MADERA COUNTY – Oct. 1, 2020 – The fire continues to be active in the north, within the Ansel Adams Wilderness, but is confined by natural barriers. On the northwestern edge crews completed a successful backfiring operation connecting and filling in the containment line yesterday. Fire fighters continue to secure this edge, mopping up and increasing the containment line depth.
The Creek Fire has now burned 309,033 acres with 44% containment and full containment not expected until the end of this month. There are currently 1,919 personnel working the fire and 8 minor injuries have been reported.
East of Central Camp and south of Little Shuteye Peak continues to be monitored, the fire is still hung up in the rocks in the same location as it has been for the last 11 days. South of this area has seen minimal fire activity for the last few days and has entered the patrol and monitoring phase.
Removal of hazardous standing dead trees continues along the primary roads within and adjacent to the fire area supporting safe access into the fire area. The structure protection group continues to work throughout the fire area including in the Johnson Meadow, Arnold Meadow and Strawberry Mine areas. Today crews will be in the Portuguese Creek and Jackass Meadow areas.
The fire is still 10-12 miles west of Mammoth Lakes, little forward progression is occurring due to the natural barriers of rock and the Lions Fire (2018) burn scar. Conditions continue to be monitored very closely.
Cattle in and around the fire area are being rounded up and moved. Be aware of cattle, those working with them, fire personnel and other hazardous conditions when returning to the fire impacted area once it re-opens.
FRESNO COUNTY – The Sierra National Forest will allow individuals who were evacuated from campgrounds, camping areas and cabins during the Creek Fire an opportunity to return and collect their belongings on October 3rd and 4th. Please follow this link for more information regarding the procedures and processes to gain access. Permit Holder Access/Recreation Residence
The static weather pattern will potentially support drought stressed fuels contributing to active fire behavior in all size classes. Anticipate containment challenges associated with steep
terrain and increased wind speeds along the exposed higher elevations of the fire.
Containment remains a priority, and hand crews will be deployed in areas where dozers cannot be utilized due to challenging terrain.
Operationally, the Incident Command Post at Sierra High School has been relocated to the Clovis Veterans Memorial Building at 808 4th Street. With this move, public information will continue in place at Sierra High School, available to meet the needs of our community and media partners.
Weather Information:
The hot and dry pattern continues as the high pressure system remains in place. Temperatures are peaking today and tomorrow, 10 to 15 degrees above seasonal averages. Humidity remains low with minimal recovery overnight. Light terrain driven diurnal winds (upslope during the day and downslope at night) from the southwest will also continue. The hotter/drier weather conditions combined with dry/receptive fuels have the potential for flare ups and upslope runs in unburned green islands within the fire interior along with short range spotting.
