Creek Fire Update 1092020
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Publication Type: News
Weather Information:
Below average temperatures will remain present through the end of the week, and overnight temperatures at high elevations may even dip below freezing. Significant increases in relative humidity, in the 40 to 60 percent range, have already helped to moderate fire behavior and slow the fires progress. High clouds are expected to clear later today allowing for terrain driven winds to dominate, 3 to 8 mph downslope in the morning, shifting to upslope winds of 5-10 mph, with higher gusts in the afternoon. Diurnal influences will not be enough to clear smoke from the region. Heavy smoke prevented air resources from assisting suppression efforts yesterday. Without bucket drops over the remote and difficult terrain of Little Shuteye Peak, crews were left to perform dry mop-up, using hand tools only. Smoke is expected to keep air operations grounded again today.
Fresno County-SOUTH ZONE:
The Sierra National Forest will allow individuals who were evacuated from campgrounds, camping areas and cabins in the South Zone of the fire an opportunity to return and collect their belongings again this weekend, October 10 and 11. Please follow this link for more information on how to obtain an access permit. Permit Holder Access/Recreation Residence
Smoke will be seen in the general area as fire personnel continue to strengthen the fire perimeter. Smoke from other fires in the state has become apparent in the Central Valley adding to the poor air quality. Please use caution while driving as heavy congestion is expected on Hwy 168 through the weekend.
Madera County-NORTH ZONE:
With mop-up nearly complete along the stretch of uncontained fireline around Little Shuteye Peak, crews have progressed to gridding the green fuels adjacent to those lines, looking for hidden sparks and embers smoldering in the duff. This activity indicates that fireline north and south of Little Shuteye Peak is approaching containment status.
Our roads group has dropped more than a thousand trees in recent days to reduce hazards along interior roads, most of which are now open and passible. Yesterday they reported having completed improvement work in the Portuguese overlook area of the 7 road, far north end of the fire.
The fire is 10 miles west of Mammoth Lakes; little forward progression is occurring due to the natural barriers of rock and the Lions Fire (2018) burn scar. Conditions continue to be monitored very closely.
Please respect the Temporary Flight Restriction. The use of drones is not permitted over the fire area. A drone incursion will result in the grounding of all firefighting aircraft. Remember, "If you fly - We can't."
Creek Fire South Zone PM Update 10082020
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Publication Type: News
The fire is currently 330,899 acres, 49% contained, approximately 1,587 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations
Team 14 CIIMT (California Interagency Incident Management Team) will assume command of the South Zone tomorrow, Friday October 9, 2020 following today’s transitional shadowing.
Southern California Edison (SCE) is asking all boat owners to remove boats from Huntington Lake. Water level will be lowered in the lake and all boats must be removed prior to October 15,2020.
Smoke will remain present overnight and into the mornings, with general air quality improvement during the afternoons. Seasonal mild temperatures will continue until the end of the week. Saturday we will see another Pacific trough, clouds and increased humidity. Measurable rainfall is not expected.
Creek Fire South Zone AM update 10082020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
The fire is currently 330,899 acres, 49% contained, approximately 1,531 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations
Team 14 CIIMT (California Interagency Incident Management Team) will assume command of the South Zone tomorrow, Friday October 9, 2020 following today’s transitional shadowing.
Fire activity was significant on Forest Road 80 between Kaiser Pass Road and Florence Lake. Smoky conditions will remain throughout the area. Smoke from fire activity throughout the state has come to the Central Valley and is visible on the Creek Fire incident.
There will be a Fresno County Community meeting tonight Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. You can view it on Facebook live at https://www.facebook.com/FresnoCountyCA or attend in person at Sierra High School (football field) 33326 Lodge Rd, Tollhouse, CA 93667.
Creek Fire virtual community meeting on Facebook Friday 700 pm 10092020
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Publication Type: Announcement
The next virtual Community Meeting will be Friday, 7:00 pm on Facebook Live: https://fb.me/e/7bXHa5tIX
The Creek Fire Incident Management Team and local officials will provide the most current information on fire operations, evacuations, and advisories, via Facebook Live. Ask questions and express your concerns. Información en español después
Sierra NF Property Retrieval Boat Removal request for Huntington Lake
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Publication Type: Announcement
October 10th & 11th, the Sierra National Forest is allowing continued access by way of permit, for property retrieval and winterization. Southern California Edison requests all boats to be removed from Huntington Lake, to lower water levels.
