CA-LPF- Jesusita fire - Quick Look - 8,733 acres 70%

Santa Barbra - Jesusita fire
Credit: Mike Meadows fotoguy2008

Update: 05-11-09 1130hrs- 5 air tankers including the DC10 and 10 helicopters on Jesusita Fire this AM.

Update: 05-11-09 1000hrs- MOST PREVIOUS EVACUATION WARNINGS HAVE BEEN LIFTED.

Please remember that an evacuation warning still exists in the following areas.

TUNNEL ROAD NORTH OF MONTROSE, PALAMINO ROAD NORTH OF WILLIAMS WAY, SAN ROQUE ROAD NORTH OF THE WATER TREATMENT PLANT.

Hot Springs North extending to Camino Cielo, East Valley to Sycamore Canyon, Sycamore Canyon to Stanwood, Stanwood to Foothill, Foothill to Hwy 154 continuing on Cathedral Oaks to Patterson Ave., Patterson Ave. to San Jose Creek extending to Camino Cielo.

Returning residents and business owners are cautioned to remain aware of the potential for an evacuation order on short notice.

Hwy 154 between Calle Real and Paradise Road remains closed except for emergency vehicle traffic only.

The Unified Command is constantly evaluating the situation to repopulate affected areas.

The fire started around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday in the Cathedral Peak area.

• The fire has burned about 8,733 acres
• 70% containment
• Expected containment date: 5/13/09
• 77 homes destroyed, 22 homes damaged, 60 outbuildings damaged, 69 outbuildings destroyed
• 145 homes under evacuation orders, 362 people affected
• 500 residences threatened, 0 commercial businesses
• 4,104 personnel fighting fire
• 403 engines, 110 hand crews
• 10 helicopters, 5 air tankers, DC-10
• 28 firefighters injured
• Cause: Investigators believe it was caused by power tools used to clear vegetation. If you have any information investigators are asking you to call the tip line - 805-686-5074
• Air quality warning has been downgraded to an air quality watch
• Estimated costs to date: $10.8 million
• 10 helicopters, 5 air tankers, DC-10
  
  

Jesusita Fire News and Notes(OSCC): 0730hrs - The Fire has burned 8,733 acres and is 70% contained. 500 homes are still are still threatened, 77 homes and 60 outbuilding have also been destroyed. The influence of the fog continues to cause the fire to lay down. No significant fire activity except for smoldering fuels at higher elevations above the inversion layer. Repopulation has occurred resulting in 90% of the evacuated area able to return home.

Jesusita fire Current Situation
Size 8,733 acres
Percent Contained 65%
Estimated Containment Date Wednesday May 13th, 2009 aprox 12:00 AM

Fuels Involved - Chaparral (6 Feet)

Fire Behavior - The marine inversion, consumption of fine fuels and efficient mop-up operations has resulted in significantly less visible smokes as compared to yesterday. Limited smokes and minor flare-ups were observed. No uphill runs occurred.
Significant Events

With the influence of the fog the fire continues to lay down. No significant fire growth. Foothill Road (HWY 192) opened at 1000 today while HWY 154 remains closed. Some areas on the West side of the fire remain evacuated. Repopulation has occurred resulting in 90% of the evacuated area able to return home.
Outlook
Planned Actions - Perimeter control, continue line construction, mop-up and patrol structures. Continue handline construction in West fork of Cold Springs Creek.

Total Personnel 4,150- Engines: 428, Crews: 110, Dozers: 22, Water Tenders: 36, Air Tankers: 5, Helicopters: 10
Firefighter injuries to date: 28

Damage assessment (in progress): 77 residences destroyed, 60 outbuildings destroyed, 22 residences damaged, 69 outbuildings damaged
Residences threatened (various levels of threat with respect to location): 500
Commercial properties threatened (various levels of threat with respect to location): 0

Cause: Under investigation( Mechanical brush clearing suspected.)

Tip line: 805-686-5074

Estimated costs to date: 9.0 million dollars