Not much knew information, and, unfortunately, no new pictures. However, here’s the latest fact sheet (Skates Fire Fact Sheet 6-17-06)from the Forest Service regarding the fire. Highlights:
- 8,500 acres burned
- Residents were allowed to return to their homes briefly
- 30% of the fire was contained (as of Saturday morning)
- 364 personnel (roughly the same number as Thursday) are assigned, with a Type 1 incident management team still en route
I took the day off after I attended the Chicano Institute at WNMU this morning. I’ll be heading out for more fire information tomorrow (Sunday). Check in tomorrow night, and Monday morning, for the latest info.
Anonymous (please)
There are a lot of questions which need to be asked…Most notably, why was the Skates fire allowed to be a locally-managed, “fire-use” fire ? In the first 2 days after the initial lightning strike, the total acreage affected was a mere 7 acres – easily doused with aerial tanker support. At last count, it’s now 8500 acres. The fire is now officially classified complex, wildland fire, requiring a Type 1 national Incident Command team. The high winds on Thursday that precipatated the danger to the Lake Roberts area were forecasted many days in advance. Despite the active suppression now being employed, there is still a continuing danger to the Lake Roberts area, thus the mandatory evacuation has been extended indefinitely.
Avelino, for an interesting, behinds the scenes look, I recommend spending some time at the San Lorenzo elementary school. The school is being used as a public evacuation center and a resting place for the hotshot firefighters. The forest service, sheriff’s department and state police frequently stop in to grab a bite to eat and exchange information. There are rumors that when the Type 1 incident command team arrives from California, the school will be their command post.