Right Sizing for The Backbone Wildfire
Incident: Backbone Wildfire
Released: 7/18/2009
Right Sizing for the Backbone Wildfire
WILLOW CREEK, Calif. --Firefighters continue to make good progress in containing the Backbone and Red Spot Wildfires located in remote areas of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The combined fires currently total 6,306 acres and are 45% contained. Based on progress toward full containment the Incident Command Team and Forest Supervisors for the Shasta-Trinity, Six Rivers, and Klamath National Forests have made the decision to utilize a Type 3 Incident Command Team to replace the Type 2 now that the complexity is decreasing. The change will take place Monday, July 20, 2009. The incoming Type 3 team is same team that originally assumed responsibility after the initial attack on the lightning-caused fires. The National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) will continue to provide overall leadership to help insure continuity.
National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Incident Commander George Custer explains, "This change to a Type 3 team is a matter of right sizing the number of people and equipment to fit the current situation. Barring unforseen weather changes, we are on a downward glide path with the Backbone and Red Spot Wildfires. We expect to reach 100% containment by July 24, 2009."
"I want to express my sincere appreciation to the NorCal Team 1 for the outstanding work they have done during their 14 day assignment on the Backbone and Red Spot wildfires. Capable leadership by the NorCal Team, strong commitment by all the firefighters, and favorable weather conditions have helped us make far quicker progress toward containment than originally expected-over 30 days quicker", stated Custer.
As a reminder, it's important for the public to know that a large area around the two wildfires have been temporarily closed to public use. The closure order was implemented because of the high levels of emergency vehicle traffic on roads and the hazardous condition of trails within the areas affected by the wildfires. The full text of the closure order, as well as a map can be found on the Six Rivers National Forest web site and Inciweb.
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Thursday
July 18, 2009
BACKBONE
FIRE FACTS
U.S. Forest Service ● National Incident Management Organization - Atlanta
Klamath National Forest
1312 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097 ● Voice (530) 842-6131 ● Web: www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
3644 Avtech Parkway, Redding, CA 96002 ● Voice (530) 226-2500 ● Web: www.fs.fed.us/r5/shastatrinity
Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, CA 95501 ● Voice (707) 442-1721 ● Web: www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixrivers
Current Status
Fire crews have completed placing direct line on all sides of the Red Spot Fire. Crews are strengthening direct line being placed in hot areas on the east and south side of the Backbone Fire.
Size
6,324 Total acres: 4,534 Shasta-Trinity National Forest; 1,783 Six Rivers National Forest; 7 Klamath National Forest. Backbone Total: 5,177 and Red Spot 1,129
Location
12 miles northeast of Willow Creek in Trinity Alps Wilderness
Cause & Date Started
Lightning strikes in the Trinity Alps Wilderness on July 1
Containment
50 percent
Resources
Type 1 Crews: 20 Engines: 7
Type 2 Crews: 8 Water Tenders: 13
Helicopters: (3) Type 1; (3) Type 2, (3) Type 3
Total Personnel: 991
Closures
Six Rivers National Forest Order No. 10-09-01: The Big Rock River Access and Day Use area has been closed. There is a "No Stop Zone" from the mouth of Willow Creek to one mile downriver; visitors are asked to float through with caution, due to the helibase location.
Six Rivers National Forest Closure Order No. 10-09-01: Horse Ridge National Recreation Trail, Salmon Summit National Scenic Trail, Mill Creek, Tish Tang, and Red Cap Trails, Bear Hole, and Grizzly Camp areas.
Six Rivers National Forest Order No. 10-09-02: Extensive area closure in and around the Backbone and Red Spot wildfires. Refer to Six Rivers National Forest web site or Inciweb for detailed text and map.
Shasta -Trinity National Forest Order No. 14-09-03: Virgin Creek Trail, Soldier Creek Trail, Lipps Camp Trail, Devils Backbone Trail, Salmon Summit Trail from its intersection with the Devils Backbone Trail, then east to its intersection with the Battle Creek Trail
Other
A Sikorsky helicopter crashed while working the Fire yesterday afternoon. Two people were on board, both treated for very minor injuries. A small fuel spill resulted and clean-up is being conducted. Investigation teams will be arriving today. The crash site and associated forest road 10N04 is closed.
