KANE COUNTY – Firefighters continue to hold the Shingle Fire, which began Sunday six miles south of Duck Creek Village in Shingle Mill Canyon, at 8,200 acres. The fire is reported to be 25 percent contained per 8 a.m. report from the fire information officers today.
For background, reference is made to our article of July 4, addressing the complexities involved with the fire, its status at that time and explaining how certain fire reporting jargon (such as containment) may be understood.
Relative humidity was recorded at 35-40 percent over the fire yesterday. Firefighters took advantage of humidity to tie together and strengthen fire lines on the north, west, and east sides of the fire, and mop up hot spots near the lines. Humidity is expected to drop back into the mid-teens and winds are likely to increase by Saturday, testing newly constructed lines.
Steep cliffs and rock bluffs make it difficult for firefighters to construct fireline along the south and southeast flanks of the fire above Stout Canyon. Helicopter water drops have been critical in holding the fire in check along this portion of the line.
Helicopters will be used throughout the day dropping water to assist firefighters by cooling areas, allowing firefighters on the ground to safely construct line adjacent to burning areas.
A community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. tonight, July 6, in the Alton Town Hall to provide information regarding the current fire situation.
A new information telephone line for the Shingle Fire Information Center at the incident command post at Duck Creek has been established; it is 877-678-0641. The line is heavily overloaded with calls and a caller may reach a recording suggesting it is not in service – the number is good and it is recommended that you keep trying as needed. The hours of operation are from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm.
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Road closures lifted: Highway 14 and Highway 89 are now open for full public access. Because of heavy traffic on this road and fire operations immediately south of the highway, the public is asked to not stop along the highway within the fire area.
Evacuation orders lifted: At 6 a.m. today, the Kane County Sheriff lifted the evacuation order for communities north of Highway 14. Swains Creek mandatory evacuations will be rescinded at 6 a.m. on Saturday, July 7.
Evacuation orders still in effect: Evacuations orders remain in effect for Swains, Stout Canyon, and Ponderosa Village subdivisions, and portions of Harris Flats subdivision south of Highway 14.
Resources in the battle:
Total personnel involved in addressing the fire are reported at 760. Crews: 20; Helicopters: 2-light, 1-medium, 4-heavy lift; Engines: 28, Dozers: 1, Water tenders: 7 and Overhead: 138.
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Road closures and evacuation requirements are assessed daily with the primary concern for public safety.
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