Raffetto, CA…The Fork Fire started in the Crystal Basin near Gerle Creek under critical fire weather conditions. Driven by east winds gusting 30-50 miles per hour, the fire grew rapidly to the west. It is burning in the Rubicon River drainage and the 2014 King Fire burn scar. The Rubicon canyon is in an extremely steep and remote area which makes firefighting difficult. This area of the King Fire had burned at high severity with nearly 100% tree mortality, leaving large snag patches of fire killed trees. The standing snags are a significant safety hazard, especially in strong winds. There is also a high concentration of dead and down trees creating a heavy fuel load, as well as dense post-fire regrowth of 4-6 foot tall brush.

The incident meteorologist predicts southwest winds may increase over the ridges, potentially aligning in the Rubicon River drainage today and tomorrow. Combined with lower humidity, these conditions could lead to critical fire weather. If the smoke begins to lift out of the area, this is a strong indication of changing weather conditions.

Fork Fire Update
September 13, 2020
Fire Information Line: (530) 303-2455
Media Phone Line: (530) 497-0315
Critical fire weather predicted for Fork Fire

INCIDENT FACTS
Incident Start Date: 9/8/2020 Location: 15 miles NE of Pollock Pines, CA
Incident Type: Wildfire Cause: Under investigation
Size: 1,752 acres Agency: USDA Forest Service – Eldorado National Forest
Containment: 7% Total Personnel: 237
Crews: 4 Helicopters: 2 Engines: 9 Dozers: 2 Water Tenders: 6

Highlights: The incident meteorologist predicts southwest winds may increase over the ridges, potentially aligning in the Rubicon River drainage today and tomorrow. Combined with lower humidity, these conditions could lead to critical fire weather. If the smoke begins to lift out of the area, this is a strong indication of changing weather conditions.

Community Meeting: The Incident Management Team hosted a virtual community meeting yesterday evening, with over 300 participants viewing the live video. A recording of the meeting is now available at https://facebook.com/EldoradoNF/. No account is required to view the video. The next virtual community meeting will be held tonight at 6 p.m. on the Eldorado National Forest’s Facebook page. We will monitor online Facebook questions during the meeting, or you can email us your questions in advance at enfincident@gmail.com. A recording will be posted immediately following the live meeting.

Operations: Yesterday, crews focused on strengthening the lines east and south on the Fork Fire to prevent fire movement toward Gerle Creek and Airport Flat. Today, firefighters will shift their work toward the north and east where winds may push fire activity and test containment lines. Crews will continue to mop up and hold the south side of the fire area. Firefighters have identified a planned fire line near the southwest edge of the fire toward the South Fork of the Rubicon River. Crews continue to scout for safe containment options further west across the Rubicon River, although steep topography and weakened snags present many potential challenges. On the northeast side near Little Deer Creek, a containment line was established and improved. In preparation for the critical fire conditions, the crews will attempt to use helicopters and Super Scoopers to cool active fire spots along the northeast edge, if weather permits.

Weather: Southwest winds will increase over the ridges and through the Rubicon River drainage today and tomorrow. Warm and dry conditions with poor humidity recovery will continue, leading to near critical fire weather conditions each afternoon. Closures: The Eldorado National Forest is closed until further notice as part of a regional temporary emergency closure. Further information about this closure order can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado. A temporary flight restriction is in place over the fire area.

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7165/ Facebook: Facebook.com/EldoradoNF/
Email: enfincident@gmail.com Twitter: @EldoradoNF
Wildfire Cameras: http://www.alertwildfire.org/tahoe/ Information Center Hours: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Source = inciweb