Pier Fire still at 95% contained
Little has changed for the Pier Fire. As of approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Pier Fire was at 36,556 acres burned and 95 percent contained. A total of 486 personnel, 10 crews, three helicopters, 18 engines, seven dozers and 15 water tenders were working on fully containing the fire, which started on Aug. 29.
Little has changed for the Pier Fire. As of approximately 11 a.m. Wednesday, the Pier Fire was at 36,556 acres burned and 95 percent contained. A total of 486 personnel, 10 crews, three helicopters, 18 engines, seven dozers and 15 water tenders were working on fully containing the fire, which started on Aug. 29.
Denise Alonzo, the public affairs officer for the U.S. Forest Service, said work continues to fully contain the fire west of Pierpoint Springs where she said the fire still smolders on the south side of the Tule River.
Fire suppression repair, Alonzo said, is ongoing, including removal of equipment that is no longer needed. Active fire will likely be visible from nearby communities as it burns through pockets of vegetation well within the fire’s perimeter.
She said residents should expect to see smoke and fire until wetting rains arrive and fully extinguish all interior hot spots.
The escape potential, Alonzo said, is low. She added that all perimeter lines will continue to be patrolled by fire personnel.
Alonzo said all travelers in the fire area should use extreme caution when driving. There is a chance of rain today, potentially increasing hazardous conditions along the roadways. Alonzo said travelers should also be aware of potential safety hazards such as falling rocks, mud and debris washed down from steep banks, fire-weakened trees, 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 traveling along Highway 190. This work, she said, is necessary to have power restored to mountain communities.
Alonzo said forest trails, roads and lands around the Pier Fire remain closed under a Forest Closure Order. An updated closure order was posted Tuesday that reopens the North Road to recreational use. A current map of the closure area, Alonzo said, can be found on Inciweb, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5548/.
Alonzo said the public, including local residents, are reminded that despite Highway 190 being reopened, the forest area and forest service roads remain closed due to hazardous conditions from the Pier Fire. She said this includes Upper and Lower Coffee Camp Day Use Areas, Wishon Campground, Coy Flat Campground and Belknap Campground.
As hazards are reduced, Alonzo said some areas may be reopened if conditions allow. The most up-to-date closure information, Alonzo said, will be posted on Inciweb as conditions change.
For current recreational information, Alonzo said to call the Western Divide Ranger District at 539-2607 anytime from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.