Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Carstens Fire 40% contained

Carstens Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: June 19, 2013 6:45 am  
Date/Time Started: June 16, 2013 2:12 pm  
Administrative Unit: CAL FIRE Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit / Sierra National Forest  
County: Mariposa County  
Location: off Carstens Road, east of 140 in the Midpines area.  
Acres Burned - Containment: 1,621 acres Acreage change is a result of on the ground GPS mapping.  
Estimated Containment 1,621 acres - 40% contained  
Structures Threatened: 150 residences  
Evacuations: Evacuation orders are in effect for the areas of:
  • Hites Cove
  • Jerseydale
  • Clarks Valley
  • Mariposa Pines
  • Residents on the north side of Triangle Rd. from HWY 140 to Darrah Rd.

*** After 8 p.m. approx. 700 residents will be allowed back into the Lushmeadow area, ID required ***  
Injuries: 1  
Cause: Human - unattended campfire 
Cooperating Agencies: CAL FIRE, US Forest Service, California Highway Patrol, National Park Service, Mariposa County, Mariposa County Fire, Mariposa County Sheriff.  
Total Fire Personnel: 1,223  
Total Fire Engines: 53  
Total Fire crews: 43  
Total Helicopters: 8  
Total Dozers: 7  
Total Water Tenders: 11  
Conditions: There is a combination of hand and dozer line around the north end of the fire; firefighters are improving the line while mopup actions continue. The biggest growth for the fire has been in the Jerseydale and Hites Cove areas. Lowered temperatures overnight have helped with making progress. If temperatures are similar tonight, continued gains are expected. On the southwest side of the fire, the fire backed downslope toward the constructed dozer lines burning pockets of green fuel between the fire line and the fire. This is favorable for containment goals.

The fire has been determined to be human caused. An unattended campfire was not fully extinguished. Continued vigilance and fire safety during dry forest conditions is required.

Evacuation centers have been established for displaced residents and livestock and pets. Residential evacuation center is the Mariposa Elementary School, and animal evacuation center is at the Mariposa Fairground.

Road Closures:
  • Triangle Rd at Hwy 140
  • Carlton Rd. at Triangle Rd.
  • Silva Rd. at Triangle Rd.
  • Triangle Rd. at Darrah Rd.
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Phone Numbers  (209) 966-1133 (Evacuation Information) 
Phone Numbers  (209) 742-1523 (Media Information) 
Phone Numbers  (209) 966-4784 (Fire Information)