US Forest Service (USDA FS), Sequoia National Forest

Contact:  Fire Information:  www.inciweb.org or 760-376-3781 Ext. 699

Fire Crews Keeping Pace with the Clover Fire Spread

Kernville, CA., June 15, 2008...Despite a 92 acre increase, from yesterday, the growth was low to moderate within the northwest flank of the fire perimeter, where it was most active throughout the day. Vegetation in this area is sparse with large amounts of rock out cropping where the fire slowly spread through a layer of pine needles along with some occasional single tree torching.  

In addition, a fire contingency line approximately two miles long will be built today from the southern flank of the fire perimeter west to Corral Meadows.

 "This will allow us to"herd" the fires' spread in a localized area; in this case east of Springs Creek and north of Lost Creek," said Mike Minton, Operation Planning Chief. 

Todays weather should be similar to yesterdays temperatures in the lower 80's with the relative humidty at 10%, the winds will be  4-6 mph out of the southwest. Crews and fire officials will continue to monitor fire behavior and its spread, as fire officials develop the Stage III Wildland Fire Implementation Plan.

Current and predicted winds aloft will push any smoke to the north-northeast later in the day.  Residents and recreationists in the Kennedy Meadows and Kern Valley may experience some smoke conditions in the morning until the inversion lifting around noon. Visit the " Real Time Smoke Monitoring" Interagency website to see current/local smoke conditions. 

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) remains open for hikers in the burn area.  Hikers are asked to remain on the trail while traveling through the burn area during daylight hours.  In addition, hikers entering the burn area may observe fire activity within the interior of the burn area.  However, these will be isolated burns with visable smoke and or flame, but should not impede hikers from using the trail.  Fire personnel will be at Kennedy Meadows trailhead for assistance and on the trail to monitor, advise and assist hikers as needed.

A total of 81 personnel and two helicopters remain assigned to the 1,570 acre Clover Wildland Fire Use Fire.

For further information, please contact Fire Information at Kern River Ranger District at (760) 376-3781 Ext 699. Go to www.inciweb.org for in depth fire information.