Detwiler Fire Summary
The Detwiler fire started in the afternoon of July 16th along Detwiler Rd and Hunters Valley Rd, approximately two miles southeast of Lake McClure in California. The fire quickly spread to the southeast due to ample fuel and steep terrain and was an immediate threat to nearby structures. Mandatory evacuation orders were quickly issued for all homes along Detwiler Road, Hunters Valley Road, and Hunters Valley Access Road. Just 24 hours later, the fire had grown to 11,000 acres and by 18 July the fire jumped the Merced River. By 23 July the Detwiler fire had grown to 76,000 acres. Sixty-three single-family residences had been destroyed, with 13 damaged. One commercial structure had been lost with 67 minor structures having been destroyed, and 8 damaged. The losses dwarfed those of the Whittier and Brianhead Fires previously covered this summer by RedZone. As of 28 July the fire is estimated to have burned 81,650 acres but firefighters have worked hard to achieve 75% containment. No additional homes or structures have been lost or damaged. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
NASA’s view from space of the Detwiler Fire on July 19th, 2017
Detwiler Fire Outlook
There are currently 3,553 personnel assigned to the Detwiler fire including 246 engines, 47 water tenders, 96 hand crews, and 28 dozers. Numerous helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are also working the incident. Ground crews worked through the night to build and reinforce containment lines, including the 100-acre spot fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in the Hunters Valley area. Hot and dry conditions are expected throughout the next few days as air and ground resources continue to put out hot spots and watch for flare-ups. Steep, rugged terrain makes access difficult in some areas, but firefighters are making good progress.
Infrared Perimeter Progression of the Detwiler Fire from July 18-25
Detwiler Fire Facts
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- As of: July 28th, 2017
- Location: Lake McClure, CA
- Size: 81,650 acres
- Containment: 75%
- Fire Behavior: Limited to hot spots and flare-ups in tall grass and brush in steep, rugged terrain.
- Structures Threatened: 30 (reported)
- Structures Destroyed: 131 (reported)
- Evacuations: Are in place
- Incident Page: http://www.fire.ca.gov/current_incidents/incidentdetails/Index/1672
- News Article: https://www.mymotherlode.com/news/local/316163/detwiler-fire-acreage-inches-up.html
Sources: Inciweb, NIFC, MyMotherLode.com
