Blue Cut Fire

CURVE Fire Incident Information Angeles National Forest

Daily Update 9/4/02, 9:00 AM Incident Information Contacts: phone (626) 821-6701or 6702, 6703

Firefighters continue to battle the Curve Fire in the San Gabriel Canyon and Sheep Mountain Wilderness. Cooler temperatures with a chance of thunderstorms through Sunday will hopefully help crews who have been working in the steep terrain in triple digit temperatures. The objectives are to provide for firefighter and public safety, and minimize property damage.

A total of 72 structures were destroyed in the San Gabriel Canyon between Rincon and the Angeles Crest Highway. The assessment team identified 50 special use cabins were destroyed and 19 structures in the Falling Springs Resort area. These structures are seasonal special use cabins or outbuildings. Three Forest Service administrative buildings were also destroyed. Structures are still at risk from active burning within the fire perimeter.

During the night the fire was very active in the Mt. Islip area, moving north to Highway 2. Last night the glow of the flames could be seen from the east side of the Angeles Crest Highway, but has not cross the highway. The fire is expected to continue moving north and east. It is established in the North Fork of the San Gabriel River and is bounded by the Sheep Mountain Wilderness on the east and the San Gabriel Wilderness on the west. It is currently backing into the very difficult terrain of the Bear Creek on the west flank.

Yesterday’s large column of smoke was the result the burning of a large unburned island in the Crystal Lake area. Structure protection will continue along Highway 39 and the East Fork until there is no longer a threat to buildings in the area.

Curve Fire resources assisted Leona Valley Fire, which erupted this afternoon in the Bouquet Canyon, by providing air support (4 air tankers, 1 helicopter and 1 air attack plane). After assisting, the resources returned the Curve Fire.

Cooperating agencies contributing to the suppression efforts include: California Highway Patrol, Cal Trans, Southern California Edison, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and Red Cross.

Start Time: 9/1/02, 12:35 pm The fire is currently burning in the San Gabriel Canyon, along Highway 39, south of Location: Highway 2, and east into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.

Cause of Fire: Human activity, under investigation

Area Vegetation: Heavy chaparral in steep, rugged terrain

Acres Burned: 15,807

Structures Burned: 72

Highway 39 at Entrance Station and East Fork Road (Open to residents with Roads Closed: identification). Highway 2 is closed at Kratka Ridge on the West and Vincent Gap on the East. Mt. Baldy Road at Lower San Antonio Road

% Contained: 15%

Target Containment: September 10, 2002 @ 6:00 PM

Injuries: 2

Temperatures & Mid 90’s lower elevations to 80 higher elevations, RH-20-25% Relative Humidity:

Wind Speeds: 10-20 mph (Gusty and erratic near any thunderstorms)

Wind Direction: N-NE

Condition of Fire: See information above

# of Engines: 50

# of Bulldozers: 0

# of Hand crews: 90

# of Helicopters: 13

# of Air Tankers: 9

# of Water Tenders: 19

Total # of Personnel: 1,541

Angeles National Forest Fire Information Number (626) 969-5163