A virtual public meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 PM on Facebook.

 

WEATHER: Temperatures will remain unseasonably warm through late in the week, with low humidity.  Winds will remain light and slope driven, but if a column develops higher level winds will blow the smoke to the east-southeast.  Next weekend sees the possibility of cooler and cloudier conditions accompanied by higher winds.

 

NORTH ZONE: 

Systematic suppression repair work continues from Upper Chiquito to the San Joaquin River.  Crews made good progress falling hazard trees along the 81 Road yesterday. For the entire Zone crews will continue to patrol and mop up, looking for any activity that may threaten the control lines.  Crews, engines and equipment continue to scour to find and extinguish any hot spots near the fire line.  Heavy mop up is still occurring around Central Camp.  Any unburned islands that have the potential to spot outside the control lines will be mopped up as well.  Hazard trees within any of the work areas and/or  near the fire line will continue to be fell.  Work to improve road access to the fire line is ongoing. 

 

At the far north end of the fire it has burned into the granite outcrops of the high country and continues to creep and burn any available fuels, primarily timber stringers.  Because of access issues and safety concerns this area will be monitored by air and infrared heat flights.

 

SOUTH ZONE:

Fire activity remained overnight on the east and northeast sides of the fire. Last night’s infrared flight detected small areas of growth and spotting. Crews continue to scout out areas southwest of Mammoth Lakes to determine any fire suppression needs. Minimal fire behavior and favorable terrain near the fire’s edge resulted in little fire growth overnight. Crews will also continue mopping up hotspots in the interior of the fire. Hazard trees from Florence Lake west along the fire perimeter to the North/South Zone break, near Redinger Lake will be removed.

The fire is currently 350,331 acres, 61% contained, with approximately 958 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.  Resources include 30 engines, 35 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 21 hand crews and 11 bulldozers.

Fire activity remained overnight on the east and northeast sides of the fire. Last night’s infrared flight detected small areas of growth and spotting. Crews continue to scout out areas southwest of Mammoth Lakes to determine any fire suppression needs. Minimal fire behavior and favorable terrain near the fire’s edge resulted in little fire growth overnight. Crews will also continue mopping up hotspots in the interior of the fire. Hazard trees from Florence Lake west along the fire perimeter to the North/South Zone break, near Redinger Lake will be removed.

High pressure will remain along the West Coast for the next several days keeping the strong track well to the north and conditions dry over the district through this week. By this weekend, a trough of low pressure will dive in the Great Basin bringing cooler and windier weather along with a slight chance of rain and snow to the Sierra Saturday night and Sunday. In the short term expect little change in temperature and humidity trends with winds remaining terrain driven. Expect an uptick in winds this weekend.

 
For daily smoke information go to the California Smoke Information website:  https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ 
 
To get information about air quality and smoke in your area, go to the fire and smoke map at
https://www.airnow.gov/

 

View the full update (.pdf file)

General Information:

 

For the latest information on the forest closure order, please click on https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra/

 

South Zone:

 

Fire activity remains confined to the east and northeast sides of the fire. After scouting areas southwest of Mammoth Lakes, a hotshot crew completed indirect handline construction today near Pond Lily Lake. This indirect handline—an example of a fire suppression tactic—created a break in the vegetation intended to slow or stop the fire’s progression toward Mammoth Lakes. Minimal fire behavior and exposed granite near the fire’s edge resulted in little fire growth today. Firefighters conducted a successful firing operation near Gonzales Ranch, creating a buffer around the structures. Crews continue to patrol, mop up hotspots, and remove hazard trees from Florence Lake west along the fire perimeter to the North/South Zone break, near Redinger Lake.

North Zone:

 

There was no fire growth on the North Zone yesterday. A transfer of command took place on Saturday, October 17 at 6:00 PM and California Team 1 has taken over from the Northern Rockies Team 4. A priority for firefighters on the North Zone today is to continue the work to secure and improving the line around the area of Red Top. They will also continue to systematically conduct suppression repair from Upper Chiquito to the San Joaquin River. For the entire Zone crews will continue to improve and strengthen fire lines and patrol and mop up, looking for any activity that may threaten the control lines. Any unburned islands that have the potential to spot outside the control lines will be mopped up as well. Hazard trees in work areas and near the fire line will continue to be cut. Work to improve access to roads and to fall hazard trees will also continue. At the far north end of the fire it has burned into the granite outcrops of the high country and continues to creep and burn any available fuels, but forward progression has stopped. Because of access issues and safety concerns this area will be monitored by air and infrared heat flights.

 

Weather:

 

Very warm and very dry conditions with terrain-driven winds will prevail through mid- week. Smoke transport will follow these winds and bring reduced air quality and visibility to most of the fire area. Any columns produced by active parts of the fire in the afternoon will move east or southeast, Overnight humidity recovery will be poor to moderate through mid-week as well.

