WrightwoodCalif.com Forum
Public Forums => Disaster Awareness & CERT => Topic started by: Wrightwood on Jul 07, 07, 08:17:39 AM
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Friday, July 6, 2007
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
The Forest Service is closing down a portion of the Los Padres National Forest in the general vicinity of the Zaca Fire. It's Day 3 of the burning in the back country of the Santa Ynez Valley and now fire crews have confirmed the cause of the fire.
Here's the latest:
* Cal Fire just told Action News, the fire has now burned about 4,600 acres.
* It is now official that a metal grinder caused this wildfire.
* It has crossed into the Los Padres National Forest.
* Nearly 1,000 firefighters are on scene with about 100 more on the way.
* The Fourth of July blaze started north of Los Olivos just after 10:30 a.m.
Fire investigators said people were repairing a water pipe off Bell Canyon Road, which is when the grinder they were using sparked dry vegetation.
The containment still stands at about 30 percent with no estimate on how long this fire will continue to burn.
Despite continuous air attacks, Mother Nature is winning this ongoing battle.
"We'll just have to wait and see what fuels it finds to burn," said Rich Phelps from the U.S. Forest Service. "The black is the portion of the fire that has been contained. The red is the part that is uncontained."
With steep terrain and rocky hills, fire crews said it could be days before they get a handle on this blaze.
No longer are they individual departments, but one unified front.
"You're listening, you're watching the helicopters, you're making sure you know where your crew is at all times," said Ricky Hilstein from the U.S. Forest Service.
Ricky Hilstein never knows what is in store on his 12 hour shift.
"And that's the thing, the fire's just unpredictable?" asked Action News reporter Melissa Mecija.
"Oh yea, it's got a mind of its own. It does what it wants to," said Hilstein.
At the Live Oak Command Post, it is like a continuous cycle: firefighters refuel vehicles and then head out again into the fire.
Despite bulldozers and more than a dozen aircrafts, it is still not enough.
"You can put retardant down and it slows it with the air tankers, but to really contain it and put the fire out, we really need to have people on the ground and have a handline," said Phelps.
The official report confirms at least 20 homes are threatened, but in no immediate danger, as the blaze heads deeper into the forest.
Fire officials must get federal authority to bring certain equipment to the wilderness which is another bump in this long and rocky road.
The Forest Service said the trout, frogs, and even the California condor which soars through the wilderness, are no immediate danger. But fire officials add you never know.
Cal Fire is asking campers, hikers and other recreationists to leave the area. This is just a safety precaution not an evacuation. Fire crews from all over the state are fighting this blaze.
At least nine fire officials suffered minor injuries, mostly from heat exhaustion.
There is no estimate as to how much this fire will cost.
Area Closures:
* Figueroa Mountain area campgrounds and Day Use areas
* Recreation residences
* Portions of the San Rafael Wilderness in the Sisquoc and Manzan Drainages
* South Fork La Brea area.
* Figueroa Mountain Road between Highway 154 and Happy Canyon Road at Baseline Road.
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INCIDENT UPDATED 2 MINUTES AGO
Summary
July 7, 2007 8:00am
Forest Closure: The Forest Service has closed a portion of Los Padres National Forest in the general vicinity of the Zaca Fire as a precautionary measure only. We are asking campers, hikers and other recreationists to leave the area. This is not an evacuation. There is no imminent threat. The closed area includes Figueroa Mtn. area campgrounds, day use areas and recreation residences, portions of the San Rafael Wilderness in the Sisquoc and Manzana drainages and the South Fork La Brea area. Private land is not affected. Santa Barbara County also has closed Figueroa Mtn. Road from Hwy 154, and Happy Canyon Road at Baseline Road.
The fire is currently burning in very rugged inaccessible terrain. Significant fire activity occurred late in the afternoon on Friday, July 6, toward the northeast. The fire has now burned into the Los Padres National Forest, burning approximately 100 acres of forest land. The San Rafael Wilderness is threatened. Control efforts are focused on containing the fire to the south of the Sisquoc River, west of the San Rafael Wilderness, and north of Zaca Lake Road. Crews are experiencing high heat and low humidity on the fireline. Significant resources are arriving to combat the fire.
