Update: Reduced Size Estimate On Peak Fire

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Update at 11:27 am: The Stanislaus National Forest reports that the Peak Fire near Herring Creek is now 30% contained.

The Forest Service adds, “We continue to have a decrease in acreage from 344 to 316 acres by walking the perimeter of the fire when it is safe to do so, getting a more accurate calculation of the actual burned area.”

Original story posted at 6:29 am: Pinecrest, CA — While the Peak Fire was estimated to be 411 acres as of yesterday, Forest Service officials have walked the perimeter to get a more accurate calculation, and now estimate it to be 344 acres.

The forward spread remains stopped, however, firefighters are dealing with a number of hazards, such as tree snags, creating challenges. It ignited this past Wednesday near the Herring Creek area.

The Forest Service adds, “Crews will continue to work on the green islands within the burn area, making sure that there won’t be a risk of flare-ups causing the fire to reignite. Crews will continue with mop-up, securing the containment line and any areas with heat, making sure the fire is dead out.  We will continue to fight the fire from the ground and the air using the Black Hawk Type 1 helicopter and our local Type 2 helicopter from Bald Mountain, dropping water on hot spots to assist with the fire suppression efforts.”

The fire is considered 27% contained. There are 242 firefighters assigned to the incident, 13 engines, five water tenders, six hand crews, and two helicopters.

A soft closure remains in place on Forest Road 4N12 at the intersection known as Hammil Canyon Loop due to firefighter activity.