 

The fire is currently 348,085 acres, 61% contained, with approximately 958 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.  Resources include 30 engines, 35 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 21 hand crews and 11 bulldozers.

Fire activity remains confined to the east and northeast sides of the fire. After scouting areas southwest of Mammoth Lakes, a hotshot crew completed indirect handline construction today near Pond Lily Lake. This indirect handline—an example of a fire suppression tactic—created a break in the vegetation intended to slow or stop the fire’s progression toward Mammoth Lakes. Minimal fire behavior and exposed granite near the fire’s edge resulted in little fire growth today. Firefighters conducted a successful firing operation near Gonzales Ranch, creating a buffer around the structures. Crews continue to patrol, mop up hotspots, and remove hazard trees from Florence Lake west along the fire perimeter to the North/South Zone break, near Redinger Lake. Suppression lines are continually being repaired. Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line and assessments of impacts are nearly complete.

High pressure will keep temperatures well above normal well into next week. Smoke will accumulate near fires and adjacent valleys, including the San Joaquin overnights and into the mornings due to strong nighttime inversions. Expect only limited air quality improvement during the day as winds will remain light and slope oriented. Expect minimal RH recovery nightly at mid to upper slope. Rain is not expected anytime this week.

 
For daily smoke information go to the California Smoke Information website:  https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ 
 
To get information about air quality and smoke in your area, go to the fire and smoke map at
https://www.airnow.gov/

 

View the full update (.pdf file)

The next virtual community meeting will be Monday, October 19, 2020 at 7:00 pm.

The Creek Fire Incident Management Team and local officials will provide the most current information on fire operations, evacuations and advisories on Facebook live. Ask questions and express your concerns.

Información en español después.
 

Go to the Facebook Live link to get a reminder before the meeting and to attend:  https://fb.me/e/4IvJpqO22

The fire is currently 348,085 acres, 60% contained, with approximately 952 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.  Resources include 38 engines, 37 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 21 hand crews and 11 bulldozers.
 
Overnight as expected, fire growth was minimal.  Active fire line remains confined to the northeastern part of the fire. 

A precautionary structure defense plan is in place for Thomas Edison Lake. Firing operations to increase the defensible space around structures may begin today depending on conditions.  The firing operation is not expected to be utilized prior to Sunday evening. 

Crews continue to secure constructed line around the Florence Lake area, including patrol and mop-up from the lake to the North/South Zone break, located near Redinger Lake.
 
Crews are removing hazard trees along road systems throughout the burn area.  Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line. The assessment of impacts is nearly complete. 
 
High pressure will continue to keep temperatures well above normal well into this week.  Smoke will accumulate near fires and in adjacent valleys, overnight and into the mornings due to strong nighttime inversions.  Expect limited air quality improvements during the day as winds remain light and slope oriented.  Minimal RH recover is expected each night on the mid and upper slopes.  Rain is not expected any time this week. 
 
View full update (.pdf file) 

Weather: A high pressure system will keep conditions hot and dry through the end of the coming week.  Smoke will accumulate in near the fire and in nearby valleys overnight and early in the day.  Only limited improvement will occur during the day because of the light, slope driven winds.

 

NORTH ZONE: 

There was no fire growth on the North Zone yesterday.  A transfer of command took place on Saturday, October 17 at 6:00 PM and California Team 1 has taken over from the Northern Rockies Team 4.  A priority for firefighters on the North Zone today is to continue the work to secure and improving the line around the area of Red Top.  They will also continue to systematically conduct suppression repair from Upper Chiquito to the San Joaquin River.

 

For the entire Zone crews will continue to improve and strengthen firelines and patrol and mop up, looking for any activity that may threaten the control lines.  Any unburned islands that have the potential to spot outside the control lines will be mopped up as well.  Hazard trees in work areas and near the fireline will continue to be cut.  Work to improve access to roads and to fall hazard trees will also continue. 

 

At the far north end of the fire it has burned into the granite outcrops of the high country and continues to creep and burn any available fuels, but forward progression has stopped.  Because of access issues and safety concerns this area will be monitored by air and infrared heat flights.

 

SOUTH ZONE:

Overnight, as expected, fire activity made little progress. Active fire line remains confined to the northeastern part of the fire. A precautionary structure defense plan is in place for Thomas Edison Lake which includes potential firing operations to increase the defensible space around the structures. Firing operations are not expected to be utilized prior to Sunday evening at the earliest. Crews will continue to secure construction line around the Florence Lake area, as well as patrol and mop-up from Florence Lake to the North/South Zone break, located near Redinger Lake. Crews proceed to remove hazard trees along road systems throughout the burn area.

 

Suppression lines are continually being repaired. Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line and assessments of impacts are nearly complete.

