Archive » August 24, 2007

ZACA FIRE UPDATE

 

Friday, August 31, 2007 8:00 AM

 

On the Web:

 

www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

www.inciweb.org

 

Fire Information Phone Line:  (805) 961-5770

 

Fire Status Acres Burned: 240,207 acres Acreage Change (last 12 hours): no change Fireline to Build: 1 mile Date Started:  July 4, 2007 at 10:53 am Percent Contained: 95 percent Expected Containment:  September 4, 2007 Injuries:  44 Structures Threatened:  0 Structures Destroyed:  1 outbuilding

Resources Crews:  37 Engines:  89 Helicopters: 18 Air Tankers:  0 Air Attack: 3 Dozers: 19 Water Tenders:  61 Total Personnel Assigned:  1,779 Cost to Date:  $114 million

 

Headlines:

 

The thunderstorms that developed on Wednesday night and Thursday morning brought a new start five miles south of McPherson Peak. This new start was named the Mine Fire and aerial resources were used to slow the forward spread of the fire yesterday. Last night the Zaca fire's night shift was down-sized to a patrol status. Today, crews will be flown into the Mine Fire to construct hand line. On the Zaca Fire crews continue to mop-up along the containment lines and to start back haul of excess supplies all along the fire's perimeter. Rehabilitation of fire suppression lines will also continue. Today there is a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms.

 

Current Situation:

 

Initial suppression rehab efforts continue to make very good progress along fire lines and roads in both zones of the Zaca Fire.  Heavy equipment is still present in many areas rehabilitating roads while crews assist with fire line rehabilitation and chip large amounts of cut brush and other vegetation.  These efforts will assist in restoring public lands for use and help prevent erosion and further damage.     

 

Firefighters will continue to be watchful for any lightning or thunderstorms that are possible in the fire area and will respond to any additional fires that could result.  Temperatures are expected to be around 100 degrees with decreased relative humidity.

 

Highways, Forest Roads and Area Closures:

 

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.

Portions of the Zaca Fire Area Closure in Los Padres National Forest remains in effect.   Detailed information regarding the closure is available at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres or www.inciweb.org or at  offices of the Los Padres National Forest.

Paradise Road is open from Highway 154 to the First Crossing Day Use Area.  Recreation facilities along Paradise Road between Highway 154 and First Crossing, including Forest Service campgrounds and Rancho Oso Campground, are now open.  The Santa Ynez River Road, beyond the First Crossing and all associated recreation facilities are closed.