There have been11 injuries, none serious, most have been heat related or muscle strains.
Currently there are 38 hand crews, 6 air tankers, 14 helicopters, 62 engines, 33 dozers, and 9 water tenders.
The Zaca Fire started on Wednesday, July 4, on private land in the Bell Canyon area of Santa Barbara County about 15 miles north east of the community of Buellton. The fire is being managed in a Unified Command with CAL FIRE, Santa Barbara County Fire Department, and the U.S. Forest Service.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Fire Started By Landowner
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 15 miles north east of Buellton, CA.
Incident Commander Howard Windsor
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,263
Size 6,300 acres
Percent Contained 15%
Fuels Involved
Chaparral and Oak Woodlands.
Fire Behavior
The fire continues to make a significant fuels driven run on the North side of the San Rafael Ridge, burning to the east. The north flank of the fire continues to back down to the Sisquoc River.
Significant Events
Campgrounds Evacuated and the Cachuma and Figueroa Recreation Areas, which includes portions of San Rafael Wilderness. Roads are closed into these areas. Firefighters continue to have success at holding the fire on the North side of the San Rafael Ridge, South of the Sisquoc River, and East of School House Canyon. The Eastern Side continues to run unabated despite firefighting efforts.
Outlook
Planned Actions
Continuing to build line to keep fire within the objectives by building direct and indirect line.
Projected Movement
The fire could grow even larger yet in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Growth Potential
High.
Terrain Difficulty
Extreme.
Containment Target
Three of the four operational objectives which have been identified, have a strong likelihood of success. Control of the eastern flank of the fire remains elusive.
Remarks
USFS, Santa Barbara County, CAL FIRE, continue to operating in unified command.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 3 mph NE
Current Temperature 70 degrees
Current Humidity 23 %
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Saturday, July 7, 2007
Reported by: Stacy Daniel
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY
The Forest Service is closing down a portion of the Los Padres National Forest in the general vicinity of the Zaca Fire. It's Day 4 of the burning in the back country of the Santa Ynez Valley and now fire crews have confirmed the cause of the fire.
Here's the latest:
* Cal Fire just told Action News, the fire has now burned about 7,500 acres (as of 8:00 pm per the Cal Fire website).
* It is now official that a metal grinder caused this wildfire.
* It has crossed into the Los Padres National Forest.
* 1,537 firefighters are on scene.
* The Fourth of July blaze started north of Los Olivos just after 10:30 a.m.
Fire investigators said people were repairing a water pipe off Bell Canyon Road, which is when the grinder they were using sparked dry vegetation.
The containment is now at 15%, down from the 30% containment listed yesterday, with no estimate on how long this fire will continue to burn.
The Zaca Fire continues to scorch acre after acre even as fire crews attack the flames from above and below.
"it's growing so fast. Fire picks up and it grows."
Over Friday night, the fire grew more than 1,700 acres.
It's quickly moving east, deep into the Los Padres National Forest.
Dry brush and trees are fueling the fire making it difficult for fire fighters to get the upperhand on the blaze.
"it's in very steep rugged terrain right now. It's very hard to get in there and put a containment line around it. We're hitting it really hard with retardant from the air tankers and that will slow it down but it won't actually contain it."
Right now firefighters say there is no estimate on when they may have the fire contained.
Of the 7,500 acres that have burned, 2-thousand acres of land has burned inside the Los Padres National Forest.
Because the National Forest is a protected area certain rules and regulations must be followed when fighting a fire there.
The use of mechanized equipment is prohibited inside the forest unless granted permission by the Regional Forest Office.
"when it goes into the wilderness area we just need to get pre approval for a dozier or any other wheeled equipment. We have pre-approval already for chainsaws and that kind of equipment. It's just the heavier equipment we need pre-approval from our main office."
