Efforts Continue To Contain Peak Fire Near Pinecrest
Pinecrest, CA — The latest figures on the Peak Fire are 404 acres and 17% containment. 230 firefighters are on the scene.
We reported earlier that the forward spread has been stopped and officials are investigating the cause, which they believe was likely human-caused. The Forest Service reports that crews will continue with their “full suppression firefight” using the dozer lines and hand lines to keep the fire from any additional spreading. Over the weekend, firefighters dealt with unseasonably warm conditions.
The Forest Service adds, “We will continue to fight the fire from the ground and the air using the Black Hawk and the Chinook (Type 1 helicopters), and our local Type 2 helicopter from Bald Mountain, dropping buckets of water on hot spots to assist with the fire suppression efforts. The fire continues to consume the unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire. We have had spot fires caused from Juniper trees igniting and sending embers up to half a mile away.”
A soft closure remains on Forest Road 4N12 at the intersection known as Hammill Canyon Loop. The closure is for public safety due to several snags, aircraft in the area and firefighters and equipment working on the ground. The closure will be assessed daily and stay in place until it is safe for the public to go back in.
The fire resources assigned include 12 engines, five water tenders, five hand crews, two Type 1 Helicopters, one Type 2 Helicopter.
