 On Saturday, June 21 2008, 92 lightning strikes were detected within the Tahoe National Forest. Twenty-five fires were ignited from these strikes.
To better manage the fires, they have been split in to two complexes: American River Complex and Yuba River Complex (contained)
American River Complex:
Individual Fire Stats:
Gov. Springs/Westville Acres: 19,990 acres (95% contained)
105 personnel: 2 crews; 2 helicopters; 3 engines; 1 dozer; 1 water tender
Map based on IR perimeter. (July 21, AM) - no change in acreage since
Final evening update:
The Government Springs/Westville fire was be declared 100% contained tonight Wednesday, July 30 2008 at 6:00 p.m. The fire is located in the North Fork American River watershed northeast of Foresthill, California. The fire, along with several other fires in the American River Complex, started on June 21 during a dry lightning storm.
The fires were previously managed by two national incident management teams and a transition organization. Management of the fire will be the responsibility of American River Ranger District (ARRD) as of Thursday morning, July 31. Jeb Pronto of ARRD will be the Incident Commander. Some suppression repair work remains, as does ongoing patrolling, mop up and monitoring of the fire perimeter.
Today the following resources were released from the fire: 1 helicopter, 1 water tender, 1 crew (Tahoe Crew 1), and several overhead personnel. Remaining resources include one 20-person hand crew, two engines, TNF helicopter 514, two excavators, one dozer, one chipper and miscellaneous overhead. Fire personnel conducted a recon flight of the American River fires today and saw some interior smokes but the containment lines looked good.
The public is reminded that the American River Complex fires are contained, but not controlled. During the next few weeks smoke may be seen in the burn area, but because it is in the interior part of the burn it should not be a threat to containment lines. Fire personnel will continue to patrol and monitor the fires through the summer. It is not expected that the fire will be controlled until fall rains occur.
The following trail closures remain in effect due to fire related hazards: Mumford Bar, Beacroft, American River and Sailor Flat.
Fire restrictions remain in place on the Tahoe National Forest. Information on fire restrictions is available at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe.
The fire information phone number will be discontinued July 31. For current conditions or questions, please call the American River Ranger District during normal business hours at (530) 367-2224 or the Forest Public Affairs Officer, Ann Westling (530) 478-6205.
The Tahoe National Forest wishes to thank the many cooperating agencies, organizations and the communities of Foresthill, Blue Canyon, Emigrant Gap, Alta, Auburn, and Truckee for their help and support.
 On Saturday the Safety Officer for the American River Complex was forced off the Divide Road in the fire area by three vehicles tailgating and driving at an unsafe speed. Other firefighting equipment was also on or near the road, which is the southern edge of the Government Springs/Westville Fire. The lead vehicle was pulled over and cited by the two Placer County Sheriff deputies. Another incident earlier in the day involved shooting in a developed campground adjacent to the fireline. The individuals were issued a notice of violation. The public is urged to obey advisory signs regarding safety in fire area.
The Mumford cabin is intact as shown in this picture from July 17. Image courtesy Nolan Smith, USFS
Fire restrictions remain in place on the Tahoe National Forest. Information on fire restrictions is available at www.fs.fed.us/r5/tahoe.
Complex acreage now includes 56 acres from 7 small fires identified below. Peavine Fire is 551 acres and has been contained. Complex acreage also includes 56 acres from 7 small fires, all contained, as identified below. Texas Hill 1 = .1 acre; Texas Hill 2 = .75 acre; Ford Point 1 = .1 acre; Mosquito Ridge = 3 acres; Hard Climb Fire = 1.5 acres; Red Fire- .25 acres; Foresthill = 50 acres. Total ownership acres for all fires: USFS = 17,829; Private = 970.
 Peavine: The Peavine Fire is now 552 acres with 100% containment. On July 1, a containment line was completed around the Peavine Fire.
July 21: California National Guard's firefighting training continues on American River Complex
July 18: Firefighters Unwrap Historical Mumford Cabin Near Foresthill
July 14: California Conservation Crew Receives Award for Outstanding Work on American River Complex
July 9: 2008 Tevis Cup Ride has been canceled
July 9: Additional Resources Assigned to American River Complex Fires
Reality and Public Briefings Differ on American River Complex Wildfires |
