Panther Creek Fire Update August 15 2009
Incident: Panther Creek Fire Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/15/2009
Overview: 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 mixed conifer 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: A crew of four reppellers remained overnight at the Agnes Fire which is located in the Stehekin Area. They will remain onsite until the Agnes Fire is fully suppressed. Firefighters will continue to monitor all fires in the park. Weather permitting, helicopter bucket water drops will be made on the Cascade Fire in the Crapper Complex.
Weather and Fire Behavior: The overcast weather is predicted to break this afternoon with skies becoming partly cloudy. Despite recent wet weather, fires continue to smolder on the ground and produce smoke. Little rain has reached the ground through the dense forest canopies. Warmer, drier conditions are expected early next week. Tuesday temperatures are predicted to be in the 90s. Fire behavior and smoke intensity may increase as a result of this weather change.
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.
HIGHWAY 20: Highway 20 is open. Park visitor facilities have not been affected.
