Thursday, June 20, 2013

Carstens Fire Update 60% contained

Carstens Fire Incident Information:
Last Updated: June 20, 2013 7:45 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: 1,660 acres  
Estimated Containment 1,660 acres - 60% contained  
Structures Threatened: 50 residences  
Evacuations: As of 8 pm Wednesday night, Jerseydale, Mariposa Pines area, and Triangle Rd between Hwy 140 and Darrah Rd open to residents only with ID.Evacuations remain in effect for Buckingham Mountain Rd and Carter Rd.  
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: 1,663  
Total Fire Engines: 117  
Total Fire crews: 53  
Total Helicopters: 9  
Total Dozers: 16  
Total Water Tenders: 15  
Conditions: There is a combination of hand and dozer line around the north end of the fire. At this time, backburn operations continue to burn successfully. The fire area continues to generate interior heat and areas of smoke. On the southwest side of the fire, the fire continues to back 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.
Please be aware of large fire equipment on local roads – slow down when passing fire crews.

Based on public need, the Red Cross is closing their evacuee site tonight.

Road Closures:
  • Carter Rd.
  • Buckingham Mtn. Rd.
  • Triangle Rd., from HWY 140 to Darrah, open to residents only.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is available to assist private landowners with rehabilitating property affected by the fire. Fore more information, contact: 209-966-3431, or: www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov.  
Phone Numbers  (209) 966-1133 (Evacuation Information) 
Phone Numbers  (209) 742-1523 (Media Information) 
Phone Numbers  (209) 966-4784 (Fire Information) 
Phone Numbers  (209) 966-3431 (The Natural Resources Conservation Service)