[pct-l] Summit Fire Update

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

Here's the latest, relayed from the PCTA:

Pacific Crest Trail in the South Sierra Wilderness between Gomez Meadow and
the South Fork Kern River is closed.
For SOUTHBOUND PCT THROUGH HIKERS, the recommended route to bypass the fire
is at Trail Pass, travel through Mulkey Meadow, Templeton Meadow, Schaeffer
Meadow, and Bakeoven Meadow, reconnecting with the PCT at the south end of
Monache Meadow at the South Fork Kern River Bridge.
For NORTHBOUND PCT THROUGH HIKERS, the recommended route to bypass the fire
is at the South Fork Kern River Bridge, travel north through Monache Meadow,
Bakeoven Meadow, Shaeffer Meadow, Templeton Meadow, and Mulkey Meadow
reconnecting with the PCT at Trail Pass.


And the News Release from the Forest Service:
    
       News Release/Fire Update   Forest Service
  United States
Department of
Agriculture
        Inyo National Forest 
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200 Bishop, CA  93514
  Contact:  George Geer
  Public Information Officer
  (760) 873-2420
  Date:  October 15, 2003

 SUMMIT FIRE:  October 15th Update

FIRE SITUATION:  Three fires are currently burning in the southern Sierra.  
All are being managed as a "wildland fire use" fire's to achieve resource 
benefits. The Summit Fire is located south of Olancha Peak in the South Sierra and 
Golden Trout Wilderness.  This wildland fire was started August 26th by 
lightning. The fire is currently 6,110 acres, and has very little growth in the last 
few days.  Smoke may be visible from the Owens Valley.  The Albanita-Hooker 
Fire is currently at 1791 acres, and is burning in the South Sierra Wilderness 
on the Sequoia National Forest.  The fire is backing slowly to the south from 
Jackass Creek to Hooker Meadow.  Drift smoke from this fire may be visible in 
Kennedy Meadows and the southern portion of the Owens Valley.  The West Kern 
Fire (part of the Kaweah Kern Complex) is 6972 acres in size, and is burning in 
parts of the Sequoia National Park, and the Sequoia and Inyo National 
Forests.  The most active area of the fire is the eastern portion in the Rough Creek 
drainage on the Inyo National Forest. Drift smoke from this fire may be 
visible in the southern portion of the Owens Valley. 

Management objectives for these fires are to continue monitoring fire 
progression. If these naturally caused fires continue to pose no threat, they will be 
allowed to burn to benefit, protect, and enhance the area resources until 
extinguished by winter storms.

Trail closures remain in effect for this area for visitor safety reasons.  
Information on these closures is available on the Inyo National Forest website.  
Backcountry travelers should be aware that conditions could change at any 
time.  Please check with your local Forest Service Ranger Station or Visitor 
Center for the most current information.

SUMMIT FIRE STATISTICS:
Acres Burned:  6,110        Cause:  Lightning
Date Started:  August 26, 2003  Resources Assigned:  There is one Fire Use 
Module, one helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead positions assigned to this 
incident.
Perimeter Status:  Total perimeter activity is less than 5%, with most 
activity to the north. 

ALBANITA-HOOKER  FIRE STATISTICS:
Acres Burned:  1,791        Cause:  Lightning
Date Started:  September 3, 2003    Resources Assigned:  There is one 
handcrew, one engine, and miscellaneous overhead positions assigned to this incident.
Perimeter Status:  Most activity is to the south from Jackass Creek to Hooker 
Meadow. 

WEST KERN FIRE STATISTICS:
Acres Burned:  6,972        Cause:  Lightning
Date Started:  August 23, 2003  Resources Assigned:  There is one Fire Use 
Module, one helicopter, and miscellaneous overhead positions assigned to this 
incident.
Perimeter Status:  The main activity is on the eastern portion of the fire in 
the Rough Creek drainage.   

TRAIL CLOSURES: 
Description and maps for these closures are available on the Internet at 
www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/fire. 

Learn more about this and other fires in neighboring Forests & National Parks 
at: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/fire.