Incident Information
Angeles National Forest
Daily Update 9/4/02, 8:00 PM
Incident Information Contacts:phone (626) 821-6701or 6702, 6703
www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles
Erratic winds on ridge tops continue to fan flames as the Curve Fire continues to move north and east. The fire has moved deeper into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness to Mount Hawkins. Near the Angeles Crest Highway, crews continue to hold the fire on the south side of the highway. On the west side, the fire is backing into Bear Creek. This area is very steep and helicopters dropping water were used all day in an attempt to hold the fire. On the south side, fire activity was minimal with little progression.
Crews on the southeast portion of the fire are utilizing “coyote” tactics to reduce the time needed to travel between Base Camp and the fire line. When the crews have completed their shift they move to a safety zone and camp for the night. The next day they pick up where they left off and continue to build fire line. Crews will “coyote” for two nights before they are brought back to camp.
The Curve Fire investigation team has concluded candles associated with a ritual involving the use of fire and animal sacrifices started the fire. Anyone having any information relating to this incident is asked to call Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations at (626) 574-5351.
Today, the roadblock at San Antonio Station on the Baldy Road was removed, opening the road to Mt. Baldy.
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.
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
Location: / The fire is currently burning in the San Gabriel Canyon, along Highway 39, south of Highway 2, and east into the Sheep Mountain Wilderness.
Cause of Fire: / See above in summary
Area Vegetation: / Heavy chaparral in steep, rugged terrain
Acres Burned: / 16,048
Structures Burned: / 72
Roads Closed: / Highway 39 at Entrance Station and East Fork Road (Open to residents with identification). Highway 2 is closed at Kratka Ridge on the West and Vincent Gap on the East.
% Contained: / 15%
Target Containment: / September 10, 2002 @ 6:00 PM
Injuries: / 2
Temperatures & Relative Humidity: / 60-65, 60% Ridges to 90% Canyon Bottoms
Wind Speeds: / 10-20 mph
Wind Direction: / SW-W
Condition of Fire: / See information above
# of Engines: / 60
# of Bulldozers: / 0
# of Hand crews: / 60
# of Helicopters: / 13
# of Air Tankers: / 9
# of Water Tenders: / 17
Total # of Personnel: / 1,647
Angeles National Forest
Fire Information Number (626) 969-5163
www.r5.fs.fed.us/angeles