Coleman Fire Update, 6/8/16

June 8, 2016 8:00 AM

Start Date: June 4, 2016 Size: 2,340 acres
Containment: 41% Injuries: 2
Estimated Containment Date: 6/13/2016 Total Personnel Assigned: 1088
Cause: unknown Structures Destroyed: I (other minor)

Current Situation: Fire crews made good progress again yesterday. Most of the fireline on the south and east side of the fire is contained. Crews were able to access and line several of the “fire fingers” on the west side of the fire in the Ventana Wilderness. The contingency dozer line on the west side of the fire was completed. Crews mopped-up and patrolled the fireline throughout the night on the east side of the fire.

The priority for today and the next several days will be constructing direct fireline on the west side of the fire in the Ventana Wilderness. There is a significant amount of open line that needs to be completed. This area is very steep and remote and line production is slow and difficult. Mop-up and patrol will continue on the other portions of the fire. Air support from both air tankers and helicopters is available to assist ground crews.

Some fire resources were utilized yesterday for new fire starts and will continue to be available. Some engines will be released today as a result of the progress made on the east side of the fire and reduced fire threat.

The Coleman Fire is under Unified Command between Fort Hunter Liggett, CAL FIRE and the Los Padres National Forest.

Fire Weather: The high pressure system that has been over the fire area for the last couple of days will begin to break down today.

Temperatures will reach 90 and winds out of the northwest will increase. Relative humidity will be in the middle teens. Tonight temperatures will be in the mid 50’s to 60’s with relative humidity reaching 70 percent below 1800 feet in elevation.

Evacuations & Closures: All evacuations and closures have been lifted on the Coleman Fire.

Homeowners and communities can help firefighters by creating defensible space around homes and structures.
Taking individual responsibility to reduce flammable materials around homes and communities before a fire occurs can help keep the public and firefighters safer.
No human life is worth a home or structure; we will not risk firefighters’ lives to save indefensible homes.