Heavy timber, steep terrain

The fire remained relatively active throughout the night due to the poor relative humidity recovery and wind.

Zone 1: The fire line around the large spot fire east of French Meadow Reservoir was tested today and held, however the lines will be tested again tomorrow by the Red Flag event. Significant direct and indirect line was completed throughout the fire area.

Zone 2: Line construction continues in the west area to tie into Slab Creek Reservoir. Roll out and under slung line continues to be a challenge in the Rubicon drainage. The contingency line is still intact. Mop up and patrol continues. Firing operations continued to be hampered due to elevated fuel moistures. Existing control lines continue to be wind tested. Complete ion containment lines continue to be coordinated between Zones 1 and 2.

Zone 1 and 2 Interface: The most active area was on the west side of the fire, directly north and south of the Rubicon River in the canyon. The fire did spot across the river. Resources working in the area quickly attacked the spot fire. Air resources and the Infrared-equipped helicopter will access the area at first light if conditions allow.

Zone 1:

Widen and improve existing roads to fortify them for direct, indirect, and contingency lines. Hold and improve direct and indirect line between French Meadow and Hell's Hole Reservoirs to block the fires advance towards the northeast. Continue to hold and build direct and indirect lines on the east and west flanks of the fire to contain lateral spread of the fire. Utilize air resources to slow the rate of spread, influence the direction of spread, and assist in structure protection. Identify additional communities and values at risk and develop plans to minimize impacts. Provide protection for structures, infrastructure, habitat, and other values at risk. Identify and construct indirect and direct control lines as needed, providing for firefighter and public safety first.

Zone 2:

In the west, southwest area, mop up, hold, and improve control lines. Attempt to go direct in the Rubicon drainage. In the south area, mop up and patrol. In the west, southwest area, continue direct line construction. Mop up, hold, and improve existing control lines.

With the southwest winds there is a potential for extreme fire behavior if the winds, fuels, and topography come into alignment. There is the possibility for single and group tree torching, upslope crown runs, and spotting up to 1/2 mile. The highest probability is on the northwest portion of the fire.

**Red Flag Warning remains in effect through early Wednesday morning**

Tuesday night: South west winds at ridge tops subsided between 2000-2200 and became south to southeasterly at 12 mph, with gusts to 20 mph. Down canyon winds were across the lower slopes ranging between 5-10 mph. Maximum relative humidity ranged between 40-55% overnight.

Wednesday: Southwest winds will increase today and align with the lower canyons and valleys. Expect ridge top winds of 20-35 mph Wednesday afternoon. Minimum relative humidity will range between 20-30% during the afternoon. A pacific system will push into the King Fire Thursday and linger into the weekend. Expect a partly to mostly cloudy sky, cooler temperatures, higher humidity, along with a chance for showers and thunderstorms.