Walbridge Fire Update Wednesday 9AM

With generally tranquil weather conditions continuing, the Walbridge did not expand significantly in any direction. Dozer and hand crews were able to strengthen containment lines and the fire is now considered at 19% containment with more containment expected to be announced later on Wednesday.

SOUTH

On the south the main focus continued to be monitoring and controlling fire spreads as backing fires work their way from ridges down into canyon bottoms north of Guerneville and on the slopes of Mt. Jackson above Rio Nido, Hacienda and Mirabel. Fire was moving down to Sweetwater Springs road in the canyon north of the Russian River Communities along Porter Creek. Cal Fire crews were on hand to monitor and control hot spots. In Armstrong Redwoods, 2 strike teams were putting out hotspots as the fire moved slowly onto the valley floor where the old growth redwoods are located. The fire is being controlled there and directed away from valuable park resources.

NORTH

There was no significant growth outside of fire perimeters on the north side of the fire. Early in the day backfiring operations were successful in stopping forward spread on sections of fire line along Skaggs Springs Road.

EAST

The fire continued to move down drainages like Mill Creek, but was not being driven by winds. Crews were defending structures, but with few exceptions the fire was staying on the ground.

OUTLOOK

With a favorable weather forecast and more firefighters and equipment arriving daily, the outlook is positive for increasing containment of the fire in the days ahead. Repopulation of 85 percent of the evacuated area was announced Tuesday and that process will continue today. The main area yet to be reopened to residents are the river communities north of the Russian River in the lower river like Guerneville, Rio Nido, Hacienda and Mirabel. This is due to the danger of new fires breaking out beyond containment lines being constructed.
Continued light southerly and westerly winds will help firefighting efforts and those communities are expected to get the green light to return in the next few days.

The satellite thermal imaging for the past 24 hours showed detected fire to be occurring within the established Walbridge perimeter.