With the Zaca blaze showing no signs of slowing U.S. Forest Service officials say that permission will likely be granted.
Area Closures:
Figueroa Mountain area campgrounds and Day Use areas
* Recreation residences
* Portions of the San Rafael Wilderness in the Sisquoc and Manzan Drainages
* South Fork La Brea area.
* Figueroa Mountain Road between Highway 154 and Happy Canyon Road at Baseline Road.
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Does anyone know if the Zaca Lake area is severely affected? My stepdaughter was married there several years ago, in a beautiful outdoor ceremony. It was one of the loveliest weddings I've ever attended. That marriage only lasted a few months, but the occasion was so special. We stayed in one of their motel/cabins overnight, and it is so beautiful there.
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INCIDENT UPDATED 12 MINUTES AGO
Summary
July 8, 2007 8:30 a.m.
UPDATED FIRE INFORMATION FOR SUNDAY, 7/8/2007 IS IN PROCESS.
The Forest Service has closed a portion of Los Padres National Forest in the general vicinity of Zaca Fire as a precautionary measure. The closed area includes Figueroa Mtn. area campgrounds, day use areas, recreation residences, and portions of the San Rafael Wilderness. Private land is not affected. Also, Figueroa Mtn. Road from Hwy 154, and Happy Canyon Road at Baseline Road are closed. (See "News" section of this update for more information about this closure).
The fire is a "fuels driven" fire, with persistently hot and dry weather. The fire is burning in steep, rocky and broken terrain. Control of the eastern flank of the fire remains difficult, and the San Rafael Wilderness is still significantly threatened. Control efforts are focused on containing the fire to south of the Sisquoc River, east of Schoolhouse Canyon and north of Figueroa / Catway. Crews are experiencing high heat and low humidity on the fireline, and potential for increased growth and extended duration of wildfire suppression activities does exist.
Resources assigned to the fire include:
44 Hand Crews.
67 Engines.
34 Dozers.
37 Water Tenders.
15 Helicopters (operational during daylight hours only).
6 Air Tankers (operational during daylight hours only).
1,537 Personnel are currently assigned (total).
The public is requested to please use caution while traveling through the areafor fire fighting equipment and personnel .
For more information please contact the Zaca Fire Information Line at 805-961-5770 or go to http://www.fire.ca.gov/ or http://www.inciweb.org/.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused.
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 15 miles north east of Buellton, CA.
Incident Commander Howard Windsor
Current Situation
Total Personnel 1,537
Size 7,800 acres
Percent Contained 30%
Estimated Containment Date 07/22/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved
Chaparral and Oak Woodlands. North Flank of the fire is burning in heavy, 40 year old fuels with high dead to live ratio. Fuel moisture levels are extremely low, and are at levels which are usually not seen until late in the summer.
Fire Behavior
The North Flank of the fire continues to back down to the Sisquoc River. Plans will be developed on how to contain this portion to prevent it from spreading into fuels that have not been burned since 1966. The fire has hit a portion of the Marre fire of 1993 on the East side. Firefighters are taking advantage of the younger fuels and attempting to
Significant Events
Figueroa Recreational Area Campgrounds are closed(as of 7/6/2007), which includes portions of San Rafael Wilderness. Roads are closed into these areas. Firefighters continue to have success at holding the fire on the North side of the San Rafael Ridge, South of the Sisquoc River, and East of School House Canyon. The Eastern Side continues to run however. It has hit a younger fuel bed and it's progress has slowed. The East Flank of the fire is burning along the Manzana Creek and continues to threaten the Cody Cabin and the historic Manzana School House.
Outlook
Planned Actions
Direct and indirect line will continue to be built, in order to keep the fire within the objectives.
Projected Movement
The fire has the potential to grow larger in the next 12 to 24 hours.
Growth Potential
High.
Terrain Difficulty
Extreme.
