The Shirley and Tenant fires were 100% contained at approximately 12:00pm yesterday. The Kern River Ranger District has taken over responsibility for the 6 initial attack fires that were part of the complex and are located in the Golden Trout Wilderness and Domeland Wilderness areas. At 12:00pm today the transition to a type 3 team will be complete, with Tim Bingham taking over as the incident commander. This organization is expected to be in place until Monday August 26. The incident command post is located at the Kernville Forest Service office. Mop up operations will continue on both the Shirley and Tenant fires so traces of interior smoke will continue to be visible for the next few days. Due to more accurate mapping, the final acreage has decreased to 794 acres. There will continue to be interior burning within the fire perimeters, and smoke will continue to be visible, but these fires are no longer a threat to local communities. As of today, August 23, 2013, the forest will terminate closure Order Number 13-10. Even though the closure has been lifted, hazards remain including snags (standing dead trees that topple without a breath of wind), widowmakers (branches that can fall onto hikers’ heads without warning), and stump holes covered in ash (a hole resulting from the burning out of roots covered with ash and sometimes undetectable). CLOSURES - Hwy 178 remains closed through Kern Canyon due to mud and rock slides. This closure is due to the rainfall earlier in the week that caused damage to the highway. Check the CalTrans / CA Department of Transportation website for updates or call 1-800-427-7623. Closures related to the fire include Rancheria Road which is closed from the intersection with Pettitt Road for 9.2 miles to the northeast. Alder Creek Road and Campground; Evans Flat Camp; and Oak Flat Lookout are also closed. A complete description of the forest closure and the forest closure map are posted under the Maps section. OPEN - The majority of the world class recreational opportunities in the Kern River Ranger District and vicinity are unaffected by the fire activity and remain open. Contact the Sequoia National Forest for visitor information and trip planning, 559-784-1500. For those who do come to enjoy the spectacular mountains, streams, and valleys, please remember that fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires and barbeques are not currently allowed due to fire danger, although gas stoves are permissible in designated areas with a permit. Permits can be requested at any Forest Service office. FIRE FACTS - The Shirley Fire is 454 acres and 100% contained. The Tenant Fire is 441 acres and 100% contained. Cost to date: $1,900,000 Basic Information Incident Type Wildfire Cause Lightning Date of Origin Sunday August 18th, 2013 approx. 11:15 PM Location Kern River Ranger District Incident Commander Tim Bingham Current Situation Total Personnel 166 Size 794 acres Percent Contained 100% Estimated Containment Date Thursday August 22nd, 2013 approx. 12:00 PM
Posted on: Sat, 24 Aug 2013 04:38:28 +0000