Evening Update: July 30, 2014 11:00 P.M.
French, CA-SNF-001619 Rock Creek Campground, Madera County
FRA
5,622 acres, 0% Contained
Cooper’s Type 2 IMT team in command
28 structures remain threatened.
This closure is for the section of 4S81 between Redinger Overlook and Arch Rock.
The Grizzly road between 5S07 and road 4S81 and road 7s07 off of the 8s09 road.
Power remains out in the Mammoth Pool Area.
Service power lines have been damaged with additional threatened.
A total of 12 campgrounds have been evacuated.
Spotted Owl and Pacific Fisher habitats has been damaged or destroyed.
San Joaquin air pollution control district continues to monitor air quality.
Impacts have been reported as far south as Bakersfield.
Potential for extreme fire behavior on all flanks of the fire due to instability of the atmosphere, shifting winds and high temperatures are still a concern. These factors, combined with the shortage of critical resources, could lead to significant fire growth and increased resource threat.
Commitment of Forest Service air and ground resources.
Update: July 30, 2014 8:15 A.M.
Fire crews were able to establish an anchor point on the left flank of the south end of the fire in the San Joaquin River Drainage. This anchor point will support the operations of structure defense in the Hogue Ranch and Kinsmans Flat area. Fire crews will continue to build containment lines on all sides of the fire using direct and indirect strategies. The fire is in steep and rugged terrain in the San Joaquin River drainage, which requires hand crews hiking in and being supported by helicopters and air tankers. Thunderstorms are predicted over the higher elevations, which is also a safety concern for firefighters due to erratic winds associated with the weather system.
The French Fire actively burned all night producing large amounts of smoke, which impacted local communities. Smoke is typically greater in the morning and evening hours. Plan outdoor activities for times and places with low smoke levels. Up-slope breezes occur during the day, which will often take smoke into higher elevations. In the evening, these winds change direction and bring smoke down slope to lower elevations. For more information about smoke impacts, please visit the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Districts website at:http://valleyair.org/wildfires.htm
Shuteye Peak Lookout reported the French Fire on the morning of July 28, 2014. The French Fire is burning east of last years Aspen Fire.
EvacuationsSeveral Forest Service and private campgrounds were evacuated yesterday for public safety concerns. Several summer homes in the Hougue Apple Ranch and Wagner’s Resort were also evacuated. The impacted residences were able to make arrangements to stay elsewhere and there was not a need to open any shelters.
Closures-Forest Road 4S81 (Minarets Rd) between Arch Rock and Redinger Overlook.-Forest Road 6S01 (Grizzly Rd) between Beasore Rd and Minarets RdForest Campgrounds Closures: Fish Creek, Rock Creek, Soda Springs, Mile High, Lower Chiquito, Windy Point, Sweetwater, China Bar, Placer.
Basic Information
Current as of | 7/30/2014 8:03:25 AM |
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Incident Type | Wildfire |
Cause | Under Investigation |
Date of Origin | Monday July 28th, 2014 approx. 05:45 AM |
Location | Rock Creek Drainage |
Incident Commander | Dave Cooper |
Current Situation
Total Personnel | 536 |
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Size | 5,600 Acres |
Significant Events | 12 campgrounds have been closed. |
Outlook
Planned Actions | Structure defense in the Hogue Ranch and Kinsman Flat area will continue to be the primary objective. |
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Remarks | Fire crews were able to establish an anchor point on the left flank of the south end of the fire in the San Joaquin River Drainage. This anchor point will support the operations of structure defense in the Hogue Ranch and Kinsmans Flat area. Fire crews will continue to build containment lines on all sides of the fire using direct and indirect strategies. |
Current Weather
Weather Concerns | Thunderstorms are predicted over the higher elevations, which is also a safety concern for firefighters due to erratic winds associated with the weather system. |
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