Attached are two photos of the same map that show the current and
expected fire size.







The first team on the fire attempted to hold the west side of the
fire at the bottom of Madera/Josephine Canyon.

Thursday night a new team took over.

The new team will continue to fight the fire at the base of
Madera/Josephine Canyons, but they feel that they will loose the
fight and have to evacuate for crew safety.  Once the fire crosses
the Canyons, it could reach FLWO within two hours. This could happen
any time in the next several days.

The new team's plan to protect FLWO is a follows:

a. They feel FLWO has been well brushed by both FLWO efforts in the
past and the the last several days work by the previous team.

b. They have sent 4 fire engines to the mountain to fight spot fires.

c. The are establishing two retardant drip stations.  One will be by
the basecamp.  They will use these bases, several helicopters, and 21
tankers trucks to ring FLWO with retardant.

d. If the fire starts up the hill to FLWO, they will light backfires
below the retardant ring.

e. Even if the fire crosses FLWO, they fell they may be able to save
most if not all of the buildings.  They may even be able to keep
personnel at FLWO during the passage.

The fire is now 20,000 acres, the current team is predicting it will
grow to 60,000 acres.  The new fire hold line is at the top of
Montosa Canyon.

FLWO Operations
We plan to continue VERITAS basecamp operations.  The 40T crane will
arrive Monday to place the shed.

There will be one person at the basecamp over the weekend during
daylight hours.  Call my number 520 670 5702 to contact this person.

All mountain dorms are closed.  If you are coming to the basecamp you
will have to find a motel.  This could be difficult with 800 fire
fighters in the area.  The Rex Ranch (520 398 2914) has openings at
$55/night.

Other than Nomexed people (Dennis, Emilio and Wayne), no one should
go to the mountain. When they go to the mountain, they must receive
permission of the crew chief at FLWO.

It is unlikely that non Nomexed FLWO/MMT personnel will be allowed on
the mountain over the weekend.  It could be a week before we get back
on the mountain.
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