A new fire broke out in Modoc this week, which fortunately was seen from a look out and crews were dispatched quickly. The Pencil Fire was reported at around 2:11 p.m. on Monday the 23rd near McGinty Reservoir, and burned from 10 acres to an estimated 500 acres in just a few hours.
The U.S. Forest Service – Modoc, with the help of many out of area resources, responded swiftly yesterday allowing them to gain quick control despite the heat and winds. There has been assistance from air tankers, helicopters and engines and those crews spent all night Monday working toward securing the perimeter using dozers and retardant. As of 2:15 p.m. Tuesday afternoon, more accurate mapping showed the actual acreage at 396 acres burned, with the perimeter 90 percent secured and a reported containment of 15 percent. Some portions of the fire are currently in mop up operations.
“The crews have a good handle on the fire,” said U.S. Forest Service Modoc’s Public Affairs Specialist Suzi Johnson, “they’ve done really great work getting the fire contained and keeping it low.”
It is believed that dry lightning was the source of ignition for the Pencil Fire, but that has not been confirmed and the official cause is still under investigation.
