NORTH FORK – Nov 13, 2020 – Road conditions are gradually improving as snow melts off, but driving is still sketchy in many areas due to the overnight freeze-thaw cycle that creates icy conditions, most notably in the Shaver Lake area.
Equipment operators are clearing roads to create access for equipment and crews to work. Scouts continue searching for safe areas to work.
Fire activity is negligible with the only remaining hot spots in wilderness areas in the northeast corner of the fire north of Thomas A. Edison Lake and east of Pond Lily Lake.
No additional fire spread is anticipated given the weather and presence of natural barriers (i.e. exposed rock). However, fire managers continue to monitor those holdout areas by air and satellite.
Several Divisions were consolidated Wednesday as fire managers downsize the workforce. De-mobilization of equipment and crews continues at an accelerated rate. More than 100 personnel were demobilized on Wednesday, dropping the total number of personnel working on the fire under 500.
Approximately 75% of suppression repair is complete on lines constructed during the firefight. Crews and equipment are still working to repair fence lines damaged during suppression; cutting and removing hazard trees along roads, trails and in campgrounds; and chipping brush and trees that were cut to create fire breaks.
The public is asked to stay out of the fire area to allow firefighters to work safely and for their own safety.
Weather remains consistent with full sun on the fire and temperatures in the high 30s and low 40s. There is a slight chance of snow at high elevations and rain at lower levels on Saturday, followed by a warming and drying trend through next week.
“I think the roads will become much better and things will dry out in the next week,” incident meteorologist Jim Dudley said.
The Alaska Incident Management Team will be relieved by California Interagency Incident Management Team 10, another Type 2 team today.
The Sierra National Forest on Monday extended the current closure for the entire forest through November 24. To read the full closure order and see a boundary map, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra/
Incident web: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7147/ Twitter: @Sierra_NF / Facebook: @sierranationalforest
Fire Information Line: 559-549-3781 (8 am to 9 pm daily) or email 2020.creek@firenet.gov
