Location: Forest Service Road (FSR) #284 (Elk City Wagon Road) 1 mile east of China Point, 3 miles Northwest of Pilot Knob near Mountain House Site
Start Date: 7/10/23 Cause: Lightning Size: 179 acres Completion/Containment: 10%
Total Personnel: 179 Engines: 3 Wildland Engines and 4 Tactical Water Tenders Dozers: 2 Forest Masticators: 2
Helicopters: 1 Retardant Tankers: As Needed Hand Crews: 5 on scene including 3 Interagency Hotshot Crews
CURRENT SITUATION
A local Type 3 Incident Command Team has assumed command of this fire as of Thursday, July 13. Heavy firefighting traffic is still expected to continue through the week on Forest Service Roads (FSR) #244, #284, and #1852 as more resources arrive and continue to contribute to the suppression efforts. A fire camp is still established near McComas Meadows (Camp 58) to support the ongoing suppression efforts.
PLANNED ACTIONS
Direct attack, full suppression, continue with hand line on eastern and western sides of the fire and continue opening and assessment of existing road and trail systems for heavy equipment use.
WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR
The dominating weather feature through the end of this week will be strengthening high pressure. High temperatures will be climbing each afternoon, and a chance of Thunderstorms exists with a possible low pressure disturbance moving through on Monday. Fire behavior is moderate with torching, group torching, and creeping. Fire growth has been minimal over the last few days but could change with weather conditions.
CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES
There are currently no closures in place, but firefighting traffic is expected to be heavy along FSR # 244 (Lighting Creek Road) and FSR# 284 (Elk City Wagon Road) between China Point and Lytle Cow Camp while suppression operations are taking place, Fire Management Officials urge the traveling public to please avoid this area both on the ground and in the air. There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in place over the Midnight Fire area for the safety of the aviation resources on scene.
