Fire Burns 45 Acres Near Ponderosa

Fire Burns 45 Acres Near Ponderosa

Porterville, CA., September 15, 2009...A wildland fire was discovered Monday afternoon burning near Ponderosa on the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument. The "Peak Fire" was human caused and is under investigation.

The fire burned over 45 acres by Tuesday morning. At this time, the fire is mostly surrounded by fireline. One edge had numerous standing dead trees that prevented firefighters from reaching the fires edge safely. Fireline is being constructed away from this hazard and once in place, a burnout operation will be conducted to enclose the fire with containment lines.

The Peak Fire will likely reach 75 acres when all firelines are in place and burnout operations are complete. Over 150 Forest Service firefighters are on scene today including 2 helicopters, air attack, 6 hand crews, engine, patrols, water tender and overhead personnel.

"The cooler weather helped firefighters slow the spread of the fire last night," said District Ranger Priscilla Summers. "We were fortunate, as this could have been a very destructive fire with the amount of heavy fuels that exist in the Nobe Young Creek area."

An investigation is ongoing to find the person(s) responsible for the fire. Wildfires can be damaging. The personal liability can be enormous for the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that starts by accident or negligence. It’s a clear choice … Be Fire Wise!