HUNTINGTON LAKE – The Aspen fire is now estimated at 22,090 acres, and the date for complete containment has been pushed out to Saturday, Aug. 24.
The fire is 80% contained, and personnel have been reduced to 976 as crews are demobilized, and firefighters and equipment are being made available to new fires as needed.
Fire activity continued today along the east side of the fire as it burned into natural barriers. Repair of areas impacted by suppression activities are being done throughout all areas of the fire. Crews continue with mop up and patrol on the fire’s perimeter 300 feet interior to the line.
Due to the remoteness of the Aspen Fire, helicopters and tankers have been major players in the suppression efforts, and have dropped 2,965,915 gallons of water and 1,079,992 gallons of retardant to date.
The fire continues to burn in the wilderness up against sub-alpine rocky ridges and peaks in the Kaiser Wilderness. Wildland fire modules will continue to monitor fire progression. Back-haul of firefighting equipment also continues, and as resources become available, they are being offered to new fire starts.
The lightning caused fire, which started late Monday, July 22, has cost $27.8 million so far. No structures have been lost, and only three injuries have been reported.
Fire officials report that smoke from the fire may continue to impact air quality in local communities periodically throughout the summer.
An air quality monitoring device has been installed at the Huntington Lake Volunteer Fire Station. The device will provide smoke data from the Aspen Fire to the air resources advisor and the area air pollution control districts.
Road and Trail Closures
Roads:
Stump Springs Road is closed to all traffic due to fire suppression activity.
Trails:
Per the U.S. Forest Service Closure Order number 15-13-09, the Kaiser Wilderness remains closed.
Evacuations
The following campgrounds remain closed until further notice:
-Sample Meadow
-West Kaiser
The following campgrounds were opened August 7, at 6:00 P.M.
-Jackass Rock Organization
-Lower Chiquito
-Little Jackass
-Soda Springs
-Placer
-Sweet Water
-China Bar
-Rock Creek
-Wagners Mammoth Pool Resort
Rancheria Campground remains closed to support firefighting efforts.
