High Sierra Topix

Increased Personnel Make Significant Progress in Suppression Efforts
Firefighters are working night and day to suppress the Schaeffer Fire. Direct line (on the fire's edge) in in place to cut off the fire's southward movement. Hotshot crews are beginning to build direct handline to tie off the east flank, north of Rattlensnake Canyon (well within the initial containment lines). Crews are continuing to improve dozer line and hoselay that is providing protection to the Beach Meadow Area. Command has been able to acquire a number of additional hotshot and hand crews, increasing progress on suppression and containment efforts.

Yep, Mav; I just checked and they have reported >60% containment today. Maybe by this time next week the webcams in the Owens Valley will show some clearing!?! Hope so!

Fire activity continued to grow throughout the night due to ample fuel, and steep terrain. Today firefighters expect unfavorable weather conditions and aggressive fire behavior. The communities of Hunters Valley, Bear Valley, and Hornitos continue to be threatened as the fire encroaches on culturally and historically sensitive areas. Traffic along HWY 41 & 49 will be impacted as a result of road closures on HWY 49. The fire continues to threaten power lines to the south of the incident, which supply power to Yosemite National Park. Firefighters on the ground as well as aircraft are actively working to contain and suppress the fire. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 4 assumed command of the incident at 1000 hrs. from the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit.

Fire is actively burning in tall grass, brush and timber. Firefighters are working aggressively in steep and rugged areas with inaccessible terrain which is hindering firefighting efforts. Structures in the area and high tension power lines are threatened.