CAL FIRE says strong winds caused them to increase staffing and fire equipment throughout the state.
High winds and low humidity over much of the state may continue for the next few days. Winds in some areas are expected to have gusts in excess of 60 mph. This weather event will significantly increase the wildfire threat in wind prone areas including the Sierras, the East Bay Hills, the Central Coast, and throughout Southern California
“The recent devastating wildland fire in Reno, Nevada is a reminder that fires can burn during the winter months even when temperatures are low. With the strong winds forecasted the fire danger will increase in many areas and we will have extra firefighters on duty so that we can respond to any new wildfires that may ignite.”
– Chief Ken Pimlott, CAL FIRE director
Many communities and watershed areas may be affected by fast moving wildfires. The increased staffing includes the county fire departments of Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Kern and Orange, who CAL FIRE contracts with for fire protection of State Responsibility Areas.
Residents are encouraged to exercise extreme caution when in or near the wildland or open areas to prevent a fire. It is important that everyone monitor the weather and be on the lookout for fires. If fires occur in the area be prepared to follow all instructions of fire and law enforcement officials if an evacuation is ordered. Winds of the forecast velocity can cause conditions to change rapidly and the public is encouraged to review “Ready, Set, Go” procedures at www.ReadyForWildfire.org. Each person and family should insure that they are “Set” for a potential emergency situation and prepared to activate the “Go” (evacuation) portion in a calm and safe manner.
Tuolumne County:
Mountain Fire
Northeast of Sonora near Bald Mountain Rd.
* 50 acres, 0% containment
* Structures Threatened
Ridgewood Fire
Near Phoenix Lake area
* 2-3 acres, 0% containment
Calaveras County:
Dutch Creek Fire
1.5 miles from Blue Mountain
* Unknown acreage, 0% containment
Blue Mountain Fire
Blue Mountain Lookout Rd., southeast of West Point
* Timber fire
* 100 acres – 0% contained
East Fire
10 miles east of West Point
* 100 acres, 0% contained
El Dorado County
Sciaroni Fire
Sciaroni Rd in the Grizzly Flat area
*80 acres
Kirk Fire (previously Stinson Fire)
Stinson Rd in the Omo Ranch area
*5 acres, 90% contained
Creek Fire
Off Park Creek Rd and Old Carson Rd in Pollock Pines.
*2 acres – 80% contained
Onyx Fire
Sly Park and Onyx Rd area
*3-5 acres – 80% contained
Groovy Fire
Off Hwy 50 and Plum Creek Rd.
*44 acres – 60% contained
Grizzly Fire
Grizzly Flat Rd. and Sweeny Rd.
*Spot fire – 100% contained
Boondock Fire
Near Slug Gulch in the Fairplay area.
100% contained
One additional fire in Amador County which is a Federal incident on the El Dorado National Forest.
Nevada County
Chalk Fire
10 miles east of Nevada City
* 20 acres, 100% contained
