Investigators seek witnesses in Peak Fire

Stanislaus National Forest investigators located the point of origin for the Peak Fire just off Herring Creek Road northeast of the Trail of the Gargoyles Trailhead

They are seeking information from anyone who was in the vicinity between Sept. 28 and 12:04 p.m. Wednesday, when the fire was discovered.

“Investigators have been able to speak to multiple witnesses but are reaching out to the public for additional information regarding the fire as the area is a popular area for hunters, equestrian use, OHV riders and campers,” said Forest Public Affairs Officer Benjamin Cossel on Saturday.

Officially, the fire was at 400 acres as of noon Saturday, with a line around 15 percent of its perimeter, thanks to efforts from 210 firefighters.

The Fire Information for Resource Management System web site operated by the Forest Service and NASA indicates around 1,000 acres are affected by the fire.

Firefighters stopped forward progress on the blaze Friday, according to the update with hoses around 90 percent of its perimeter.

“Crews fought aggressively again Friday and were able to stop the forward progression of the fire,” Public Information Officer Kimberly Peterson said. “There was continued firefight from the air yesterday using the Black Hawk, Chinook, Super Puma (all Type 1 helicopters), and one Type 2 helicopter dropping buckets of water. The increase in acreage is due to the unburned fuels within the perimeter of the fire.”

The fire is burning near Strawberry 50 miles south-southeast of Carson Valley.