Monday, August 13, 2012, 8:00pm – Update on the “Lanes Fire”
At 6:00 pm today firefighters achieved 100 % containment of the Lanes Fire. Firefighters continue to make good progress with mop-up efforts amid the above 100 degree temperatures, and expected full control of the fire Wednesday August 15, 2012 at 8:00 am.
The fire, which started at 12:30 on Saturday, August 11th, is burning 2 miles up the 4-lanes from the Highway 168 & Lodge Road junction. Investigators report that it was caused by someone throwing a cigarette butt out a car window.
A grant-funded fuel break project along Beal Fire Road assisted in slowing the spread of the fire. The project was 100 acres cooperatively improved by CAL FIRE, USFS, and the Hwy 168 Fire Safe Council.
Highway 168 from Auberry to Shaver Lake is still restricted to two lanes, one in each direction, and will continue to be evaluated daily for complete re-opening.
The fire has burned about 138 acres, and 9 injuries have been reported. All evacuations have been rescinded.
There are no structures threatened at this time. According to Cal Fire, the estimated cost-to-date of fighting the fire is $943,504.
There are currently 358 personnel on-scene, which is down from a high of 539, with 23 engines, 14 fire crews and 1 water tender working the fire.
Cooperating Agencies include Fresno County Fire, U.S. Forest Service, Office of Emergency Services, Shaver Volunteer Fire Department (VFD), Auberry VFD, Bald Mountain VFD, Reedley VFD, Fresno City Fire, Clovis City Fire, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Fresno County Emergency Management Services, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Cal Trans.