Containment Target
Fire commanders continue to plan contingencies in case objectives are not met. The next couple of days are critical with respect to chieving the objective of holding the fire on the east side.
Remarks
USFS, Santa Barbara County, CAL FIRE, continue to operating in unified command.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 2 mph N
Current Temperature 69 degrees
Current Humidity 30 %
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Does anyone know if the Zaca Lake area is severely affected?
It appears the fire has not burned at Zaca Lake as of this morning but very close. (appears to be less than 1 mile)
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At approximately 4:07 PM yesterday, a contract helicopter fighting the Zaca Fire was involved in a helicopter accident. The helicopter was working out of the Figueroa Helibase on Figuera Mountain Road. The accident occurred while the Helicopter was lifting off from the helibase. Two people were on board. The pilot and co-pilot have been transported to a local hospital by ground ambulance for minor injuries.
http://www.yubanet.com/fire.shtml
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Zaca Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 10, 2007 8:30 am
Date/Time Started: July 4, 2007 10:53 am
Administrative Unit: Santa Barbara County Fire
County: Santa Barbara
Location: 15 miles NE of Buellton
Acres Burned: 10,400 acres
Containment 30% contained - 10,400 acres.
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding destroyed
Threatened: 22 residences threathened at this time including Zaca Lake Resort, Figueroa Area Campgrounds, and cabins in Manzana Creek Drainage.
Injuries: 13
Cause:Human
Cooperating Agencies:
Santa Barbara County Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, Ventura County Fire, California Highway Patrol, American Red Cross
Total Fire Personnel: 1,756 (896 CAL FIRE)
Fire crews:
44 (27 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 117 (45 CAL FIRE)
Helicopters: 2
Dozers: 34 (17 CAL FIRE)
Water tenders: 37
Costs to date:
$6.9 million
Major Incident Command Team: CAL FIRE Incident Command Team #9
Conditions: The fire continues to actively burn in steep, rocky and broken terrain.
The fire continues under a unified command with, CAL FIRE Incident Command Team 9 (Windsor), Santa Barbara County Fire and the U.S. Forest Service.
Figueroa Recreational Area Campgrounds closed (as of 7/6/2007), which includes portions of San Rafael Wilderness. Roads are closed into these areas.
At 4:07 p.m. on Sunday, July 8 a contract helicopter was involved in an accident while lifting off from the Figueroa helibase. Two people were on board and sustained minor injuries. A Joint Accident Investigation team has arrived at the incident ICP to evaluate and investigate the helicopter accident. The Air Operations Safety Stand Down has been lifted.
Phone Numbers (805) 961-5770 (Zaca Fire Information)
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I observed the lightning strikes that started the two fires above Independence on my drive to WW Friday afternoon. I was surprised when I drove back to Crowley on Monday to find the two fires had merged together. It had burned to the top and over the Sierra crest and down across hwy 395 N. of Independence.
While I was gone a second fire started above Big Pine burning the Big Pine drainage.
We're getting dry lightning in Long Valley now and I hear there's a fire 26 miles North closing hwy 395 between the two June Lake turn offs. 395 traffic is being routed around the June Lake loop.
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That's pretty darn depressing...
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maybe it needs to burn if the fuel is that dense.
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Summary
Evening Update Sunday, August 12, 2007 8:00 PM
Fire Status
Acres Burned: 86,063 acres
Fireline to Build: 61 miles
Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am
Percent Contained: 68 percent
Expected Containment: September 7, 2007
Injuries: 25
Structures Threatened: 595
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Resources
Crews: 67
Engines: 101
Helicopters: 21
Air Tankers: 8
Air Attack: 2
Dozers: 30
Water Tenders: 66
Total Personnel Assigned: 2,676
Cost to Date: $66.5 million
Current Situation:
Fire activity was very extreme today due to low humidity and higher temperatures. Humidity was recorded at one percent today at Ozena along Hwy 33. The fire made significant runs in the Sisquoc Canyon, Santa Barbara Canyon, Pine Canyon, Judell Canyon and Samon Peak areas. The vegetation in this area consists of very dense brush with no history of fire during the last 100 years. Significant smoke is drifting over the Cuyama Valley and into the San Joaquin Valley.
