CFN - CALIFORNIA FIRE NEWS - CAL FIRE NEWS : Antelope Complex Wildland Fire Update

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire Update - InciWeb

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire Forest Road Closure Map
Credit: InciWeb Antelope Complex Wildland Fire

Antelope Complex Wildland Fire - 11,500 acres

INCIDENT UPDATED 1600

Summary

The size of the Wheeler Fire, currently 11,500 acres, will continue to increase today, particularly to the northeast. The Wheeler Fire is part of the Antelope Complex, located south and east of Antelope Lake, on the Plumas National Forest in northeastern California.

While intense fire behavior is occuring today, the weather is much more favorable for firefighting as less influence from thunderstorms is expected later in the day. Winds are predicted to be between 5 and 10 mph with gusts up to 20. Spotting continues to be a problem, particulary in the northeast. Today and tomorrow are critical days for catching the fire, as thunderstorms are anticipated for Monday and Tuesday. The fire is 10% contained.

There is a Forest Closure Order (#04-07) in affect for a large area surrounding the lake, allowing no access. Structure protection is in place for residences on the east side of the lake none have been consumed by the fire to date.

Approximately 640 firefighters have been assigned to this Complex, including a Type 1 and 2 Incident Command Team. The Type 1 team will be assuming command of the Complex tonight. Air resources include medium and heavy lift helicopters, as well as air tankers.

A series of lightning strikes late in the afternoon on Thursday, July 5, are responsible for starting numerous small fires in the Antelope Complex, including the Wheeler Fire. One of those fires burned into and merged with the Wheeler on Friday. The smaller fires are staffed, fully contained and in the mop-up phase. The Antelope Complex is approximately 12 air miles northeast of Taylorsville and is burning on both the Mt. Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts.

Please check inciweb.org and other linked websites as maps, including the area closure map, and pictures are becoming more readily available. Another update will be available this evening.

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/05/2007 at 1600 hrs.
Location	Antelope Lake Recreational Area
Incident Commander	William Kaage

Current Situation

Total Personnel	626
Size	11,500 acres
Percent Contained	10%
Estimated Containment Date	07/12/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved	10 Timber (litter and understory) Heavy timber, large quantities of dead fuels, snags, mixed conifers, large brush components
Fire Behavior	Overnight, continued fire growth, torching, spotting, complete fuel consumption and poor RH recovery
Significant Events	Camp sites near the fire continue to be closed. Forest Service area closures pending, weather continues to be hot and dry

Outlook

Planned Actions	Insure containment of 7 small fires in the complex. Provide I/A management and suppression in disignated I/A area. Continue Fire suppression, gather intelligence and better define Fire perimeter and progression of this quickly building fire
Projected Movement	12 hours: East North East around the East side of Antelope Lake
Growth Potential	Extreme
Terrain Difficulty	High
Remarks	Predicted Weather will continue to be hot and dry. Thunderstorms are predicted North of the incident.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	6 mph SE
Current Temperature	59 degrees
Current Humidity	23 %

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