Ray Ford

In the distance, Condor Point stands shrouded in smoke. While there is cause for optimism, there is still much concern about this part of upper Tecolote Canyon because it is so remote.

Overnight, the Gap Fire grew to 9,367 acres, adding just over a square mile of burned brush. Most of this occurred as the fire continued to push west towards Condor Peak and north into the upper part of the Winchester drainage. While there is still some concern about the paved part of West Camino Cielo, where flames continue to bump up against the road, it appears the line will hold, providing some relief to those who live nearby.

On the lower part of the fire line, the blaze is now completely contained though there are still some hotspots that need to be mopped up. While just a few days ago thousands of homes appeared at risk, owners are now returning to their houses. The major area of concern continues to be on the western and northwestern edges of the fire line this morning as the fire heads into extremely rugged, steep terrain that will be difficult to defend. While dozers are heading from either direction to widen the fuel break along the top — from the Winchester Gun Club on the east to Broadcast Peak on the north — there is six or seven miles of rough dirt road that fire fighters will need to defend if they are to keep it from crossing the ridge.

This could prove difficult, especially since upslope winds are expected to continue and overpower the coastal flow that has been so helpful over the past several days. While fire fighters dodged a bullet yesterday, today may prove not to be so fortunate.

Fire map updated Sunday morning at 9 a.m. Perimeter in the vicinity of Condor Peak and the upper Winchester Canyon are approximate as today's fire map with photo details was not available. However, it is clear the area into which the fire is moving is steep and filled with heavy fuels.

Related Links

• More Gap Fire News
• Larger Gap Fire Map (updated 9am, July 6)
• Get Fire updates on your cell phone

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