Antelope Complex Fire Information July 11, 9 AM
Incident: Antelope Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/11/2007
July 11, 9 a.m.
Plumas National Forest
www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/
Phone: (530) 283-7882 / (530) 283-7883
Firefighters continue to make excellent progress on the Wheeler Fire, which has burned an estimated 22,882 acres. The fire is now 53 percent contained with no estimate of full containment. Despite occasional high winds in the afternoon yesterday, the fire perimeter was successfully held throughout the night.
A few islands of unburned fuel within the fire perimeter burned last night, but they do not pose any threat to the containment line.
Almost 1,500 firefighters are now on scene. However some firefighting resources are beginning to be demobilized to assist many other small fires in the region that were started by thunderstorms yesterday. Efforts to continue the successful containment of the Antelope Complex will not be compromised.
Effective containment of fire lines will continue to be established today and mop up efforts will occur in most sections of the the fire perimeter. Isolated thunderstorms are predicted again for today. Heavy moisture could potentially drop half an inch of rain in a short time frame, causing slippery road conditions for firefighters. No flood danger is predicted for surrounding communities. Though storms are predicted to be accompanied by rain, dry wind events could cause significant fire behavior challenges. Fuels in the fire area will likely remain very dry and flammable for this time of year. The chance of rain is decreased through Thursday and Friday.
Four new small fires started by lightning yesterday were staffed by Antelope Complex firefighters through the night and will continue to be staffed today.
Although the fire is currently stabilized, residents of Janesville and Milford areas should continue to monitor fire activity. Residents should be aware that due to the county fair, the Lassen County Fairgrounds is currently unable to accept any livestock. Property owners from the east side of the fire will be escorted to their homes for a short visit to retrieve personal items on Thursday by law enforcement. Homeowners should meet at the checkpoint on the Janesville Grade road at 9 a.m. Be sure to bring identification and validation of ownership. Residents will need to leave the area by noon.
Statistics:
Acres - 22,882 Containment - 53 percent Personnel - 1,490 Helicopters - 6 Crews - 43 Engines - 113 Dozers - 13
Secondary web address - www.fs.fed.us/r5/plumas/
