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Ralston Fire, Foresthill, CA Information updated on Thursday, October 12, 2006 7:52 AM New: Ralston Fire Pictures Gallery Current acres: 8,423 acres and 100% contained. Leave your messages and comments on the Ralston Fire Blog
The Ralston fire started in the bottom of the Middle Fork American River on Tuesday September 5, 2006. 100% containment was declared at 6:00 pm on Sunday, September 17, 2006. The fire burned 8,423 acres. Mop-up and patrol activities continue to strengthen the line and cool the perimeter down. A transition from the type I management team back to District management is expected on Tuesday, September 19. Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96) is closed from the Foresthill Road to Robinson Flat Road (Forest Road 43). Blacksmith Flat Road (Forest Road 23) is closed from Mosquito Ridge Road to Ramsy Crossing. Ralston Ridge Road (Forest Road 25) is closed from Blacksmith Flat Road to French House. Road closures will continue until further notice. The fire is 100% contained. Watch an excerpt of the infrared video captured by the Cobra Helicopter 507. Windows or Quicktime. Video courtesy of the California Incident Management Team 4.
SPECIAL INFORMATION: Significant demobilization of firefighting resources is ongoing. Some of these crews have been reassigned to assist on others fires in the state, as well as large fires in the Western United States. Other crews will have required rest days prior to reassignment to other incidents. INJURIES AS OF TODAY: 5 minor 1 miner's cabin below Ditch camp on the Middle Fork was destroyed. Click on the picture to view full-size image. The Ralston fire suppression efforts are being aided by one of two USDA Forest Service Cobra "Firewatch" helicopters. This is their first assignment on the Tahoe National Forest. The Cobra ships were surplussed from military sources and put into service in 2004 and 2005. They have had armaments removed and been extensively retrofitted with:
Automatic Flight Following for tracking the helicopter's location at all times. Onboard computer Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) thermal imager to aid in finding hotspots within a fire's perimeter, regardless of smoke cover. Microwave Dish to send live imagery back to fire camp up to 30 miles. Alternately, the ship can land and provide ground personnel with a DVD of the video feed. A moving map display with a large display screen. Mapping software that generates fire perimeter maps that can be sent via satellite phone or to a website for instant viewing. Six tactical radios for ground and air communication Laser range finder to provide precise locations of items of interest. The ship is staffed by a pilot and Air Attack Groups Supervisor, and can cruise at 140 knots (160 miles) per hour, and can remain airborne for 2-3 hours. The ship serves two functions: It can record visual data to DVD or provide live transmission up to 20 miles away for analysis and action by fire managers. It can fly as an air attack platform to direct air operations over the fire and provide tactical assistance to crews on the ground. Using geo-pointing technology, the Cobra can relay exact coordinates where the retardant or water drop should be placed to assisting aircraft. This ship is not equipped to provide water or retardant drops. The Cobra helicopter was developed and used during the Vietnam era and retrofitted for use in wildfire operations. Many thanks to the Tahoe National Forest Fire Information Services for their updates! |
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