Line construction along the Don Victor Valley Fire Trail from the west to Don Victor Valley and Potero Seco Ranch was suspended due to significant fire activity. Tomorrow, a backfire operation will begin along the northeast perimeter of the fire from Santa Barbara Canyon towards Sweetwater Ridge.
Firefighters working on the Don Victor Jeepway were supported by four drops of fire retardant, each consisting of 12,000 gallons, by the converted DC-10 airliner, Tanker 910. Aided by this support, firefighters continued to make significant progress building fireline on the south side of the fire. This direct attack tactic has been successful and has enabled the Live Oak Zone Incident Commander to continue postponing a decision to conduct firing operations along Camuesa Road. Crews will continue direct attack operations as long as they remain effective and safe. The fire remains established in the Indian Creek drainage of the Dick Smith Wilderness due to a combination of factors including the area topography, available fuel and the effects of the prevailing weather conditions. Contingency lines in the areas of Paradise, East Camino Cielo, the Sierra Madre Ridge, the Pendola Road, and Matilija Wilderness are nearing the desired level of completion. These lines will provide firefighters with suppression options that may be needed in the event of erratic or unpredictable fire behavior.
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Zaca Two Fire; The fire has burned 94,552 acres and is 44 % percent contained. Live Oak Zone: Progress continued to work the fire north into the Dick Smith Wilderness and away from populated areas. This incident update reflects the percentage of containment line completed and containment line to build, for the planned strategy of direct and indirect control lines. The Acres, line to build, cost, and structures threatened/lost are the combined total. The break down is as follows: Acres - Live Oak-81,341 Richardson-13,156. Line to build - Live Oak-13 miles, Richardson-68 miles. Structures threatened - Live Oak-515 Richardson-80
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Significant smoke is drifting over the Cuyama Valley and into the San Joaquin Valley.
Smoke is reaching over the Sierra and affecting visibility in Mammoth and Crowley, and has been for days.
(http://thetroutfly.com/crowleycam.html)
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What is the difference between the Zaca Fire and the ZacaTwo Fire? Are they under different commands? Or in separate areas? Or are they being fought differently because one is in a Wilderness?
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They are one in the same. The Zaca has been split into two zones and each zone is now managed by a Federal Type 1 Team. The wilderness designation means two things....one is that it is steep, rugged, roadless terrain with few places to anchor a fire line and next to impossible to put troops on the ground safely. There are restrictions on wilderness areas that don't allow bulldozers, and mechanical devices in. The ZACA fire has the potential to burn until after Labor Day. You can view the Inciweb site that talks about the ZACA fire at:
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/770/
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Tuesday, August 14, 2007 8:00 AM
MORNING UPDATE IN PROGRESS.......
Red Flag Notification Has Been Issued.....See Announcements
Fire Status
Acres Burned: 101,472 acres
Fireline to Build: 24 miles
Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am
Percent Contained: 44 percent
Expected Containment: September 7, 2007
Injuries: 25
Structures Threatened: 595
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Resources
Crews: 74
Engines: 95
Helicopters: 21
Air Tankers: 8
Air Attack: 2
Dozers: 41
Water Tenders: 69
Total Personnel Assigned: 2,783
Cost to Date: $69.2 million
Current Situation
Forest, Road and Area Closures
* Happy Canyon Road is closed at Los Padres National Forest boundary.
* Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
* East Camino Cielo is closed between Painted Cave Road and Gibraltar Road due to fire equipment traffic.
* Paradise Road is within the Evacuation Warning Area and is currently open to residents only.
* The Los Padres National Forest expanded closure is in effect. It encompasses approximately 649,000 acres and is between Hwy 166 in northern Santa Barbara County and Highway 33 and Matilija Canyon in Ventura County. Detailed information on the closure can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or http://www.inciweb.org/ or your local Forest Service Office.
