Iron Alps Complex Wildland Fire

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	Saturday June 21st, 2008 aprox 09:28 AM
Location	Junction City, CA
Incident Commander	Bill Molumby

Current Situation

Total Personnel	1,391
Size	100,464 acres
Percent Contained	79%
Estimated Containment Date	Monday September 01st, 2008 aprox 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved	10 Timber (litter and understory) Grass, brush, and heavy timber.
Fire Behavior	Fire activity increased late yesterday as smoke cover began to lift over portions of the fire area. Containment lines on the south edge of Big Bar held. Internal islands will continue to burn out today. The south flank of the Buckhorn Fire continued to actively back into the French Creek and Prairie Creek drainages. The fire made a significant run to the north in the Prairie Creek drainage in the late afternoon. Firing operations began on Manzanita Ridge and progressed south to approximately 1 mile north of Highway 299 above Skunk Point Picnic Area. Firing operations on the southwest corner of the Buckhorn Fire have progressed to within 1.5 miles of Highway 299. The Carey Fire remains relatively inactive and continues backing slowly into the Eagle Creek drainage
Significant Events	The Public Smoke Advisory remains in effect for the Big Bar and surrounding areas due to both increased fire activity and firing operations. Motorists should use caution on Hwy 299 in the Big Bar area due to increased smoke and fire traffic. Coordination is on-going with CalTrans, CHP and Trinity County Sheriff Department regarding potential restrictions or closures on Highway 299

Outlook

Planned Actions	Crews will continue to hold and mop up the south and west flank below the 16 road and hold and mop up new black line east and north of Big Bar. Structural engines are in place in Big Bar. Buckhorn Fire: Firefighters will resume firing operations on lower Manzanita Ridge this evening and above the community of Big Bar. The intent is to back the fire down to control lines above the community of Big Bar. Structural protection strike teams will continue to prepare and staff Big Bar area. Fire crews continue to provide point protection at both the Brooks and Lower Waldorf ranches. Carey Fire: Fire crews continue to hold the fire perimeter, patrol and mop up the west and east flanks of the fire.
Growth Potential	High
Terrain Difficulty	Extreme
Remarks	There are currently 1,177 structures threatened by the Iron-Alps Complex including 477 residences, 50 commercial and 650 outbuildings. Status of the fires within the Iron Complex that remain uncontained: Buckhorn Fire is 22,945 acres and 37% contained; and Carey Fire is 3,044 acres and 61% contained. The Eagle Fire is 30,506 acres and 79% contained. The combined perimeters of these fires contain approximately 150 square miles. The Public Smoke Advisory remains in effect for the Big Bar and surrounding areas due to both increased smoke and fire traffic. Coordination is on-going with Caltrans and California Highway Patrol regarding potential restrictions or closures of Highway 299.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	2-4 mph NE
Current Temperature	99-108 degrees
Current Humidity	55-61 %