From our weekly issue dated September 01, 2010
Last week, officials were predicting that the Oak Flat Fire, located in rugged terrain 10 miles northwest of Selma, would be completely contained by Aug. 31, and possibly sooner.
But Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 25, high temperatures, low humidity and wind conditions caused the fire to cross a containment line on the north flank.
A dozen additional 20-person crews and two more Type 1 heavy lift helicopters were ordered to combat the fire.
According to a Tuesday, Aug. 31 press release, officials anticipated a “substantial increase“ in fire behavior, despite more than one-tenth of an inch of precipitation falling over the area. The moisture slowed the fire“s spread, but did not stop it, officials said.
The precipitation has allowed firefighters time to strengthen containment lines in preparation for burning out operations designed to remove fuel between the fire“s edge and the containment lines.
Strategic burnouts are set to commence Sept. 1 and 2. The area to be burned is “generally contained“ between Chrome Ridge, the 2510 Road and Briggs Creek, officials said.
Firefighters continue to improve additional contingency lines north of the perimeter, officials said, and the incident command post has moved to the Bureau of Land Management“s Sprague Seed Orchard in Merlin. That moves firefighters closer to the active operations area and reduces driving distances in order to improve safety and efficiency.
Sam Brown Campground, Taylor Creek Road and the 2402 Road remain closed to all but fire traffic.
For more information, visit inciweb.org/incident/2066/.
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