Prather, CA., October 08, 2020 – Due to the overwhelming response the decision was made last weekend to allow individuals affected by the Creek Fire the opportunity to take care of residences to clean out refrigerators, winterize cabins, and remove their boats, again the weekend of October 10th & 11th, 2020. The Sierra National Forest (SNF) High Sierra Ranger will allow individuals to enter temporarily to continue addressing their property needs.
Southern California Edison (SCE) is asking all boat owners at the same time to remove their boats from Huntington Lake. SCE’s Incident Management Team is asking that boat owners come and remove their boats from Huntington Lake. Water levels will be lowered within the lake and all boats need to be removed prior to October 15th. We understand that many of the boats have already been removed, but we want to ensure that the date of the lake being lowered was well communicated.
The SNF will allow roadblock access each of the two days from 8am - 5pm, The check-in for these days will be staged at each of the roadblock access points to areas where entry is to be made for that day. Link for Permit Information, - those who have already submitted their request you will not need to re-submit information, all applicants will need to bring with them two forms of identification, a valid driver’s license/identification and proof of property ownership (electric bill, or property deed). You will not receive your permit by email.
October 10th & 11th, 2020 Access will be allowed by permit to the following locations:
• From 8am – 5pm Access… McKinley Grove to Wishon to Courtright Roads.
• From 8am – 5pm Access… Dinkey and Rock Creek areas
• From 8am – 5pm Access… Huntington Lake and Camp Sierra areas.
• Boat pick up at Huntington Lake Boat Launch
Trash services have not been restored. It will be the responsibility of each party to be prepared to pack out their own trash. Please leave no trace!
You will be issued your permit at the entry meeting/checkpoint, and then allowed into the area to pick up your belongings, clean, close and winterize cabins as well as remove boats from Huntington Lake.
We do understand that there is still a need for more dates to enter and accomplish winterization or evaluate damages. More dates for both ranger districts will be announced in the very near future.
Those individuals who are working for the Creek Fire (fire personnel, contractors, and cooperators) must have proper identification for access beyond the checkpoints if they are not in a properly marked vehicle.
Creek Fire Update 1082020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Weather Information:
Seasonally mild temperatures will remain present through the end of the week. A change in weather system will bring higher humidity which will influence fuels to gain moisture also. While measurable rainfall is not expected, the higher relative humidity will begin to slow the fire’s progress. Smoke will remain present overnight and in morning with general air quality improving in the afternoons as winds develop. Critical fire weather conditions are not expected through Saturday.
Fresno County-SOUTH ZONE:
The Sierra National Forest will allow individuals who were evacuated from campgrounds, camping areas and cabins in the South Zone of the fire an opportunity to return and collect their belongings again this weekend, October 10 and 11. Please follow this link for more information on how to obtain an access permit. Permit Holder Access/Recreation Residence
Crews conducted defensive firing operations around Florence Lake. Heavy resources are currently protecting property. Small clusters of homes and seasonal residences in the areas of Mono Hot Springs, Vermillion Resort, Muir Trail Ranch, Blayney Meadow and Florence Lake remain evacuated. Smoke will be seen in the general area as fire personnel continue to strengthen the fire perimeter.
Moderately active fire behavior will produce smoke visible along Forest Road 80 between Kaiser Pass Road and Florence Lake. Smoke from other fires in the state has become apparent in the Central Valley adding to the poor air quality we are experiencing.
Madera County-NORTH ZONE:
Beasore Meadow Belonging Retrieval / Cabin Winterization clarification.
Those seeking entry must meet at 9am at the Court House in Bass Lake on Thursday, October 8, to access the Beasore Meadow area. You must have proof of ownership or you will not be allowed in. Those who enter can leave at any time, no escort required, but once you leave, you will not be allowed back into the area. Additional date(s) will be available in the future, but none have been set at this time.
You will need a valid ID and proof of ownership such as a property deed or utility bill with your name on it.
Crews were able to complete fire line in the Little Shuteye Peak area Tuesday. Firefighters will continue to mop up and widen the line today with helicopter assistance as smoke allows. Additionally, snagging and cold trailing will continue to find any remaining heat in the vicinity. In Whisky Falls, crews completed five miles of chipping. Crews are finishing up with securing structures in Johnson Meadows.
The Roads Group has completed the removal of hazard trees along the 81 corridor, which is now completely open. Now, crews are focusing on peripheral roads within the fire area.
The fire is still 10 miles west of Mammoth Lakes; little forward progression is occurring due to the natural barriers of rock and the Lions Fire (2018) burn scar. Conditions continue to be monitored very closely.
