The following is an update on the fire via InciWeb as of 11am:
“Size: 758 acres
Containment: 30%
Fire Resources: 404 personnel
An aggressive attack on the Root Fire has led to increased containment of a blaze that grew quickly in the past two days. The majority of the containment has been achieved in the southern half of the west flank of the fire, which is expected to prevent the fire from progressing to the southwest. Firefighters continued their direct attack strategy, constructing hand and dozer lines. Crews were also supported by hose lines and four water-dropping helicopters to combat the fire. Dry conditions present additional challenges such as spotting and torching. Evacuation Warnings and an Order are still in place – no structures have been damaged or destroyed. Firefighters located an area where the fire had pushed past a control line in the southeastern perimeter. This “slop over” was quickly surrounded by dozer line and handline. Crews will finish the last piece of handline around this area today with the assistance of air resources when available.
Fire Operations: Firefighters will go with a direct attack strategy where terrain permits. The priority today will be the northeastern and eastern flank of the fire, where crews will continue going direct with hand and dozer lines and reinforce with hose lines. Aircraft will support crews on the ground. On the northern perimeter, the fire is less than one mile from Castle Crags Wilderness. Dozers will continue to construct and improve lines on the northwest portion of the fire off the 39N44 Road with hoseline to box it in and prevent it from entering the wilderness. Firefighters will also construct handlines on the eastern flank off the 38N40 Road. Two “super scooper” aircraft and a helicopter from the Swift Complex Fire are aiding the firefight today.
Fire Weather: Today’s weather conditions will be hot with low humidity with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Max temperatures for the area will be in the upper 80s to lower 90s with humidities in the low 20s. Winds will be terrain-driven with gusts up to 15 MPH in the afternoon expected.”
See a current view of the fire above from the Girard Ridge camera.
