INCIWEB: Ranch Fire Wildland Fire

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 20^th 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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How fires get their names

Every year in California thousands of wildfires start throughout the state. In most cases, the dispatch center sending the initial resources to a wildland fire will designate a name for the fire, but the first on scene engine or fire official can also name the incident. Fires are usually named for the area in which they start – a geographical location, local landmark, street, lake, mountain, peak, etc. Quickly naming the fire provides responding fire resources with an additional locater, and allows fire officials to track and prioritize incidents by name. For example during the Southern California Fire Siege of 2003, the largest wildland fire in California history, the Cedar Fire in San Diego County, was named after the Cedar Creek Falls area where it started. The destructive Old Fire, which burned during the same time period in San Bernardino County, was named after the road along which it started - Old Waterman Canyon Road.

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Sunday, October 21, 2007