Please respect the Temporary Flight Restriction. The use of drones is not permitted over the fire area. A drone incursion will result in the grounding of all firefighting aircraft. Remember, "If you fly - We can't."
Creek Fire South Zone PM Update 10072020
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Publication Type: News
The fire is currently 328,603 acres, 49% contained, approximately 1,531 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations
Smoke will continue to be visible throughout the area. Weather will be changing to more seasonally average October temperatures.
Small clusters of homes and seasonal residences in the areas of Mono Hot Springs, Vermillion Resort, Muir Trail Ranch, Blayney Meadow, and Florence Lake remain evacuated. Smoke will be seen in the general area as fire personnel continue to strengthen the fire perimeter. Structure protection is in place and supporting the immediate needs of the community.
There will be a Fresno County Community meeting tomorrow night Thursday, October 8, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. You can view it either on Facebook live https://www.facebook.com/FresnoCountyCA or in person at Sierra High School (football field) 33326 Lodge Rd, Tollhouse, CA 93667.
View the full update (.pdf file)
Creek Fire South Zone AM Update 10072020
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Publication Type: News
The fire is currently 328,595 acres, 49% contained, approximately 1,864 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.
With an unstable atmosphere in lower sections and high probability of ignition forecasted, the fire continues to remain extremely active. We are asking everyone to use caution while traveling in and out of the area.
There will be a live stream Community Meeting at 7:00 PM tonight hosted on the Sierra National Forest Facebook Page. https://fb.me/e/4W9n65uFW
View the full update (.pdf file)Creek Fire Update for October 7 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: News
Weather Information:
Dry conditions will persist across the incident with afternoon humidity remaining in the teens during the day and poor humidity recovery overnight. Temperatures will remain a few degrees above average before cooling to right around seasonal averages by Thursday. Expect a little higher humidity both day and night over the next few days heading into the weekend. Terrain driven diurnal (daytime) slope flows will prevail. Smoke transport will follow diurnal slope winds with upslope transport during the afternoon and smoke returning to lower elevations with downslope/drainage flows overnight.
Fresno County-SOUTH ZONE:
The Sierra National Forest will allow individuals who were evacuated from campgrounds, camping areas and cabins in the South Zone of the fire an opportunity to return and collect their belongings again this weekend, October 10 and 11. Please follow this link for more information on how to obtain an access permit. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sierra/home/?cid=fseprd815384
Crews conducted firing operations from Pack Station toward Florence Lake. Small clusters of homes and seasonal residences in the areas of Mono Hot Springs, Vermillion Resort, Muir Trail Ranch, Blayney Meadow and Florence Lake remain evacuated.
Two spot fires occurred Monday in the Ansel Adams Wilderness on the northeast side of the South Fork of the San Joaquin River. These spot fires did not move much yesterday and fire officials continue to monitor them and are looking for opportunities to safely engage.
Madera County-NORTH ZONE:
Arnold Meadow and Beasore Meadow Belonging Retrieval / Cabin Winterization clarification.
Those seeking entry must meet at 9am at the Mill Site in North Fork on Wednesday for access to the Arnold Meadow area, or 9am at the Court House in Bass Lake on Thursday to access the Beasore Meadow area. You must have proof of ownership or you will not be allowed in. Those who enter can leave at any time, no escort required, but once you leave, you will not be allowed back into the area. Additional date(s) will be available in the future, but none have been set at this time.
You will need a valid ID and proof of ownership such as a property deed or utility bill with your name on it.
Crews were able to complete the fire line in the Little Shuteye Peak area yesterday. Firefighters will continue to mop up and widen the line today with helicopter assistance as smoke allows. A small spot fire near Globe Rock occurred yesterday. Crews are working to complete containment today in this area of heavy fuel. The Redtop area is now in patrol status. The southwest edge of the fire remains under patrol status and removal of hose used for suppression is close to completion.
The Roads Group has completed the removal of hazard trees along the 81 Road and is now focusing on peripheral roads within the fire area.
The fire is still 10 miles west of Mammoth Lakes; little forward progression is occurring due to the natural barriers of rock and the Lions Fire (2018) burn scar. Conditions continue to be monitored very closely.
Please respect the Temporary Flight Restriction. The use of drones is not permitted over the fire area. A drone incursion will result in the grounding of all firefighting aircraft. Remember, "If you fly - We can't."
Creek Fire Virtual Community Meeting for October 7 2020
Related Incident:
Publication Type: Announcement
Creek Fire Virtual Community Meeting will be aired this evening starting at 7 PM on the Sierra National Forest Facebook page > https://www.facebook.com/SierraNF