Lightning hits the Stanislaus National Forest: Fire personnel prepared

Sonora, Calif. (July 15, 2014)…Stanislaus National Forest (STF) fire personnel are actively suppressing three fires that started as a result of last night’s weather event; approx. 400 lightning strikes occurred over the forest. Two of the lightning fires are located in the Crabtree Rd. / Aspen Meadows area, and the third is located in the area of Bummers Flat. Each fire is currently under a quarter of an acre; more lightning events are expected over the next few days.

“Our goal is to attack the fires while they’re still small, and hit them hard,” said Chris Schow, Forest Fire Chief. “We are also continuing to monitor for other potential fire starts, using both ground personnel and air assets.”

All three lightning fires have fire personnel assigned, with significant progress being made to secure fire lines around each of the fires. Since 1970, fire personnel have caught over 98 percent of wildfires at less than 100 acres. Based on current weather conditions and expected trends, the Stanislaus Hotshots were moved to Bald Mountain Helitack Base in order to be better positioned for initial attack responses. Additionally, regional and national personnel and equipment are being temporarily relocated to the forest.

Five engines and two Type-2 crews, as well as one Type-3 Incident Commander from out of region are now on the forest. Type-2 crews typically consist of 18 to 20 firefighters and can be split into two, in order to provide two crews. Also, ten smokejumpers and one associated aircraft relocated from Porterville to Columbia Air Attack Base (a CAL FIRE air base) this morning. This pre-positioning will assist the Stanislaus and neighboring national forests in more quickly responding to any potential fire incidents.

The Stanislaus National Forest continues to coordinate closely with CAL FIRE on local responses.

The Fire Danger Level on the Stanislaus NF is currently “High.” Please help spread the word about Fire Restrictions on the STF and help keep the public safe from wildfire. To learn how to help prevent unwanted wildfire, please visit the One Less Spark Campaign page.