Berry Fire

Situation Summary

Morning Update (Saturday, Aug. 9): One fire engine and a water tender remained at scene overnight patrolling the fire and continuing with mop-up operations. Saturday will see 50 firefighters working the fire.

A focus Saturday will be on the right (northern) flank of the fire as well as the top ridgeline to prevent any escape. Heavy mop-up work is in order and the hand crews and dozer will be working on strengthening control lines.

It will be hotter Saturday with the spot forecast calling for temperatures on site as high as 104 degrees with minimum humidity's ranging from 14-24 percent. Firefighter safety and hydration will be a priority and crews will look to maintain proper work-rest cycles to avoid complications caused by the heat exposure and physical exertion.

What Happened

The fire started off of Berryessa Knoxville Road, burning in light and flashy fuels at a moderate rate of spread. The fire ran uphill into the steep and rugged terrain, with winds in alignment with the topography. The four air tankers and two helicopters were able to slow the spread of the fire at a ridgetop, aiding the ground crews as they constructed control lines with the use of dozers and hand crews. Forward progress of the fire was stopped at 12:25 p.m.

The biggest challenges fighting this fire were the steep terrain and the heat advisory that was in effect. Temperatures at the fire were 98 degrees with 11 mph winds and 27 percent relative humidity. Those factors pre-heated the fuels, allowing the fire to grow rapidly.

During the height of the fire fight, there were 10 engines, five water tenders, three dozers, two hand crews and approximately 80 total personnel.