SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – On Monday, Aug. 7, Sierra National Forest (NF) fire crews first responded to the Butte Fire, a lightning-caused fire burning between Cargyle and Stairway Creeks in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Initial suppression actions have been successful in channeling the direction of the fire, despite active burning in steep, rugged terrain, with difficult access.
As of this morning the spread potential for the Butte Fire is moderate, with an estimated 250 acres burned to date and 10 percent containment. Smoke is visible from the Mt. Tom lookout, and drifting to the east as reported by the Inyo NF.
Resources currently assigned to the Butte Fire include Crane Valley IHC, Trimmer Helitack H-520, a Type 1 Helicopter, and a Type II hand crew from the Sierra NF and the Fresno 4 crew.
Due to the spread and potential for future growth a Type III Incident Management Team has been ordered and will take over incident command at 2 p.m. today.
UPDATE 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 — The Butte Fire is now estimated at 300 acres with 5 percent containment.
