Lower North Fork Fire Update: 3/28/12 1700:
Fire crews, consisting of 500 individuals, have had a relatively successful day cutting fire line and establishing containment. The estimated size of the fire line that must be built is 8.5 miles long. Minimal perimeter growth is expected over the next 24 hours due to expected weather conditions.
Two Heavy air Tankers remain on site for air operations. 3 National Guard Blackhawks and one additional Helicopter have also been actively engaging the fire from the air.
Urban Search and Rescue Team continues to search for the one known missing person. The crew has searched over 60 acres of property surrounding the woman’s residence which is her last known location. The team is continuing to search even as this update is typed. There are also crews at the home site digging through the rubble to attempt to locate any sign of the missing person. The scene is still extremely hot and difficult to work within.
We are always reevaluating current evacuation areas to determine if it is safe for residence to return home. That said, none of the existing evacuation orders have been lifted.
A citizen briefing is taking place at the West Jefferson Middle School, starting at 5:00 PM.
