[UPDATE Saturday] Fire in the Area of Island Mt
Cal Fire’s emergency communication center dispatched an air attack, a tanker, and a chopper to a vegetation fire growing in the Island Mountain area about 4:30 p.m.
After nearing Island Mountain, the air attack commander requested two additional tankers “based on the column size.”
The dispatcher stated over the scanner that the Palo Verde Fire Department of Humboldt County reported that the fire was likely on the Trinity County side and likely inaccessible from their side.
Please remember that this story is unfolding. Information is being reported as we gather it. However, some of the information coming from witnesses and initial official reports could be wrong. We will do our best to get the facts but, in the case that something is inaccurate, we will update with correct information as soon as we can.
UPDATE 5 p.m.: Additional resources are being requested to respond to the Mountain Fire near the intersection of Island Mt Road and Raff Creek Road.
UPDATE 5:26 p.m.: Lauren Schmitt from KMUD tells us:
The fire is believed to be 10 acres in size with a moderate rate of spread, according to CalFire Battalion Chief Jeremy Ward. He stated that the fire has to potential to grow to 50+ acres in size. The fire is located on the west side of the Main Stem of the Eel River near Raff Creek. This is a rugged area and fire crews are trying to access the incident.
UPDATE 6 p.m.: Lauren Schmitt from KMUD tells us:
The fire is now believed to be 22 acres in size. CalFire has [ordered] additional aircraft and tankers due to the remote location. They hope air resources will slow the spread before ground resources arrive. The fire may be partially contained in an area where it reached a road however there are still areas of concern according to CalFire Battalion Chief Jeremy Ward.
One structure is threatened. No Evacuation orders or warning at this time.
UPDATE 8:31 p.m.: From Lauren Schmitt, Jeremy Ward, CalFire HUU Battalion Chief, sent the following update: “Forward progress stopped. All aircraft released. Dozers released. No update on acreage. Probably won’t have that for a while. Fire is looking good at the moment.”
UPDATE 10:33 p.m.: Video of the fire taken earlier today and provided by a reader.
UPDATE Saturday: Island Mountain Fire, 60% Contained
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Oh gosh. This was an area spared from the August Complex right? Hopefully crews can get to this and snuff it quickly.
Kym the liar strikes again. .. anything for attention.
What?
Pay no attention Kym, just a distraction. Thank you for providing such on the spot, moments notice news.
Kim, you provide an invaluable service to this whole community. It’s amazing really.
You know – I see so many posts here that get my hackles up for one reason or another. It may be a nod to cynicism on my part, but I just find it really difficult to allow myself to succumb to that sort of bs and dignify them with a serious reply. This one impresses me as squarely in that category.
Stay strong, Kym! You are much appreciated, and can be counted upon to deliver a yeoperson job, day after day.
Don’t do things like this. Comments like that about such a hard working person who care so deeply for our community are awful. I would bet our community would be so much better if we all stepped up 10% in our efforts to make things better. Because she is stepping up right at 100% everyday. It’s 545 am. and our day is looking good, because she is there keeping us informed.
Do you get invited to someone’s house and then proceed to be rude to the hostess?
Just witnessed what looked like two calfire planes blast out of fortuna in a hurry.
Is this near the rolling meadow ranch, 8.5 acre essentially indoor cannabis project that is using 4.5 million gallons of water annually from the eel river and did a 293 acre clear cut only one month after the permit was approved by our planning dept a mile away from the controversial permit which local firefighters opposed? It’s all connected….
You have proof of your accusations ?
This comment is a bit disconcerting, particularly when combined with the moniker. Take care Kym.
No, this is quite a ways south.
Thank you Kym for keeping us updated on these serious fire threats. I depend on you.
ps – good work, CAL FIRE and VFD’s- you guys rock. I saw three VLAT’s and a couple of helicopters fly over me late this afternoon. Thought I, “check out the blackbelt blog; bet there will be some relevant intel.” Not disappointed.
Heartfelt wishes for the best outcomes to everyone affected.💓
This is the only website I’ve seen that actually provides maps of airborne fire operations. Thank you.
Click on the FlightRadar link that I usually provide when a fire is being fought. You will likely see a cluster of aircraft over the fire. Click on anyone of the aircraft to see their flightpath.
Thanks for the info! Very much appreciated here in Hulls Valley!
Boys and girls in yellow once again kicked butt, thanks for all you do!
Yup. Firefighters and kym Kemp should get paid as much as cops.. an 18 year old with a gun and a chip on their shoulder and a desire to control isn’t worth what they get paid.. firefighters and kym Kemp tho..m priceless