CA-KNP - Hidden Fire - 3,492 acres - 94%

Fire Fighters Closing in on Containment

Incident: Hidden Wildland Fire
Released: 1 day ago

Firefighters Closing in on Containment of the Hidden Fire

Friday's operations along the northwest and western flanks strengthened the holding lines on the Hidden Fire. As the fuels that are adjacent to the line burnout and cool the possibility of spot fires will diminish. The fire is 94% contained and full containment is anticipated by September 30, 2008.

The fire is visible from nearby communities including Three Rivers, Lemon Cove, and Badger.

Smoke may be present in some areas within the park. In order to minimize impacts from smoke please:

· Close windows, especially at night when air tends to settle.

· Use the recirculation option in your car to prevent smoke from entering the vehicle.

· Avoid prolonged exertion in heavy smoke especially if you are sensitive to smoke impact.

In order to provide for public safety, Crystal Cave, the Crystal Cave Road, and the trail to the Muir Grove (trailhead located at Dorst Campground) remain closed until further notice. The Colony Mill Road has an advisory posted at the North Fork Drive trailhead advising that the road will be closed ahead because of fire danger.

The Hidden Fire Information phone number is (559) 565-3117. For information on the internet go to www.nps.gov/seki/fire/fireinfo/current.htm

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	Wednesday September 10th, 2008 aprox 06:24 PM
Location	Sequoia National Park
Incident Commander	Heard

Current Situation

Total Personnel	156
Size	3,492 acres
Percent Contained	94%
Estimated Containment Date	Tuesday September 30th, 2008 aprox 12:00 AM
Fuels Involved	Closed timber litter and heavy mixed conifer.
Fire Behavior	Fire behavior was low to moderate throughout the burn period. Slow backing fire was observed on the slopes with some small slope runs but overall a slow rate of spread.
Significant Events	Significant progress has been obtained with the firing operation that will continue today on the interior of the fire perimeter, strengthening the lines.

Outlook

Planed Actions	Continue with the firing operation. Extinguish all spot fires, mop-up, and patrol containment lines.
Growth Potential	High
Terrain Difficulty	Extreme
Remarks	The current infrared scan indicates that the actual burned acres are at 3,492. Once the interior of the fire area fully burns out remaining fuel inside the lines, the final acreage should come close to 3,700 acres. To date, there is still quite a bit of unburned fuel within the containment lines. Hence, the change in reported acreage. Interior fuel islands will continue to burn allowing the acreage increase today.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	6 mph SW
Current Temperature	73-7881-85 degrees
Current Humidity	19-23 %