Bell Mountain Fire 50 percent contained
UPDATE: 9/1/17 9:45 a.m.: The Bureau of Land Management reports the Bell Mountain Fire has burned 1,340 acres and is 50 percent contained.
BLM officials report fire activity and growth is minimal.
4 engines, 3 handcrews and 3 helicopters consisting of 90 personnel will continue securing the southeast flank and east flank with the help of helicopters. The steep, difficult terrain of Basinger Canyon is making containment difficult, but officials estimate full containment for Saturday, September 2.
The BLM said no structures are being threatened, and there are no evacuations.
UPDATE 8/31/17 9:45 a.m.: The Bureau of Land Management reports the Bell Mountain Fire has burned 1,330 acres and is still 0 percent contained as of Thursday morning.
Officials expect the fire to be fully contained by September 3.
BLM said no structures are immediately threatened; however, there are residences in the general area that fire managers are aware of.
106 personnel are fighting the fire with 5 engines, 3 handcrews and air resources will be called as needed.
ORIGINAL 8/30/17:
The Bureau of Land Management reports lightning caused the Bell Mountain Fire Monday, August 28 around 4 p.m.
The fire is located in the Basinger Canyon area near Bell Mountain which is west of Dobuis and about 7 miles north of Clyde.
The fire has burned about 1,300 acres and is 0 percent contained.
The BLM said no structures are being threatened, and there are no evacuations.
Officials said fire activity is minimal at this time, and there may be more smoke this afternoon when winds are predicted to pick up.
5 engines, 1 dozer, 2 hotshot crews and 10 single air tankers are fighting the fire.
There are no closures, but the Basinger Canyon road is being heavily trafficked by firefighters, and the public is asked to avoid the area.
