unless fire behavior becomes prohibitive. They will be escorted by CHP from the checkpoint on Genesee-Antelope Lake Road to campsites and residences for the immediate retrieval of personal property. Affected members of the public should call (530) 283-7882 or (530) 283-7883 for more information.
Statistics: Acres - 22,366 Containment - 21 percent Personnel - 1,487
Helicopters - 9 Crews - 40 Engines - 112 Dozers - 14
Outlook: The fire edge could spread on all uncontained perimeters under current conditions.
Primary web address for updated information - http://www.inciweb.org/
Secondary web address - http://www.fs.fed.us/R5/plumas/
