Basin Complex Fire Update
Last updated: Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 3:39 pm PDT
Today the fire will continue to be active along the northern front of the fire, as crews continue burn-out /firing operations toward the east along the northern perimeter of the fire as weather permits. Smoke may be visible from Carmel Valley as firing operations continue.
Along the southern edge of the fire at the Carrizo Trail, crews are constructing fireline to tie in with the Indians Fire. These crews are being supported by heavy helicopters.
Burning operations were conducted along Chew’s Ridge near the observatory on Tassajara Road.
The fire spotted across the containment line north of Chew’s Ridge due to unexpected increased winds. Crews are currently working on containing those spot fires.
The fire was active in Rocky Creek last night.
The marine layer will increase relative humidity along the coast, with temperatures ranging between 60-70 degrees. A cooling trend continues for inland areas, with expected highs of 84 to 96 degrees. Relative humidities across the fire will be slightly higher today, and winds will be from the south and southwest with gusts up to 16 miles per hour in the afternoon.
The fire passed through the Tassajara Zen Center Thursday afternoon. Five people who had remained to defend the Center were unharmed. It was also reported that the majority of buildings were saved, but there were losses of four outbuildings, according to the Incident Commander Mike Dietrich.
The U.S. Forest Service reported that the fire(s) were ignited by lightning on Saturday. June 21st. The Basin Fire started near the Bear Basin campground in the Ventana Wilderness, about nine miles east of Big Sur.
Fire Stats
- Acres burned: 114,694 (over 179 square miles)
- Acreage increase (last 12 hours): 867
- Fireline to build: 0 miles
- Date started: 6/21/08
- Percent contained: 46%
- Expected containment: 7/30/08
- Injuries: 6
- Structures threatened: 2,000
- Structures destroyed: 26 residences, 32 other
- Suppression cost to date: $38.9 million
Fire Resources
- Crews: 49
- Engines: 86
- Helicopters: 18
- Air Tankers: 6
- Dozers: 28
- Total Personnel Assigned: 2,051
- Unified Command: US Forest Service, CAL FIRE, Monterey County Sheriff, Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Mid Coast Fire Brigade
Evacuations and Highway 1 Road Closure
Evacuation Changes
An ADVISORY evacuation is in place from Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park south to Lucia. This advisory is expected to be lifted at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 13, 2008.
Road Closure Changes
Highway 1 from Carmel south to a location just south of the Coast Gallery is open to all traffic.
Highway 1 just south of the Coast Gallery to Lucia, the highway will remain closed except to residents and service workers with passes. This closure will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. Sunday July 13, 2008.
Area Closures
Fire officials remind residents, and service workers that the Basin Complex Fire is still active and portions of Highway 1 and access roads may be closed intermittently to provide for firefighter safety and access. All state parks in the closure area are closed to public access, this includes: Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park, Andrew Molera State Park and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The entire Monterey Ranger District of the Los Padres National Forest is closed.
Evacuations and closures are subject to change depending on fire conditions. For more information, read KUSP.org definitions of terms.