Walbridge Fire Update 10AM Thursday

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Walbridge Fire Update 10AM

55,353 Acres, 19% Containment

Meyers Fire 2360 Acres, 97% Containment

GENERAL FIRE BEHAVIOR

The Walbridge Fire stayed within its perimeter over the last 24 hours, with lobes of the fire continuing to progress down canyons to the east and south. The fire also continues to burn actively in the northwestern section, were Cal Fire crews are doing structure defense in the sparsely populated area. The areas of most concern continue to be north of the Russian River communities where fire remains active above Rio Nido, along Sweetwater Springs Road, and along Pool Ridge Road. To the east, the fire is active in the Porter and Felta Creek areas, with crews monitoring and directing spread.

SOUTH

Still the area of greatest concern, this is where the Walbridge is burning at ground level and moving slowly downslope near Mt. Jackson and along various stretches of Sweetwater Springs Road, both west and east of Mt. Jackson. East of Mt. Jackson, individual crews are monitoring and controlling ground fire as it encroaches on homes along Sweetwater Springs Road along Porter Creek. In the Armstrong Woods, the fire continues to be controlled as it burns along the ground in the valley areas near Fife Creek. Flare ups were reported along and near Pool Ridge Road, and reported structure defenses were underway. Cal Fire hopes to have the fire fully controlled in this area before letting residents return to Guerneville, Rio Nido, Hacienda and other small communities north of the Russian River. The forecast calls for continued winds from the south or southwest, with afternoon sea breezes from the west.

EAST

The fire is still burning along the ground and visible as smoke plumes in the Felta Creek area south of Mill Creek Road. Along Mill Creek Road the fire is mostly out above the 5000 block where the greatest property damage occurred. Below that crews work to douse hot spots as tongues of the fire continue to burn at ground level in several spots. Hot spots in dense redwood areas are also being dug out and cooled by crews from multiple agencies including the California Office of Emergency Services. To the north, fire continues in the Chemise Road, Big Ridge Road area and north of there near Pena Creek, but dozer lines have generally stopped its spread north and east.

OUTLOOK

The outlook is favorable, with the forecast calling for continued light winds from the south or southwest with afternoon breezes from the west. Humidity values which have been higher are expected to fall somewhat over the next few days as high pressure and slightly warmer temperatures move in, suppressing the marine layer. Further ahead early next week forecasters say there is a chance of a frontal passage to the north bringing a wind shift to the north, similar to what we see in the fall. However at this time it is not expected to bring critical fire conditions but the possible event is being monitored by the NWS.

Below are the latest satellite thermal detections of Walbridge hot spots showing continued activity near Mt. Jackson and Sweetwater Springs Road/Porter Creek, Armstrong Redwoods, in the Felta Creek area and near and north of Chemise Road and Big Springs Road.