Station Fire

Update 2 | Summary
Posting Date: September 2, 2009, 10:51:00 AM

The Station Fire, which began in the foothills northeast of Los Angeles a week ago, has incinerated 140,150 acres, but officials are finally reporting significant progress. Last night, aided by low winds and higher humidity, crews launched aggressive strategic attacks against the massive inferno, creating firebreaks and bulldozing fire lines around the perimeter. Early Wednesday morning, officials report that these latest efforts have been successful and that the fire is currently displaying low to moderate intensity. Containment is estimated at 22%, up from 5% yesterday. As of today, 92 structures have been destroyed according to the Los Angeles County Fire department. Firefighting efforts have put communities along the northern periphery of the Angeles National Forest, including Acton and the Soledad Canyon area, at considerably reduced risk. However, parts of Acton remain under mandatory evacuation and crews will maintain aggressive tactics in this area. On the densely populated southern flank, where steep terrain prevents direct access to the fire edge, fire crews have connected several separate firelines and have conducted successful burn out operations to remove fuels. This, along with today’s forecast southwest winds, is expected to keep the fire away from neighboring communities. Evacuations have been lifted from La Crescenta, La Canada Flintridge, and parts of Altadena. Mount Wilson, located in the southern part of the Angeles National Forest and home to numerous telecommunication towers and an important astronomical observatory, is currently expected to be safe from the flames. Structural protection crews remain in place to defend the complex if necessary. Due to limited access and southwest winds, the fire is expected to continue to progress eastward into the San Gabriel Canyon wilderness. Defensive lines are in place in the Juniper Hills area, but no communities are currently threatened along the eastern perimeter. Over 4,000 firefighting personnel are actively battling the Station Fire and are expected to make continued gains today. This week, temperatures are forecast to continue to fall and humidity to increase, although shifting winds remain a concern. Officials currently estimate that the blaze will be safely contained by next Tuesday, September 8.

Update 2 | Downloads
Posting Date: September 2, 2009, 10:51:00 AM