[pct-l] Mountain Fire Update

[Jim & Jane Moody]

Per t he Riverside Sheriff's Dept., t he evacuation order for Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Fern Valley has been lifted, effective at 11 AM today (21 July) for residents and business owners only.  Others will not be allowed in until after 11 PM tonight.  The PCT remains closed from Hwy 74 (mile 152) to Strawberry J unction (mile 183). 



Mango 



----- Original Message -----


From: "Stephen Clark" <rowriver at gmail.com> 
To: "pct-l" <pct-l at backcountry.net> 
Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2013 9:10:24 AM 
Subject: [pct-l] Mountain Fire Update 

Mountain Fire Update #9 July 21, 2013 6:00 AM 

*Incident:* Mountain Wildfire 
*Released:* 32 min. ago 

*FIRE UPDATE #9July 21, 2013 6:00 A.M.* 

*Current Situation: * The anticipated rain and thunderstorms materialized 
early morning, bringing 1.5 inches of rain as measured at the Palm Springs 
Aerial Tramway. With diminished fire activity, firefighters made great 
progress with line construction particularly along the East side towards 
Palm Springs. Although conditions were hazardous and some crews were taken 
off the line due to the severe weather, firefighters continue to fight the 
fire aggressively where possible. Today’s priority for fire operations is 
focused at the northernmost part of the fire with crews at the Palm Springs 
Aerial Tramway constructing direct hand line at the fire’s edge to reduce 
the threat to Idyllwild and surrounding communities. 

*Changing Weather*: Rain is forecast to continue throughout the day with 
rain increasing and thunderstorms possibly developing in the afternoon. 
Thunderstorms could bring strong downdraft winds and lightning. A flash 
flood watch is in place and firefighters remain alert to the changing 
weather conditions. 

*Evacuations: *Evacuations were lifted yesterday for the communities of 
Trails End and Camp Joe Scherman. Apple Canyon, Bonita Vista, Fobes Canyon, 
and Pine Springs Ranch areas are also open to residents. The Evacuation 
Warning issued for Pine Cove is still in place. All other Evacuation 
Orders, including Idyllwild and Fern Valley, are still in place. 

*Evacuation Centers: *Evacuation centers established by the Red Cross 
(1-888-831-0031) are located at Hemet High School and Hamilton High School. 
The Beaumont High School evacuation center will be closing at noon today. 

*Road Closures: * Fobes Ranch Road is now open to traffic. State Highway 74 
remains open. State Highway 243 is closed from the intersection of State 
Highway 74 to the Nature Center, south of Pine Cove. 

*Fire Facts:* 

27,245 acres at 49% containment 

2,678 personnel including 68 crews, 89 engines, 11 dozers, and 20 
helicopters 

23 structures have been destroyed, including 7 residences during the first 
day of the fire 

Total cost to date is 19.9 million dollars 

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation 

The latest fire information can be found on Inciweb at 
http://inciweb.org/incident/3516 
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