Evacuations
* The EVACUATION ORDER for Paradise Road residents, Los Prietos Boys Camp, and the Rancho Oso Guest Ranch has been downgraded to an EVACUATION WARNING.
* The Santa Ynez River Road campgrounds, day use areas and trailheads remain closed.
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Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 15 miles NE of Buellton
Incident Commander Molumby/ Schmit/ Dietrich
Current Situation
Total Personnel 2,783
Size 101,472 acres
Percent Contained 44%
Estimated Containment Date 09/07/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved
Heavy brush contains a high dead component. Some conifers at higher elevations. Live fuel moistures (49%)are well below critical levels. A continuous fuel bed lies ahead of the fire's dominant spread direction.
Fire Behavior
South side of fire: Active fire was observed overnight as the fire backed downslope into the Upper Alamar Canyon.
North side of fire: Active fire behavior with 70 foot flame lengths. The fire will run when aligned with slope(s).
Significant Events
South side of the fire: Paradise Road is now under an evacuation warning, and open to residents only. The Santa Ynez River Recreation Area remains under an evacuation order, and is closed to everyone.
North side of the fire: The fire has burned through Judell Canyon and Logan Canyon. A burnout operation was initiated north of Judell Canyon and Logan Canyon with burnout depth ranging from 500 feet to one quarter mile. Continue coordination efforts along Highway 33 with Ventura Co. Sheriffs Office, Santa Barbara Co. Sheriffs Office, Ventura Division of California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara Division of California Highway Patrol, Ventura Division of California Dept. of Transportation and Santa Barbara Division of California Dept. of Transportation.
Outlook
Planned Actions
South side of fire: Patrol, mop-up, and improve existing control lines. Build direct line on the S/E corner tying into the Don Victor Jeepway. Prepare for burnout and holding operations. Structure preparation and fuel reduction will continue in the Paradise and Camino Cielo Branch. Perform recon, planning and contingency line construction on the far south east side of the fire. Scout for future firing operations.
North side of the fire: Continue burnout operation north of Judell Canyon and Logan Canyon, bringing fire east to the north eastern side of the fire. Monitor fire spread decision points to guide burnout actions.
Projected Movement
Because of Red Flag Warning conditions, the fire is expected to accelerate spreading to the north and east.
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Zaca Wildland Fire
Summary
Evening Update August 15, 2007
Fire Status
Acres Burned: 116,714 acres
Acreage Increase (last 24 hours): 12,994 acres
Fireline to Build: 16 miles
Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am
Percent Contained: 67 percent
Expected Containment: September 7, 2007
Injuries: 29
Structures Threatened: 595
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Resources
Crews: 70
Engines: 123
Helicopters: 28
Air Tankers: 8
Air Attack: 3
Dozers: 32
Water Tenders: 71
Total Personnel Assigned: 2,890
Cost to Date: $73.4 million
Current Situation:
Progress was made today building fireline through the 1997 Ogilvy burn area. The fire crossed the Mono Creek above the Ogilvy Ranch. Efforts are now focused on completing direct fireline from the Ogilvy Ranch area to the Hildreth Jeepway and to then to conduct firing from the Jeepway heading east toward Highway 33. Current strategies of direct attack will continue while fire managers review contingency plans and adjust suppression tactics as needed.
On the northern perimeter, firefighters continued a backfiring operation to burnout out vegetation between the fireline and the main fire which is actively burning in Sisquoc Cliff and Logan Canyons. Firefighters were successful in securing four miles of fireline along the Sierra Madre Ridge. The backfiring operation will continue tomorrow towards Highway 33. On the east perimeter, the fire continues to actively burn in the area known as the Narrows in Mono Canyon and is moving east towards the Matilija Wilderness. The active fire is still burning within the indirect fire lines that the incident commanders have established to contain this fire.
