Elk Complex Update 8/1/07
Incident: Elk Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/1/2007
Total Complex Acreage: 15,149 acres Incident Resources: 839 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 79% Cost to Date: $16,800,000 Injuries to Date (minor): 15 Fatalities to Date: 1
Expected Full Containment: 8/05/2007
Siskiyou County Public Health Officer, Stephan Perlman, M.D. advises residents throughout Siskiyou County to be aware that air quality may be extremely poor in many areas due to severe smoke. In areas with visibility less than 2 miles, residents are advised to remain indoors and refrain from physical exertion. An incremental increase in fire behavior is occurring each day. Slow moving surface fire with short runs, isolated torching, creeping and rolling out of burning materials was observed yesterday.
Firefighters plan to use aerial ignition to burn portions of the interior of the fire on the King Creek 2/Wingate/Titus Fires. This involves releasing ping pong ball 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.
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 necessary. The remaining five fires are as follows:
- Wingate/Titus/King Creek 2 Fires is 11,581 acres (increase in acreage due to limited burning of interior) and 66% contained. Firelines have been constructed and limited burning of interior areas will continue. A 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 and remains in aerial patrol.
- 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.
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