SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST -The Rough Fire has grown to 81,549 acres with 25 percent containment, and is currently the largest active fire in California. There are 1,901 personnel currently assigned to the incident.
The Incident Command Team for the South Zone will host a virtual camp tour today on Periscope in several segments beginning at 9 a.m. The initial segment will introduce the Incident Command Post, food and medical units. At noon the segment will cover the supply unit and laundry. The 3 p.m. segment will cover Main Street and feature an interview with the Incident Commander and the Human Resource Specialist. The Final segment at 6 p.m. will cover the Night Operational Briefing. A virtual camp tour will be available Live From the Rough Fire Incident Command Post. These informative segments can also be watched after the live broadcasts.
Heavy concentrations of smoke are expected near the fire today. Smoke will be slow to lift, and smoke that does rise out of Kings Canyon, will be slowly transported to the north. Residual smoke that has not cleared the area, will add to impacts from new smoke being produced. Unhealthy to Very Unhealthy conditions are expected in communities near the fire. Similar conditions are expected tomorrow.
Labor Day is just a few days away and plans for the holiday are being made. Several of the campgrounds in the area are closed due to air quality. Air quality reports are available on inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4456/. There are other recreational opportunities available. Check with the Forest Service office in the area you are considering visiting. Campgrounds can be reserved online at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.
There will be fire apparatus on the roads, and fire crews working on the fire. Please keep an eye out for the fire crews. Seat belt up, drive slowly, and put cell phones where they will not distract you.
Overnight burn operations in the southeast section of the fire were successful in pulling fire from Deer Meadow south to Big Meadows Road. Crews are working to tie this section west toward Buck Rock where burn operations took place yesterday.
The fire continued to push east yesterday along the north side of Highway 180. Progression was slowed overnight by the cool weather and higher humidity. It is currently about two miles from Cedar Grove. Vulnerable structures in this area have been wrapped, and hose lines placed in preparation for the approaching fire.
Crews are working to bring the fire north toward Stag Dome in an effort to keep it away from the lodge area.
Firefighters were able to proceed with burn operations in the Converse Basin area last night, successfully burning from Converse Mountain west to Hoist Ridge. Crews were able to obtain 600 to 800 feet of depth from the line into the fire area further securing lines in this area.
The Wildland Fire Modules are finishing their backfiring operations in the John Muir Wilderness supported by a pack string of mules to limit helicopter flights in the wilderness. In addition, the High Sierra OHV crew continues to support fire personnel with deliveries.
A local Type 3 organization from the Sierra National Forest is poised to take over fire suppression and support firefighters as the SCSIIMT(Cooper) times out. They will shadow the current team Thursday for a smooth transition to take over responsibility of the fire objectives on Friday morning. In addition, a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team will arrive.
The most active part of the fire on the North Zone is south of Wishon Reservoir near Sawmill Flat and Crown Valley areas. Fire crews continue to make progress by deepening fire lines in those areas. As more containment is achieved firefighters will continue mop up into the black to assure that the line will hold.
The safety record on the Rough Fire is outstanding considering the steep terrain and rugged territory. Over 2,000 firefighters and support personnel working over
the last 30 days have had only 6 minor injuries.
