August 14, 2009 Update
Incident: Panther Creek Fire Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2009
Thirteen timber fires are burning within the North Cascades National Park. These fires are grouped into complexes by geographic location for management purposes. The Panther Complex is a group of 5 fires near the Panther Creek Drainage/Ruby Mt. Fires range in size from 0.1 to 353 acres. The Crapper Complex, near Newhalem Creek, has 4 fires between 0.1 and 2 acres. The Moon Complex in the Stephen Mather Wilderness has 3 fires, two are 0.5 acres and the third is 66 acres. The Agnes Fire, 1 acre, is near Heather Ridge in the Stehekin area. The park's fire management team is using a variety of strategies to manage the fires. Fire management objectives provide for firefighter and public safety, protection for property and infrastructure, and multiple natural resource benefits.
Conditions and Fuels: Fires are burning in fire adapted ecosystems. Fires are in alpine and subalpine forests that are located in steep, inaccessible terrain. Due to the difficult conditions, helicopters are used to support firefighting efforts: aerial monitoring of fire activity, transporting crews, and making water drops on fires.
Current Situation: Yesterday's overcast and wet weather restricted helicopter use for monitoring and suppression tactics but allowed time for firefighters to monitor fires and plan for future efforts. Today, reppellers will be inserted into the Agnes Fire in the Stehekin Area to meet suppression objectives. Helicopters will use buckets to make water drops on fires requiring suppression tactics. The park's fire effects team will set up rapid assessment plots ahead of the fire to research fire effects in the Moon Complex area. Ground and air monitoring of all fires will continue.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Today will be mostly cloudy with a chance of showers in the morning, and showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Weather conditions will vary by location from 52-65 degrees, and 37-72% relative humidity. Despite recent wet weather, fires continue to smolder on the ground and produce smoke. Warmer, drier conditions are expected early next week that may increase fire activity.
Resources Assigned to the Fire: Personnel: Park staff supported by single resources
Aircraft: 2 helicopters, one Type 3 (light) and one Type 2 (medium)
TRAIL CLOSURES: The Panther Creek Trail is closed from the trailhead on Highway 20 to Fourth of July Pass until further notice. The Brush Creek Trail closure has been rescinded, it is now open.
HIGHWAY 20: Highway 20 is open. Park visitor facilities have not been affected.
