Update Smoke Advisory for Big Bar and Surrounding
Incident: Iron Alps Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/12/2008
Expect Very Smoky Conditions in Big Bar and Surrounding Areas
August 12, 2008
Good progress in being made in containing the Eagle Fire using backfires between the Eagle and Cedar fires. The lower Price Creek drainage will be intentionally burned out as a control measure to protect the community of Big Bar.
Firing operations are routinely used in this steep and heavily vegetated terrain. Firelines that have not been reinforced with intentional burning are rarely successful in checking rolling material or aerial spotting.
This firing operation is expected to reach firebreaks previously constructed immediately south of Big Bar by Wednesday, August 13. Structure protection activities are currently underway in Big Bar.
North of Big Bar, the Buckhorn Fire continues to back towards containment lines on its southern flank. Firing operations are underway to achieve containment objectives on the Buckhorn Fire and are expected to reach Highway 299 within three to five days.
The Big Bar area is especially vulnerable to impaired air quality due to frequent atmospheric inversions and the steep, constricted landscape. The combination of the advancing fire and the firing operations necessary to control it are expected to create notably smoky conditions over the next five to seven days.
Motorists on Highway 299 should use extra caution in the area due to both increased firefighter traffic and potential decreased visibility on the roadway.
For additional information regarding air quality and smoke impacts, go to:
AirNow - Smoke from Forest Fires, How to Protect Your Family: http://airnow.gov/index.cfm action=smoke fires.main
Center for Disease Control (CDC) - Wildfire Fact Sheet: http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/wildfires/facts.asp
