Sunday, October 21, 2007

INCIWEB: Ranch Fire Wildland Fire

Ranch Fire Wildland Fire

INCIDENT UPDATED 1 MIN. AGO

Summary

The Ranch Fire started yesterday, October 20th at 9:42 pm near Townsand Peak, southwest of Templin Highway and Interstate 5, in the Angeles National Forest.

The fire is burning southwest pushed by 20-30 mph winds with gusts to 60 mph. The terrain is rugged with medium to heavy chaparral brush typical of Southern California. This area has not burned for approximately 40 years. At 11:00 am today, the eastern flank of fire became very active burning east and upslope. Smoke and flame was visible from Interstate 5. Two helitankers are dropping water. Old dozer lines on west side of fire are being rehabbed for possible use.

Weather reports call for continued Santa Ana winds with low humidity and temperatures ranging from 80's to 90's.

One outbuilding (shed) has burned . No homes are in the immediate area and no homes in outlaying areas are threatened at this time. The fire is spreading towards the Piru drainage and Piru Lake recreation area some 5 to 6 miles distant. Condor habitat and watershed are currently being threatened. If the fire continues to move Southwest 200 home could become threatened in the Piru area

A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered, California Interagency Incident Management Team 3, Jeanne Pincha-Tulley Commanding.

Firefighting resources on scene include 320 personnel with 15 Fire Engines, 9 Hand crews, 2 Helitankers, 2 Helicopters, 1 Air Attack Plane and 1 lead plane.

Fire is being managed by the Angeles National Forest. Current Incident Commander is John Lane .

Basic Information

Incident Type Wildland Fire
Date of Origin 10/20/2007 at 2142 hrs.
Location 6 miles north of Castaic CA
Incident Commander John Lane

Current Situation

Total Personnel 320
Size 12,000 acres
Percent Contained 10%
Fire Behavior

Extreme fire behavior was observed through the day including a dangerous rate of spread, long distance spotting, fire whirls, area ignition and fire generated winds.

Significant Events

Fire held to west side of Interstate 5. Evacuations in the Hasley Canyon-Oak Springs area and along Interstate 5 corridor took place.

Outlook

Planned Actions

Crew will hold lines on the east side of the fire in anticipation of winds shifts. Firefighters will begin line construction on the south and west side of the fire, utilizing the Day Fire perimeter, if possible, for the north side.

Remarks

Incident base is at the Castaic Park. Incident website is www.inciweb.org/incident/1002/. Evacuation center is at Saugus High School.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature Not available
Current Humidity Not available

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****REMINDER**** Every fire has the ability to be catastrophic. The wildland fire management environment has profoundly changed. Growing numbers of communities, across the nation, are experiencing longer fire seasons; more frequent, bigger, and more severe, fires are a real threat. Be careful with all campfires and equipment.

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