Daily Update 7.31.07
Incident: Elk Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/31/2007
ELK FIRE COMPLEX UPDATE
July 31, 2007
Total Complex Acreage: 13,656 acres Incident Resources: 987 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 77% Cost to Date: $16,100,000 Injuries to Date (minor): 14 Fatalities to Date: 1
Expected Full Containment: 8/05/2007
An incremental increase in fire behavior is occurring each day. Active fire behavior with short runs, isolated torching, creeping and rolling out of burning materials was observed. The Elk Complex has transitioned to Northern California Interagency Incident Management Team One (Incident Commander Kent Swartzlander).
Firefighters plan to use aerial ignition to burn the interior of the fire on the King Creek 2/Wingate/Titus Fires. This involves releasing ping pong size incendiaries (PSD's) as the helicopter flies over the area to be burned. Crews continue to secure established fireline. Patrol and mop up the Little Grider Fire will continue.
A community meeting will be held tonight at the Happy Camp Grange at 7:00 p.m. Presentations will include updates from the Happy Camp District Ranger and the Elk Complex Incident Commander.
Complex Fire Details
Of the thirty identified fires in the Elk Complex, 25 are 100% contained. The contained fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as safety, resources and access permit. The remaining five fires are as follows:
- Wingate/Titus/King Creek 2 Fires (8,420 acres) 64% contained. Firelines have been constructed and limited burning of interior areas will continue. A recommended evacuation for homeowners and closure for campers and miners, from Five Mile Bridge to Norcross Campground on Elk Creek Road remains in place.
- Elk Fire (1,144 acres) 96% contained.
- Hummingbird Fire (80 acres) 0% contained. The fire remains in aerial patrol.
Sources of info include: http://www.inciweb.org/ (including other fires) or the incident information office at (530) 841-4451. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/condition/ for information on fire restrictions and local closures.
The Forest Service, in cooperation with the Siskiyou County Air Pollution Control District, has installed an air quality monitoring station in Happy Camp. Real-time data may be viewed online at http://www.satguard.com/usfs/Chart new.asp Get=4&UnitID=36&CustID=2&sDate=7/29/2007.
