La Brea Fire Report

USFS report from 4pm, August 10

This information comes from Los Padres FS Headquarters, via Inciweb, (4pm August 10):

The La Brea Fire, which started on Saturday, August 8 at 2:50 pm, continues to burn in an area of the San Rafael Wilderness that is very steep and difficult to reach on the ground.

Heavy 87 year old fuels (vegetation), long range spotting and moderate to rapid rates of spread have continued to hamper fire fighters in their efforts to contain the fire. Extreme fire behavior has been observed since the fire began. Flames from the fire could be seen on the Sierra Madre ridgeline from areas along SR-166 yesterday afternoon and evening. Last night fire behavior was moderate due to increased relative humidity and no major runs or spotting were observed.

La Brea Fire perimeter, as of 4pm August 9, 2009

The portion of the forest from the intersection of SR-166 and Sierra Madre Road east to McPherson Peak, south to the Sisquoc and west to the forest boundary is currently closed due to the fire emergency. Campgrounds in the area have been evacuated.

Law enforcement and California Team 3 would like to remind the public that there is an increase in fire support vehicles on Highway 166. Please use extra caution when traveling the highway.

Temporary flight restrictions have been put in place over the fire area.

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Basic Information

Cause: Under Investigation

Date of Origin:Saturday August 08th, 2009 approx 02:50 PM

Location: 26 Miles east of Santa Maria

Incident Commander: Jeanne Pincha – Tulley

Current Situation

Total Personnel: 580

Size: 10,500 acres

Fuels Involved: Chaparral (6 feet)

Fire Behavior: Fire behavior was moderate last night due to increased relative humidity. No major runs or spotting was observed.

Significant Events: A closure of the forest in and around the area of the fire is in place. Evacuations of hunters and campers in front of and adjacent to the fire were made.

Outlook

Planned Actions: Continue direct attack on the southern and east perimeter of the fire. Crews will also continue constructing contingency lines outside of the wilderness.

Growth Potential: Extreme

Terrain Difficulty: Extreme

Remarks: CIIMT Team-3 (Pincha-Tulley) assumed command of the fire this morning at 0600.