Tag: Arnold

08/15/2012 @ 2225
The InciWeb incident information system web site provides up-to-date information regarding all incidents under management by the USFS.

http://www.inciweb.org – Main site. Bookmark this.
http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3147/ – Information specifically regarding the Ramsey Fire.

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08/15/2012 @ 0900
(ongoing information provided by Lynn Glocker. Thanks Lynn.)
Today fire crews will continue with fire line construction on all parts of the fire perimeter. Firefighters are challenged with steep terrain, limited access with extreme heat and winds. The fire continues to move slowly to the east. Helicopters, air tankers, and dozers will continue to support fire crews working on line construction today. The fire has burned along the south side of State Highway 4 and occasionally spotted along the north side of the Highway. Fire crews will continue to monitor and check the north side of the highway and extinguish any spot fires.

The Ramsey Fire started on Saturday August 11, 2012 from an escaped campfire near the North Fork of the Stanislaus River. People traveling on Highway 4 should expect extended delays and partial closures due the fire crews, fire and heavy smoke across the road.

South Central Sierra Inter-agency Incident Management Team is assigned to Ramsey Fire. An Incident Base Camp has been established at the Bear Valley Ski Area.

A temporary fire information line has been established about the Ramsey Fire at 209-988-8311. Please leave a message and a fire information officer will return your call.

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08/14/2012 @ 2300
(content provided by Lynn Glocker, click photo for slideshow)
The Ramsey Fire progression was slowed today by morning retardant drops by a DC-10. Heavy-weight helicopters will be operating out of Bear Valley at a portable retardant plant tomorrow.

All spot fires on the north side of Hwy 4 have been contained. Management hopes to construct direct control lines on the east side of the fire in addition to the existing retardant there. The south side by the River and north side by structures remain controlled and holding strong. The southwest side (Division A) has heavy concentrations fuels and potential for rolling debris. Today’s weather calls for thunderstorms and winds that may cause problems. Predicted weather remains dry and hot, but with normal winds. The main concerns are spotting onto very receptive fuels and rolling fuels on steep slopes.

The arriving Type II Interagency Incident Management Team will set up an Incident Command post at Cottage Springs, with some parking challenges. Command will be coordinating with CHP & CalTrans on road closures as needed and appropriate signs. Stanislaus National Forest offices in the fire vicinity may also be used by the Command staff for computer access.

The above is from the Greater Arnold Business Association (GABA) Facebook page.

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08/14/2012 @ 2100
Local reports state that smoke and ash are not significant problems in Lilac Park / Arnold through the day. However, as winds shift and settle in the late afternoon and evening, smoke and light ash increase considerably thereby decreasing air quality.  Still no report of any direct threat to Lilac Park. All cabins in Gann Meadow were saved through firefighter efforts.

If you suffer from any respiratory ailments that are exacerbated by poor air quality, it is suggested that you avoid the mountains until the situation improves.

Please keep the safety and well-being of the fire crews in your thoughts and prayers.

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08/14/12 @ 1815
Due to heavy smoke and fire management operations, State Route 4 is closed past Cottage Springs. KCRA is reporting that this fire has burned 800 acres and is only 10% contained.

Thepinetree.net was down earlier at 6:10pm (database error), but they have detailed information. Check back often. Also check KCRA and the USFS web site for more information. Incident command for this fire is by the USFS and not Cal-Fire so there is only limited information on the Cal-Fire web site.

While this fire is NOT an immediate threat to Lilac Park or Arnold, we encourage that you monitor the situation before planning a trip into the mountains. The heavy smoke may cause respiratory issues for those with asthma or other pulmonary conditions.

We will provide you more information as it becomes available.