Hwy 33 between Ojai and Cumaya may be impacted while firefighters conduct a firing operation to secure the fireline on the eastern perimeter of the fire. Incident Commanders are working with the California Highway Patrol in conjunction with Santa Barbara and Ventura County Sheriff Offices to develop a plan for traffic flow.
Contingency lines in the areas of Paradise Road, Camuesa Road, the Sierra Madre Ridge, Pendola Road, and the Matilija Wilderness are completed. These lines may reduce the need for firing operations in those areas and will provide firefighters with other suppression options that may be needed in the event that changing conditions warrant such action.
http://inciweb.org/incident/770/
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ZACA Fire 3rd largest fire in modern California history
Notable California wildfires by size
Historic fire #1 - Great Fire of 1889 (800,000 acres) Facts Disputed
The Zaca 2 Fire is now officially 188,035 acres
Would the Zaca Fires have two places on the list? Zaca Fire and Zaca Fire 2?
20 Largest California Wildland Fires
(By *Acreage Burned)
FIRE NAME/CAUSE DATE COUNTY ACRES STRUCTURES DEATHS
1 CEDAR (HUMAN) October 2003 SAN DIEGO 273,246 4,847 15
2 MATILIJA (UNDETERMINED) September 1932 VENTURA 220,000 0 0
3 MARBLE CONE (LIGHTNING) July 1977 MONTEREY 177,866 0 0
4 LAGUNA (POWERLINES) September 1970 SAN DIEGO 175,425 382 5
5 DAY FIRE (HUMAN) September 2006 VENTURA 162,702 11 0
6 MCNALLY (HUMAN) July 2002 TULARE 150,696 17 0
7 STANISLAUS COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) August 1987 TUOLUMNE 145,980 28 1
8 BIG BAR COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) August 1999 TRINITY 140,948 0 0
9 ZACA (HUMAN) July 2007 SANTA BARBARA 127,244 1 0
10 CAMPBELL COMPLEX (POWERLINES) August 1990 TEHAMA 125,892 27 0
11 WHEELER (ARSON) July 1985 VENTURA 118,000 26 0
12 SIMI (UNDER INVESTIGATION) October 2003 VENTURA 108,204 300 0
13 HWY. 58 (VEHICLE) August 1996 SAN LUIS OBISPO 106,668 13 0
14 CLAMPITT (POWERLINES) September 1970 LOS ANGELES 105,212 86 4
15 BAR COMPLEX (LIGHTNING) July 2006 TRINITY 100,414 0 0
16 WELLMAN (EQUIP. USE) June 1966 SANTA BARBARA 93,600 0 0
17 OLD (HUMAN) October 2003 SAN BERNARDINO 91,281 1,003 6
18 KIRK (LIGHTNING) September 1999 MONTEREY 86,700 0 0
19 REFUGIO (MISC. - STRUCTURE) September 1955 SANTA BARBARA 84,770 20 0
20 FORK (UNDETERMINED) August 1996 LAKE 82,980 40 0
CAL FIRE PUBLISH DATE: 8/16/2007
The cost of this fire is also setting records to date: $81.7 million which exceeds all years total emergency suppression fund cost for the entire years 1996 and prior...
The total yearly emergency suppression budget for last year was estimated at $105.3 million.
*source
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Tuesday, August 28, 2007 8:00 AM
Fire Status
Acres Burned: 240,207 acres
Fireline to Build: 2 miles
Date Started: July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am
Percent Contained: 95 percent
Expected Containment: September 4, 2007
Injuries: 42
Structures Threatened: 32
Structures Destroyed: 1 outbuilding
Cost to date: $107.7 million dollars
Resources
Crews: 50
Engines: 99
Helicopters: 22
Air Tankers: 8
Air Attack: 3
Dozers: 20
Water Tenders: 71
Personnel Assigned: 2,195
Headlines
* Due to successful firefighting efforts on the northeastern edge of the Zaca Fire, Highway 33 is entirely open to the public. Please be mindful that there is the potential for fire engine traffic along this route for the next few days and travel with caution.
