image: This natural-color satellite image was collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on Sept. 24, 2014. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red. view more
Credit: NASA image courtesy Jeff Schmaltz, MODIS Rapid Response Team. Caption: NASA/Goddard, Lynn Jenner with information from Inciweb
Over 96,004 acres have been burned by the King Fire since it began on September 13, 2014. The fire is currently 68% contained, and the cause of the fire is arson. Just a few days ago, (Sept. 23) the fire was only 38% contained so progress on extinguishing it continues. Over 7,700 personnel are battling this fire.
A Pacific system came through the fire area yesterday (9/25) bringing 0.6-0.9 inches of rain. The observed fire activity was minimal with smoldering in interior pockets of the heavier fuels. A low pressure system will become the dominate feature today (9/26) through Sunday. As the low travels south of the fire today into Sunday, the result will be cool and unsettled weather. Expect isolated or scattered rain showers with the possibility of thundershowers. The highest potential is during the late afternoon and evening hours with showers lasting overnight. Southwest ridgetop winds will become westerly late this afternoon with gusts to 15 mph. The lower slopes and valleys will see west to northwest winds developing late morning into the afternoon between 6-12 mph. This could possibly cause the fire to spread, but it remains to be seen how much the wet weather will affect the fire.
This natural-color satellite image was collected by the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) aboard the Aqua satellite on September 24, 2014. Actively burning areas, detected by MODIS's thermal bands, are outlined in red.