PALOMAR MTN. REMAINS CLOSED

The following is an update from Palomar Fire Chief George Lucia:

"The POOMACHA FIRE is now 70% contained, and has burned 49,540 acres. Pending favorable weather conditions, a large burnout operation of 3,500 acres could be conducted in the Agua Tibia Wilderness/Palomar Mountain area within the established control lines of the fire. Residents in the surrounding areas should anticipate a large plume of smoke. This operation is being conducted to clean up unburned fuels within the fire perimeter. Focus is continued with structure protection and perimeter control. Control lines have been tied into the WITCH FIRE. In an effort to return residents to the La Jolla area, heavy mop up and patrol continues to ensure the valley area is safe. Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today. The fire is within the Aqua Tibia Wilderness, and control operations within this area are difficult given the steep terrain and inaccessibility. Communities still threatened: Mt. Palomar Community, Palomar Observatory, Crosley Homestead & Dripping Springs Major problems and concerns: Conditions were not favorable for firing operations today. Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Moderate runs upslope interior of burn. Steep inaccessible terrain on North and Northwest side of fire. Dozer and hand line have been completed around slopovers in some areas, but are still of concern. Today’s observed fire behavior: Slow backing fire north of Palomar divide. Short uphill runs to ridgetops within the interior of the burn. Actions planned for next operational period: Continue structure protection and perimeter control. Firing operations to continue as weather and conditions allow. Continue to implement strategies to minimize the impacts to the Agua Tibia Wilderness. Burnout operations will continue on indirect line constructed in the Agua Tibia Wilderness as conditions allow. 76 East open to Rincon Ranch Road 76 still closed from Rincon Ranch Road to Lake Henshaw Palomar Mt. still closed."