Pier Fire 95 percent contained
Estimated to be fully contained by midnight
With 95 percent containment as of approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Pier Fire is on track to be fully contained by midnight.
With 95 percent containment as of approximately 11 a.m. Tuesday, the Pier Fire is on track to be fully contained by midnight.
Fire crews continue to work on fully containing the fire, focusing on the area west of Pierpoint Springs where the fire still smolders on the south side of the Tule River, said Denise Alonzo, the public affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service.
Crews are also continuing to extinguish hot spots along the southern perimeter, Alonzo said.
Alonzo said active fire is expected to continue burning through unburned pockets of vegetation until winter rains fully extinguish them. These areas are well within the interior of the fire and will likely be visible from nearby communities.
Alonzo said escape potential is low, and noted that all perimeter lines are being patrolled by fire personnel.
All travelers in the fire area, Alonzo said, should use extreme caution when driving. They should be aware of potential safety hazards such as falling rocks, fire-weakened trees, downed broken/burned tree limbs, and heavy equipment along roadways.
Alonzo said Southern California Edison (SCE) is working to replace infrastructure that was damaged by the fire. Returning residents should expect traffic delays when travelling along Highway 190. This work, she said, is necessary to have power restored to mountain communities. Impacted residents are encouraged to contact SCE at (800) 611-1911 for further information.
Alonzo said forest trails, roads and lands around the Pier Fire remain closed under a forest closure order. A current map of the closure area can be found on Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5548/39662/.
Alonzo said the public, including local residents, are reminded that despite Highway 190 being reopened, the forest area remains closed due to hazardous conditions from the Pier Fire. As hazards are reduced, some areas may be reopened. She said the most up-to-date closure information will be posted on Inciweb as conditions change.
For recreational information, Alonzo said to call the Western Divide Ranger District at 539-2607.