Winds spread Sequoia National Forest fire
Winds spread SequoiaNational Forest fire
6 June 2007
published by www.montereyherald.com
USA — A wildfire that has burned about 3,900 acres of grass,brush and wooded areas in Sequoia National Forest was about 30 percent containedTuesday afternoon, but officials worried about winds predicted for later in theevening.
Gusty winds and low humidity helped spread the Goldledge Fire that beganSunday about 10 miles north of Kernville, said Geri Adams, a U.S. Forest Servicespokeswoman.
Winds were predicted in the area at 50 to 60 miles per hour Tuesday, she said.
“That’ll definitely hamper our firefighting efforts. The winds can throwthe fire ahead of our containment efforts,” Adams said, adding that thewinds also could make it hard for air tankers and helicopters to fly over theflames.
Authorities believe the blaze was started by someone across the street fromthe Goldledge Campgrounds, Adams said. They had no suspects, and the causeremained under investigation.
On Monday, officials asked residents in a recreation area called Horse Meadowto evacuate about 20 cabins and trailers after the fire came within a mile fromthe private property. Firefighters were able to keep the flames away from nearbyKern River Golden Trout Resort.
About 800 firefighters from Kern and Los Angeles counties, CaliforniaDepartment of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Bureau of Land Management andthe National Park Service were helping the Forest Service with the fire.
The wooded area, at an altitude of 7,000 feet, is home to a
mixof different pine trees, the California spotted owl and the weasellike Pacificfisher, Adams said.