The fire is currently 346,477 acres, 60% contained, with approximately 952 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.  Resources include 38 engines, 37 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 21 hand crews and 11 bulldozers.

Fire activity remains confined to the north eastern part of the fire. With help from the natural granite features in the area of Junction Bluffs, Cassidy Meadows, and Pincushion Peak, the fire made very little progress today. A precautionary structure defense plan is in place for Thomas Edison Lake which includes potential firing operations to increase the defensible space around the structures. Firing operations are not expected to be utilized prior to Sunday evening at the earliest. Resources continue to patrol and mop-up from Florence Lake to the North/South Zone break, located near Redinger Lake. Crews proceed to remove hazard trees along road systems throughout the burn area.

Suppression lines are continually being repaired. Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line and assessments of impacts are nearly complete.

High pressure will keep temperatures well above normal well into next week. Smoke will accumulate near fires and adjacent valleys, including the San Joaquin overnights and into the mornings due to strong nighttime inversions. Expect only limited air quality improvement during the day as winds will remain light and slope oriented. Expect minimal RH recovery nightly at mid to upper slope. Rain is not expected anytime this week.

 
For daily smoke information go to the California Smoke Information website:  https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ 
 
To get information about air quality and smoke in your area, go to the fire and smoke map at
https://www.airnow.gov/

 

View the full update (.pdf file)

Weather: High pressure aloft will bring hot and dry conditions along with generally light winds through this coming weekend resulting in critical fire weather conditions. Smoke will continue to increase across the area resulting in worsening visibility and air quality. 

 

SOUTH ZONE: 

Fire activity last night continued to burn on the north eastern part of the fire and had moderate fire growth to the east in the area of the San Joaquin River near Junction Bluffs. The fires edge grew northward on the peninsula east of Edison Lake. Operations and crews will continue to evaluate and plan for suppression opportunities. Firing operations continue to remain a part of the suppression effort as safety and weather permits. Resources continue to patrol and mop-up from Florence Lake to the North/South Zone break, located near Redinger Lake. Crews proceed to remove hazard trees along road systems throughout the burn area. 

 

Suppression lines are continually being repaired. This total reflects 251 miles of Dozer line, of which 46 miles has been repaired and 94 miles of Hand Line Construction, 2 miles has been repaired. Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line and assessments of impacts are nearly complete. 

 

 NORTH ZONE:   

A transfer of command will occur on Saturday, October 17 at 6:00 PM.  The Northern Rockies Team 4 will transition with California Team 1, a type one incident management team. A new closure order was issued for the Sierra National Forest lands for October 17th. 

 

On the western side of the fire from the San Joaquin River north to the Little Shuteye Peak   firefighters patrolling and monitoring for hot spots have reported cold black along perimeter and little activity near containment lines. Suppression Repair work has been completed on the Bass lake dozer lines and crews continue to work on post-fire erosion prevention. Crews have cleared the roadway to Shuteye Lookout Pass and are working toward Norris bridge cutting hazard trees and chipping wood debris along roadways.   

 

Farther northwest near Upper Chiquito and Red Top areas crews are working to secure containment lines, patrol for hot spots and mop up with the support of aviation resources. The Structure Group is patrolling interior, removing structure wrap in appropriate areas while monitoring the fire conditions near structures to make sure they remain secure. The Roads Group is working on cutting hazard trees in order to widen a safety barrier along roads affected by the fire. The suppression repair crew has been successful and continues to construct water bars on dozer lines.

The fire is currently 346,477 acres, 60% contained, with approximately 983 personnel assisting with fire suppression and logistical operations.  Resources include 43 engines, 38 water tenders, 13 helicopters, 21 hand crews and 11 bulldozers.

Fire activity last night continued to burn on the north eastern part of the fire and had moderate fire growth to the east in the area of the San Joaquin River near Junction Bluffs. The fires edge grew northward on the peninsula east of Edison Lake. Operations and crews will continue to evaluate and plan for suppression opportunities. Firing operations continue to remain a part of the suppression effort as safety and weather permits. Resources continue to patrol and mop-up from Florence Lake to the North/South Zone break, located near Redinger Lake. Crews proceed to remove hazard trees along road systems throughout the burn area.

Suppression lines are continually being repaired. This total reflects 251 miles of Dozer line, of which 46 miles has been repaired and 94 miles of Hand Line Construction, 2 miles has been repaired. Suppression repair work is occurring on approximately 350 miles of line and assessments of impacts are nearly complete.

High pressure aloft will bring hot and dry conditions along with generally light winds through this coming weekend resulting in critical fire weather conditions. Smoke will continue to increase across the area resulting in worsening visibility and air quality.

 
For daily smoke information go to the California Smoke Information website:  https://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ 
 
To get information about air quality and smoke in your area, go to the fire and smoke map at
https://www.airnow.gov/

 

View the full update (.pdf file)