Cal Fire

(PLACERVILLE, CALIFORNIA)

# Major Flare Up near Foresthill.

MOSQUITO FIRE INCIDENT UPDATE at 09/13/22 7:11 PM Southwest winds and cooler temperatures continue to be forecasted for the next several days which should create similar weather conditions as seen on Tuesday, thus clearing the smoke inversion earlier in the day.

# Major Flare Up near Foresthill: Report: September 13, 2022 at 7:11 PM
Size (acres): 49,761
Percent Contained: 18%
Estimate of Containment: October 15, 2022
Personnel: 2,675
Structures Destroyed: 46

Today’s slightly stronger southwest winds aloft broke up the smoke inversion that has been hanging over the Mosquito Fire for the past several days. With the smoke inversion clearing out by midday, the fire actively increased significantly this afternoon due to the increased ventilation and available oxygen to support burning.

This afternoon, a spot fire jumped the Middle Fork of the American River on the west corner of the fire’s perimeter in the Pond Creek Drainage. Due to the critically dry fuels, steep terrain, and increased ventilation, the spot fire grew rapidly towards the community of Foresthill. Firefighters and resources from around the fire have been diverted to assist with holding this corner of the fire at the contingency lines that have been put in place by crews over the past week below the community. Firefighters and a large aircraft contingency, including both fixed and rotor wing aircraft, have been engaging in active structure defense, defensive firing operations, and working to hold the advancing spot fire at control lines and protect the surrounding communities.

The fire also remained active on the north corner of the fire just north of Chicken Hawk Road. Crews continue to actively construct control lines and utilize strategic firing operations when possible in an effort to hook this corner and cut off its growth to the north. The Mosquito Fire continues to advance steadily to the east in heavily forested areas with extremely dry vegetation. Crews continue to construct indirect lines and utilize existing road systems ahead of the advancing fire to cut off the fire’s growth to the east. On the southeast corner of the fire, the fire’s edge continues to move towards Stumpy Meadows where firefighters are being challenged with difficult terrain and opportunities to stop the fire in the Rubicon River drainage.

Southwest winds and cooler temperatures continue to be forecasted for the next several days which should create similar weather conditions as seen on Tuesday, thus clearing the smoke inversion earlier in the day.

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Situation Summary: 09/13/22 11:23 AM

Situation Summary:
Thick smoke and clouds kept temperatures in the 70s to low 80s with higher relative humidity values throughout Monday. An incoming weak weather system is forecasted to bring slightly stronger southwest winds that will bring drier air aloft today. This air movement should help break up the smoke inversion earlier today. The increase in clearer skies is projected to provide the fire with more available oxygen for active burning.

Overnight, firefighters continued strengthening and securing control lines around most of the fire’s perimeter. Crews added containment on a large portion of the fireline in the Michigan Bluff area and continue to make great strides towards completing more containment lines all along the Foresthill Road corridor. Firefighters are remaining vigilant on the southern edge of the fire to ensure that there is no threat of escape across Volcanoville Road or towards Quintette. The CAL FIRE HAWK night flying helicopter was able to assist with water-dropping operations overnight and remains a valuable resource for firefighters working during the night.

Resources continue to arrive in the area to assist with the full suppression efforts against the Mosquito Fire. A continued priority has been to secure the southwest corner of the fire. Last night, firefighters continued to hold the control lines and firing operations completed during Monday’s operations. Securing this vital piece of line, which ties into the Middle Fork of the American River, is crucial in preventing further spread to the communities to the west, such as Todd Valley and Foresthill.

Firefighters are working diligently to secure the firelines in and around all the evacuated communities. Unified Commanders are working with the various cooperators, such as the utility companies, to ensure the areas are safe before residents are allowed home. With the continued threat of fire, damaged infrastructure, and large amounts of firefighting equipment in the area, it is currently unsafe for the public to be in the fire area. Fire and law enforcement officials continue to meet daily on the progress of the firefighting efforts and are preparing for utility companies to start their repair and inspection work.

See DETAILED report here: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2022/9/6/mosquito-fire/