Good news for Central Valley and Sierra foothill residents related to the recent wildfire activity! The cooler weather and higher humidity levels have allowed fire crews to begin to make progress on the Oliver fire located southwest of Yosemite National Park. The Oliver fire is now 75% contained. Air pollution levels have dropped and are now registering in the Moderate range.
Although,the Central Valley has gained some relief, coastal areas like the Big Sur area are still deep in battle against raging fires. The Basin Fire complex is currently only 3% contained. The link will take you to the Monterey County Fire Website with information regarding evacuations, etc.
[I've removed a photo of the Big Sur fires taken by AP and attributed to them and the photographer out of copyright concerns] Yahoo! has a gallery of fire photos. Click here to see them.
Governor Schwarzenegger has called in the National Guard to assist fire crews in their fire suppression efforts. Read the Washington Post article (dateline Fresno) "National Guard Troops Set to Relieve Fire Crews."
Also see the article "Nebraska National Guard Troops to Help Fight Fires in California."
Below is additional detailed information regarding the Oliver Fire.
Oliver Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: July 2, 2008, 8:45 am
Date/Time Started: June 21, 2008, 5:10 pm
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit
County: Mariposa County Location: North of Ponderosa Basin
Acres Burned: 2,789
Containment: 75% contained
Structures Threatened: 200 residences, 225 outbuildings
Evacuations: The evacuation warning for Aurora Road (5S09), Standard Mill Road (5S03), and the 5,100 block to 6,100 block of Chowchilla Mountain Road (approximately 47 homes WILL BE LIFTED at 6:00 p.m. today.
Chowchilla Mountain Road east of Westfall Road will also be completely opened.
Cause: Lightning
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, United States Forest Service, CHP, OES, Mariposa County Fire, Mariposa County Sheriff, Mariposa County Human Services, American Red Cross, CDCR, and CCC.
Total Fire Personnel: 730 (426 CAL FIRE)
Engines: 66
Fire crews: 26
Helicopters 1
Dozers:10
Water tenders: 13
Costs to date: $10.2 million
Conditions: The fire spread has slowed, however the fire continues backing in steep inaccessible terrain. There are areas of unburned vegetation within the interior of the fire area that continue to ignite and burn. Mop-up of the large fuels is a slow and tedious process. As fire suppression activity diminishes, demobilization of some firefighters is occurring. Residents and visitors to the foothill and mountain area are reminded that fireworks are not allowed due to high fire danger. Residents are asked to take responsibility for living in the wildlands by creating and maintaining a minimum of 100 feet of Defensible Space around all structures.
CAL FIRE Incident Command Team #6 is assigned to this incident.
Download the latest fact sheet
Phone Numbers: 209-966-4784 (Oliver Fire Information)
Comments(5)