Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest expands Slink Fire closure area
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 09/06/2020 - 12:21pm
With the Slink Fire burning south of Topaz Lake continuing to grow westward, the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest expanded the fire closure area as of Saturday evening. The closure now includes all areas, campgrounds trails and roads at the following areas:
— From the Forest boundary west of Highway 395 from Eastside Lane in Walker, California to Monitor Pass Road on Highway 89.
— South of Highway 89 (Monitor Pass) to the Highway 4 to Ebbetts Pass.
— East of the Pacific Crest Trail at Ebbetts Pass to Highway 108.
— North of Highway 108 to the Forest Service Boundary eastbound towards Highway 395.
As of Sunday morning the fire was at 20,795 acres and was 21 percent contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
“We understand that it is a busy recreational weekend for the public with the upcoming Labor Day holiday. We really want to extend our sincerest thanks to everyone for their cooperation so that we can continue to focus on fire suppression efforts,” said Matt Zumstein, Carson District Ranger, in a news release.
The expansion excludes the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) but both forest and fire officials encourage recreationists that are currently on the PCT to continue passing through. If you are considering hiking or backpacking on the PCT, understand that there is uncontained wildfire and substantial smoke in the area. Other alternative routes are highly advised.
Portions of the fire have spread into the Carson Iceberg Wilderness and firefighters are using minimal impact suppression tactics within the wilderness boundaries.
“We are doing everything we can to protect the resources and values that the Carson Iceberg Wilderness has to offer,” said Zumstein.
This closure will remain in effect until the Forest Service determines the area is again safe for the public. People who are found guilty of violating this closure order could receive a maximum fine of $5,000 or six months in jail or both.
Meanwhile, weather conditions will continue to play a large role in fire behavior into Sunday. Zephyr winds are expected to produce westerly gusts of 20 mph, according to the Forest Service
Crews will work Sunday to monitor and secure the width of the containment lines, and interior smokes, on the eastern, and south-eastern parts of the fire. After walking the area, work will begin to establish a canopy break on the south of the fire that will run from Antelope Peak to Fish Valley Summit, according to the Forest Service in a news release.
"Again, there will be extreme fire behavior with crowning, running, mid to long-range spotting, with aggressive runs mainly on the western edge of the fire. Primary efforts continue to be focused on restricting fire spread in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness on this western edge of the fire, as well as to the north and south flanks," the news release states.
Additionally, the Bureau of Land Management issued a Closure Order for the fire area, for information, go here.
For additional information on the Slink Fire, go here.
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