* The RECOMMENDED EVACUATION in the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33 has been lifted.
Current Situation
Crews continue to make progress with rehabilitation efforts along fire lines and roads in the Live Oak Zone of the Zaca Fire. In addition to rehabilitation work the Live Oak Zone will be monitored by aircraft.
Monday's higher humidity allowed fire suppression resources another day to improve fireline in the Brubaker Canyon area just west of Highway 33. Today, a combination of ground and aerial resources will continue to construct fireline around the north end of the spot fire near Cuyama Peak. Over the next three days, predicted lower relative humidity, higher temperatures and potential increased fire activity will test containment lines. Aerial infrared photography will be used to identify hot spots and ground patrols will work to extinguish problem areas, primarily along completed fireline in the Sisquoc River drainage and the northern perimeter of the fire.
Road closures and evacuations associated with the Live Oak fire suppression activities on the south have been lifted. All areas and roads included within the Los Padres National Forest Closure Area remain closed to public entry; including the Snyder Trail, a popular mountain bike trail.
Highways, Forest Roads and Area Closures
* Highway 33 is entirely open to the public.
* Happy Canyon Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
* Figueroa Mountain Road is closed at the Los Padres National Forest boundary.
* East Camino Cielo Road is open between Hwy 154 and Gibraltar Road. East Camino Cielo is closed east of Gibraltar Road because it is within the Forest closure.
* Paradise Road is open from Highway 154 to First Crossing Day Use Area.
* The Zaca Fire Area Closure in Los Padres National Forest remains in effect. The closure includes lands in Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Kern Counties. The expanded closure encompasses approximately 888,000 acres including the entire San Rafael, Matilija, and Chumash Wildernesses, a portion of the Sespe Wilderness, and adjacent national forest lands. Detailed information on the closure can be found at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or www.inciweb.org or at a Los Padres National Forest office.
Evacuations
* The RECOMMENDED EVACUATION in the area from Ozena north to the Ventura/Santa Barbara County line west of Highway 33 has been lifted.
* Recreation facilities along Paradise Road between Highway 154 and First Crossing, including Forest Service campgrounds and Rancho Oso Campground, are open. The Santa Ynez River Road, beyond the First Crossing and all associated recreation facilities are closed.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin 07/04/2007 at 1053 hrs.
Location 9 miles North of Santa Barbara
Incident Commander Opliger/ Hawkins
Current Situation
Total Personnel 2,195
Size 240,207 acres
Percent Contained 95%
Estimated Containment Date 09/04/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved
Heavy brush containing a high dead component. Some conifers at higher elevations. Live fuel moistures are at 49% which is well below critical levels. A continuous fuel bed lies ahead of the fire.
Fire Behavior
Live Oak Zone (South section): The fire in the island within the Santa Cruz drainage continues to creep around. Richardson Zone (Northeastern section): Limited fire activity was observed; some interior burning with no growth in perimeter.
Significant Events
Live Oak Zone (South section): Progress was made in suppression rehabilitation. Richardson Zone (Northeastern section): Crews continued to line and mop up.
Outlook
Planned Actions
Live Oak Zone: Patrol by air. Continue fire suppression rehabilitation. Richardson Zone: Monitor and mop up 100% of the slopovers in Divisions CC and DD. In Division FF, patrol and mop up all spot fires and mop up 1000 feet from structures. Continue suppression rehabilitation efforts.
Projected Movement
Projected incident movement in Richardson Zone: north to Dry Canyon and east to Highway 33.
Growth Potential
Medium.
Terrain Difficulty
Extreme.
Containment Target
Live Oak Zone: the fire management strategy has succeeded. Richardson Zone: There is high potential for success of the fire management strategy by Sept. 4th.
Remarks
Live Oak Zone: Type 2 Incident Management Team, Southern CA Team 1,will shadow CIIMT (Oplinger) today and assume command on 8/29/07.
Weather
Current Wind Conditions Not available
Current Temperature 59 degrees
Current Humidity 45 %