A new blaze, dubbed the #PocketFire, sparked concern early yesterday when it erupted near Pocket Ranch Rd and Ridge Oaks Rd just north of Geyserville. CAL FIRE's LNU unit swiftly engaged, dispatching a substantial wildland team as initial reports showed smoke discernible from afar. According to the updates CAL FIRE LNU posted on social media, the fire had scorched some 15 acres of grass within a brief window. It was creeping forward at a 'moderate rate of spread', according to air attack personnel, with the potential to ravage an estimated 150 acres.
#PocketFire UPDATE: Another good stop using the combination of air and ground resources to attack the fire. Firefighters now have it contained at 12.5 acres. Crews will have a 3-4 hour commitment time for mop-up. pic.twitter.com/k8BNAQzRTM
— CAL FIRE LNU (@CALFIRELNU) July 6, 2024
The response was robust and agile, involving eight engines, two crews, two dozers, and an air fleet comprising two helicopters and four air tankers alongside an air tactical craft. The synergy of air and land efforts seemed an effective dovetail as air support rained down fire retardant and water, providing cover for the firefighters weaving a hose lay below. Dozer and hand crews lent their muscle to fortify this containment with control lines, intent on boxing the insatiable appetite of the fire.
It wasn't long before the coordinated assault between sky and soil began showing tangible results. CAL FIRE LNU reported a 'good stop' thanks to the air-ground resource combo. The relentless advance of the fire had not only been halted but also contained at a significantly smaller scale than initially feared—12.5 acres sealed off from potential further destruction. Firefighters now transitioned to the mop-up phase, anticipating a few more hours of unwinding the coiled threat they faced.
