A fire broke out at about 12:55 pm this afternoon above the intersection of Whispering Springs and Lodge Road (near the Infant of Prague Catholic Church.) A total response was ordered by Cal-Fire and County Firefighters. From listening to reports of scanner traffic, it would appear that all available Sierra engines have been called to the fire. At first, the fire was estimated at 40 acres. That estimate has currently been reduced as of 2:45 pm to between 30-35 acres. Planes have managed to drop retardant around the perimeter of the fire, however the fire has not been declared either contained nor controlled. From our viewpoint from the 2200 foot elevation on Black Mountain Road, the spotter plane working the fire is visible as well as the smoke from the fire. One or more helicopters working the fire can also be heard. Scanner traffic indicates that they believe that they are getting a handle on the fire, but as of yet, they are not releasing any equipment from the fire-fighting effort. Equipment is being staged at the bottom of the 4-lane, and at the high school according to reports. In addition, scanner traffic indicates an advisory evacuation for some homes on Whispering Springs Road, though this is not mandatory. Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Lodge Road is closed to traffic from the bottom of the 4-lane to the High School. Further updates will be posted as we acquire more information.
Update: 3:30 pm - The fire has now been declared contained, but not controlled. Local traffic is now being allowed through the road closures providing that they have either indentification or other paperwork that proves that they are either property owners or residents of the areas affected by the closure.
Update: 3:45 pm - Scanner traffic indicates that Lodge Road is now open. However, Whispering Springs Road remains monitored and only residents and property owners who have indentification or other paperwork to prove this will be allowed to pass. Some equipment is being released from the fire. However, it appears that a number of personnel will be working the fire through this evening. Cal-Fire is escorting local media to the scene of the fire at the moment.
Update: 4:15 pm - Residents on Whispering Springs Road are being advised to maintain extreme safety measures, and to watch out for fire equipment as they attempt to return to their residences, and to be on alert for possible evacuation as the possibility of flareups are still a concern with the 5 to 10 mile an hour winds blowing across the area at the moment, with crews trying to control and mop up the fire. It's expected that a lot of the equipment and crews will remain until the Incident Commander appears sure that the fire will not re-ignite.
Update: 4:30 pm - A meal count was just announced over the scanner, indicating that about 283 personnel are engaged in fightnig the fire needing to be fed this evening. Spotter aircraft continue to circle the fire at this time.
Update: 5:15 pm - Equipment continues to be released from the fire and operations are thankfully winding down, as have the winds up here. Spotter aircraft continue their orbital flyovers of the fire area, however, making sure that hotspots are contained. Some firefighters will remain on scene however, for some time, as the hotspot mop up continues.
Tollhouse just after sunrise on February 28, 2007 after an overnight snow storm.
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