Monday, August 26, 2013

RIM FIRE UPDATE, August 26, 8:41 p.m.

Tuolumne County, CA -- The Rim Fire is now 160,980 acres and is 20% contained. 3,752 fire fighters are battling the blaze. The cost to fight the flames is at a scorching $27.2 million.




FROM inciweb.org        INCIDENT UPDATED 1:04 HRS. AGO

Fire Update as of August 26, 2013
Fire crews had their hands full with very active fire behavior today. Near Duckwall Ridge, the fire spotted across the line with crews working to control the spot. The fire also crossed the 3N01 road in Reynolds Creek, prompting an expansion of the evacuation advisory in the Highway 108 corridor. Fire crews also were working to contain a spot fire in the southeast portion of the fire as it crossed to the south of Highway 120 at Ackerson Flat. Firefighters were successful in completing dozer line below Pilot Ridge, effectively slowing the fires spread in this location. Tonight crews will continue to work the three spot fires, as well as continue construction on contingency lines and provide structure protection throughout the fire.

Basic Information

Incident TypeWildfire
CauseUnder Investigation
Date of OriginSaturday August 17th, 2013 approx. 03:15 PM
LocationGroveland Range District, Stanislaus NF
Incident CommanderWilkins/lawshe

Current Situation

Total Personnel3,678
Size160,980 acres
Percent Contained20%
Fuels InvolvedBrush, Oaks, and Pine
Fire BehaviorFire became very active early in the day. Very fast running surface fire quickly transitioned into sustained crown runs and long range spotting on the fires eastern and southeastern perimeters located inside as well as advancing towards Yosemite National Park. Fire activity was moderate over the Southwest and western perimeters. Fire became fairly active in the early afternoon along the northern perimeter with spot fires challenging suppression resources and requiring heavy support from aerial resources.

Significant EventsMandatory evacuations south of Highway 120 and north of Old Yosemite Road. Structure defense is in place for this area of the fire by ground and aerial resources. An evacuation advisory has been extended on the Highway 108 corridor. The new evacuation advisory is from Long Barn to Pinecrest. A Forest Closure is in effect for locations near and in advance of the fire. Several locations on the west side of Yosemite National Park have had closures implemented as a result of the fires spread. Evacuation advisories are still in effect for Tuolumne City and nearby areas along the Highway 108 corridor. Contingency planning, indirect line construction and preparation to the east of Highway 108. Access and difficult terrain remain concerns for crews and equipment. Good progress was made with constructing and securing lines along the southwestern edge of the fire. Good progress is being achieved with construction of contingency control lines along the northeastern edge of the fire.

Outlook

Planned ActionsContinued line construction where accessibility and safety allows.
Growth PotentialExtreme
Terrain DifficultyExtreme
Remarks
The Rim incident is exhibited large fire growth today. Rapid fire growth and extreme fire behavior and hampering suppression efforts. Significant utilization and reliance upon aerial resources with heavy air tankers including MAFFs and DC-10 air tankers is occurring with structure defense, prep of locations in advance of the fires spread, control of spot fires and slowing the fires advancement through inaccessible terrain to ground resources to allow time for indirect line construction to be completed. Type 1 helicopters are providing point protection and cooling areas where direct line construction can be achieved safely.
The extremely dry fuels, high winds and potential for long-range spotting remains a significant concern. Heavy reliance on aviation resources has been critical in an effort to slow the fires progress and allow suppression resources to establish indirect control lines in areas where accessibility and safety can be achieved. The availability of heavy aircraft is pertinent to the success of suppression efforts.

Current Weather

Wind Conditions15 mph SW
Temperature61 degrees
Humidity60%   

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