Fire Update - 10/01/08 PM
Incident: Chalk Wildland Fire
Released: 10/1/2008
CHALK FIRE UPDATE
Monterey Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest
Wednesday October 1, 2008, 8:00 PM
Goleta Fire Information Center: 805-961-5770 (8am-8pm)
Fire information online: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/1551/
Fire Statistics
Acres burned: 5,050
Miles of fireline to build: approx. 9
Date started: 9/27/08 (evening)
Percent contained: 13%
Expected containment: not determined
Firefighter injuries to date: 2
Structures threatened: 18 residences; 18 outbuildings
Structures destroyed: 0
Suppression cost to date: $3.1 million
Firefighting Resources
Crews: 38
Engines: 69
Helicopters: 12
Air tankers: 8
Dozers: 8
Total personnel assigned: 1,410
Current Status: The fire was most active on the northwest flank today. There was also activity on the southeast flank. Crews worked through the day improving and constructing control lines and keeping Nacimiento-Fergusson Road clear of falling snags and rolling debris. Humidity levels are predicted to increase up to 40% this evening which will aid suppression efforts.
Crews and dozers will continue to construct and hold direct lines on both the north and south sides of Nacimiento -Fergusson Road. They will provide structure protection on Prewitt Ridge and will be preparing for structure protection in the Pacific Valley and Highway 1 area. Burning out operations will occur only when necessary and when crews feel the conditions are favorable. Firefighter and public safety will remain the highest priority.
Evacuations:
- An Evacuation Warning is in effect for the immediate fire area south of Chalk Peak and South Coast Ridge Road. This warning is given for affected areas where there is imminent threat to life and property. Persons who receive this notice should evacuate in accordance with the direction of the deputies on scene.
- An Evacuation Watch is in place for the Lucia, Mill Creek, Hare Creek and Limekiln State Park. This order is for areas where a threat to life and property exists. Persons issued this notice are not required to evacuate but should be prepared to evacuate should an Evacuation Warning be issued.
The SPCA for Monterey County Disaster Response Team is available to assist residents with emergency animal evacuations. Please contact the SPCA at 831-373-2631 or at 831-646-5534 (after hours) for information or assistance with evacuating pets and livestock. For disaster preparedness information and a listing of pet-friendly hotels and motels in the area, visit http://www.spcamc.org/disaster-preparations.htm.
Highway, Road and Area Closures: Nacimiento-Fergusson Road is closed. South Coast Ridge Road is closed from Nacimiento-Fergusson Road to Willow Creek Road. Highway 1 is open.
Weather: Temperature 65-70 degrees; relative humidity 30-40%; winds downslope to 2 mph, ridge top northwest 4-6 mph. A weak marine layer is expected in the morning at 1000-1500 feet.
Agencies: This incident is being managed under Unified Command with the U.S. Forest Service and Fort Hunter Liggett. The Incident Command Post is at Fort Hunter Liggett. Media access to Fort Hunter Liggett is restricted. Contact the Goleta Fire Information Center for assistance.
