CA-LPF-INDIANS - Wildland fire 41,689 acres 35%

CA-LPF-INDIANS - Indians Wildland fire update:

Indians Wildland Fire Perimeters
GeoMac Satellite screenshot - HMS 2008-06-03 506 (GMT); Thermal MODIS 2008-06-18 955 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2008-06-18; Sit Reports 2008-06-17

Indians Wildland Fire Perimeters
GeoMac Satellite screenshot -

HMS 2008-06-03 506 (GMT); Thermal MODIS 2008-06-18 955 (GMT); Fire Perimeters 2008-06-18; Sit Reports 2008-06-17

Update: Indians Wildland Fire (CA-LPF-1491) 0800 June 18, 2008 OSCC News and Notes- Fire is 35% contained at 41,689 acres. Long range strategic plans continue to be developed. Perimeter calculations are based on the primary control line. Strong winds surfacing from the north, caused extreme fire behavior, and was the primary contributer to the loss structures. ( 1 primary and 2 secondary residences)

CA-LPF-INDIANS - Wildland fire - 35% contained - 41,689 acres -

Indians fire perimeter map

Summary- June 18, 2008 @ 9:30 AM

Fire behavior: The fire remained active with moderate rates of spread, group torching and short range spotting on the southwest flank.
Structure losses: The Indians Fire destroyed several structures yesterday in the Coleman Canyon area approximately 9 miles weste of King City. Structural losses included 1 residence, 3 second homes, 10 outbuildings and a motorhome. Most of the structures were located in a 2-acre compound. An additional outbuilding was destroyed in the nearby Rancho Siesta area. Firefighters were able to save several other homes and outbuildings in the vicinity. No residents or firefighters were injured.
The losses occurred when the fire advanced aggressively downslope toward the buildings. Firefighters on the ground, assisted by several water and retardant dropping helicopters attempted to stop the advancing fire front, but were not able to prevent the wind-driven wildfire from reaching some of the structures.
Firing operations: The firing operation east of Coleman Canyon will continue today, if conditions are favorable. Firing out is a common tactic which allows firefighters to remove flammable vegetation over a wide area to stop the advance of a wildfire which would otherwise reach structures.
Fire Outlook:
Today, the fire is expected to challenge the eastern containment lines north of the Incident Base Camp.
Planned actions: If conditions permit, firing operations will begin on the eastern flank of the fire in the Coleman and Pine Canyon areas. Structure protection engines will be in place throughout the Bear Canyon and Coleman Canyon areas.
Predicted weather for today: Temperature 82-98 degrees, wind out of the northwest at 6-12 mph and relative humidity 9-19 percent.
Basic Fire Information:
Incident Type: Wildland Fire
Cause: Escaped Campfire
Date of Origin: 06/08/2008 at 1236 hrs.
Location: Ventana Wilderness, west of Fort Hunter Liggett
IC: Incident Commander Molumby
Current Situation
Total Personnel: 2,253
Size: 41,689 acres
Percent Contained: 35%
Fuels Involved: Grass, brush and oaks
Fire Behavior: The fire has remained active, backing and flanking down slope with short range spotting.
Significant Events: Limited burnout operations to be conducted on the southeast flank of the fire today.
Outlook
Planned Actions:

Provide structure protection. Continue indirect line construction on north and northeast. Hold and patrol direct line on southwest. Prepare for burnout operations on the east and north flanks. Prepare structures in proximity of planned burnout operation. Continue construction of contingency line along the Northcoast Ridge Trail west of the fire.

Projected Movement: Primary spread of the fire will continue to the south and southeast.
Growth Potential: Potential for the fire to continue growing remains high.
Terrain Difficulty: Extreme difficulty. Steep terrain, limited access, heavy fuel loading, drought conditions..
Remarks: Strong winds surfacing from the north, causing extreme fire behavior, was the primary contributer to the loss of structures yesterday.
Current Weather Conditions:
Current Wind: 19-25 mph NW
Current Temperature: 48-68 degrees
Current Humidity: 23-29 %
Closures: A portion of the Ventana Wilderness and adjacent forest lands in the general vicinity of the fire are closed to public entry until further notice. See map and news article on this site for details.
Arroyo Seco-Indians Road and Cone Peak Road: closed.
Arroyo Seco Campground and Day Use Area: closed.
Memorial and Escondido Campgrounds: closed.
Nacimiento Fergusson Road: open.
Coastal campgrounds: open.
Additional Fire Restrictions Imposed in Monterey Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest: The restrictions are as follows...

· No wood campfires or charcoal fires or barbecues are permitted outside of designated Campfire Use Sites. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are permitted outside of designated Campfire Use Sites, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when in use.

· No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. Make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly and has an approved spark arrester. This restriction is in effect year-round.

· The use or possession of fireworks, including the "safe and sane" variety, is strictly prohibited at all times in Los Padres National Forest. A violation of the "no fireworks" law could result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. Anyone causing a wildfire could be liable for all costs associated with suppressing the fire.

More Information:
Approximately 150 residents attended the Arroyo Seco public meeting last night.
Information line: Please call the Los Padres National Forest Fire Information Call Center at (805) 961-5770, 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM.
Related Posts:
CA-LPF-Indians Fire, 72-hour Briefing - Engine Burnover
CA-LPF-Indians Fire, 24-hour Briefing - Engine Burnover
CA-LPF-INDIANS - 31% contained - 33,085 acres