News Release

For Release: Monday, August 7, 2006, 2:00 p.m.

Contacts: Debbie Santiago, BLM (661) 332-1754 cell (661) 391-6097 office
Margie Clack, USFS (760) 379-5646 ext. 512 (760) 417-1971 celll

Wildland Fire Continues to Burn West of Kelso Valley Road

A wildland fire that started on Saturday afternoon continues to burn west of Kelso Valley Road and east of Jawbone Canyon Road approximately 15 miles south of Weldon. The Cottonwood Fire is burning in a remote location on private lands and federal lands administered by Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Sequoia National Forest. Firefighters have a 25% containment of the fire, which is 2,268 acres in size. There is no estimate on full containment. The fire is staffed around the clock and moderate to little spread is being observed.

An incident management team was activated August 5 and is managing the fire under Incident Commander Allen Johnson. The Type 2 South Central Sierra Incident Management Team has set up an incident command post at South Fork Elementary School in Weldon.

Structure protection of several summer homes and outbuildings on Sorrell Peak Road, near Landers Meadow and Mace Meadow in the Piute Mountains remains a priority. The structures are approximately 1 ½ to 2 miles west and northwest of the fire.

Firefighters continue to construct fire lines today on the north, northwest and south flanks of the fire supported by a water dropping helicopter. Fire engines and crews are currently working along Sorrell Peak Road towards Marino canyon to help reinforce firelines.

A firefighter sustained a laceration to the right hand yesterday. The individual was treated at a local area hospital and released from medical care.

Resources committed to the fire include 29 fire engines, 15 hand crews, 5 dozers, 9 water tenders, and 1 helicopter. Approximately 500 firefighters and support personnel, BLM's California Desert District and Bakersfield District, U.S. Forest Service, Kern County Fire Department and many other fire agencies are assisting in the effort. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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