Millard Update on inciweb (from 6:45am):
Summary
The Millard Complex is burning in
rugged terrain in the San Gorgonio
Wilderness. It is currently estimated
at 12,304 acres and is 5% contained.
There is no expected date of
containment at this time.
Basic Information
Updated 2006-07-15 09:45:23 EST
Incident Type Wildland Fire
Benefits & Objectives
Management Objectives:
1. Provide for firefighter and public safety.
2. Utilize minimum impact suppression tactics
in wilderness areas.
3. Avoid and report archaeological sites.
4. Develop and maintain a cost containment strategy
for the incident.
Control Objectives:
1. Keep fires north of Millard Canyon.
2. Keep fires south of Mission Creek.
3. Keep fires west of the Pacific Crest Trail.
4. Keep fires east of Mill Creek jump off.
Cause Lightning
Date of Origin 07/09/2006 at 0833 hrs.
Location 7 Miles north of Cabazon
In San Gorgonio WIlderness, north of I-
10 and west of Highway 62
Incident Commander Norm Walker
Current Situation
Size 12,304 acres
Percent Contained 5%
Estimated Containment Date
Total Personnel 885
Fuels Involved The fires are burning
within old decadent stands of
intermixed timber, Douglas fir, sugar
and jeffrey pine above the 6000'
elevation. There is high mortality in
the fuels due to drought and bug kill.
Fire Behavior Extreme fire behavior is
expected today. The fire will be
dominated by topography and wind.
Plume domination is a high probability
for today. The Sawtooth Complex to the
north will influence the Millard
Complex fire behavior.
Today's Significant Events Unified
Command established between U.S.
Forest Service, California Department
of Forestry and Riverside County Fire
at 1600 hrs on 07-12-06.
Outlook
Estimated Date of Control
Planned Actions Structure protection
is in place in Whitewater Canyon. Hand
crews re-engaged in parts of the fire
where safety would allow. Heavy use of
air tankers and helicopters were used
to anchor the southern flank of the
fire.
Projected Movement Fire continues to
be active in Whitewater Canyon and is
moving to the Northwest. After merging
with the Sawtooth Complex, the fire
advanced up Mission Creek to the North.
Growth Potential Extreme
Terrain Difficulty Inaccessible, steep
terrain. Air operations are playing a
significant role with 16 helicopters
and 6 airtankers assigned.
Containment Target
Remarks No immediate threats to any
communities at this time. Threats are
to watersheds, wilderness, and tribal
interests. Heavy use of air tankers
and helicopters to anchor Southern
flank of fire. Constant communication
between Teams on Millard Complex and
Sawtooth Complex ongoing; Mission
Creek identified as boundary between
Complexes
Weather
Current Wind Conditions 3-5 mph SW
Current Temperature 84 degrees
Current Humidity 25 %
Forecasted Wind Conditions 5-15 mph SW
Forecasted Temperature 96-106 degrees
Forecasted Humidity 8-13 %
http://www.rimoftheworld.net/incident/2432
Wildfire thread ping! Thread for today is up!
Fight Moves To San Gorgonio Wilderness
Breaking News
By RIMOFTHEWORLD.net
Saturday, July 15, 2006
Firefighters and resources have been deployed to the northern and northwestern sides of the Millard Complex Fire burning about three miles from Onyx Summit and about five miles from Heart Bar Campground in the Coon Creek Canyon. Structure preparation is ongoing in both the Rainbow Lane area and in Heart Bar, with crews in place to perform structure protection, if needed.
The Sawtooth Complex Fire is 40% contained — mostly to the north and east. Activity along the western side of the Sawtooth Complex Fire has been lower the past few days as the fire burns in sparser areas of vegetation.
While there is no immediate threat to the Lake Williams or Erwin Lake communities, smoke will be very visible this afternoon. Additionally, as the fire moves further into the San Gorgonio Wilderness, some flames may be visible from along Highway 38, Onyx Summit, and some other areas.
The California Highway Patrol is ready to close Highway 38 if smoke causes visibility problems and to protect firefighters working along the roadway, if needed.
An operations camp is being set up on Bear Mountain to handle communications and manage logistics.
http://www.rimoftheworld.net/columns/rotw/fight