Willow Fire view from the ICP on Saturday, August 1, 2015
Photo credit: Dennis Rein
Sierra Sun Times Public Safety Scanner
Click here for Saturday Information on the Willow Fire
Click here for Monday Information on the Willow Fire
Click here for Monday Information on the Willow Fire
Willow Fire in Madera County Near Bass Lake
Update: Sunday 7:00 P.M.
5,656 Acres, heavy brush and timber, 60% Contained
Demobilization of excess resources has begun
Update: Sunday 1:13 P.M.
Willow Fire Evacuation Order Will Be Lifted for Cascadel Woods on Sunday Evening
Update: Sunday 7:00 A.M.
5,656 Acres with 60% Containment
The Willow Fire is located on the northern edge of the North Fork Fire Footprint from 2001 and is in steep and rugged terrain which requires hand crews to hike into the area and be supported by helicopters and air tankers. The southern edge of the fire is established in the previously burned area has a concentrated brush component larger dead timber debris, intermingled with a concentration of tree snags.
Crews have continued firing along the southern edge of the fire to prevent it from out flanking blackened control lines. USFS with CALFIRE are in Unified Command.
On the northern flank the fire, crews continue to gain progress northeast of a large granite face known locally as 7-Rock. A direct attack remains the most appropriate strategy.
The use of aircraft, both helicopters and tankers continue to be used to support ground crews. A portable retardant plant has proven to be very effective with air resources in reducing the turnaround time of helicopters.
Management action plans on the southern edge triggered additional residential evacuations of approximately 450 homes in the Cascadel Woods area.
As the Willow Fire continues to burn, smoke will be impacting 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 back down slope to lower elevations.
A Willow Fire information phone number has been established for further information about the fire. That number is (559) 877-7449. Please be patient as call volume varies throughout the day.
Evacuations
- The Central Camp area, Douglas Ranger Station Rd and the Cascadel Woods are have been evacuated due to the fire.
- The American Red Cross has set up an evacuation center which is located at the Oakhurst Community Center, 39800 Road 425 B in Oakhurst, CA.
Closures
Campgrounds - Gagges, Whiskers, and Whiskey Falls are closed.
Willow Canyon Road, Central Camp Road, Autum Ridge Road, and Douglas Ranger Station Road remain closed. All road closure are until further notice.
Basic Information
| Current as of | 8/2/2015, 6:46:52 AM |
|---|---|
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
| Cause | Human |
| Date of Origin | Saturday July 25th, 2015 approx. 02:30 PM |
| Location | NE of North Fork, CA |
| Incident Commander | David Cooper SCSIIMT And Kevin Smith CALFIRE |
| Incident Description | Wildfire |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 2,080 |
|---|---|
| Size | 5,656 Acres |
| Percent of Perimeter Contained | 60% |
| Fuels Involved | Timber, Chaparral, Tall grass. |
| Significant Events | Firing operation was completed yesterday. Fire perimeter was tested overnight by strong winds. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | Fire crews are engaged with structure assessment and protection. Direct and indirect line construction continues on all sides of the fire. Crews will continue to mop up where safe to do so. |
|---|---|
| Remarks | The Willow Fire is located on the northern edge of the 2001 footprint of the North Fork Fire. The fire is now burning well into this area and resistance to control increases due to heavy brush and dead woody materials with critical live fuel moisture. Crews completed with firing operation along the southern edge of the fire to prevent it from outflanking blackened control lines. On the northern flank crews continue to gain progress northeast of the large granite rock known locally as the 7 Rock. A direct attack remains the most appropriate strategy in this area. Aircraft are being utilized to support crews working on the ground. An evacuation center has been established in Oakhurst by the American Red Cross. |
Current Weather
| Weather Concerns | A drier southwest flow which will raise temps and decrease relative humidity. |
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