Rattlesnake Point Fire - July 3, 2008
Incident: Rattlesnake Point Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/5/2008
RATTLESNAKE POINT FIRE UPDATE
JULY 3, 2008 - 11:00 AM
INFORMATION LINE: (509) 826-0455
EMAIL: WAIMT2@comcast.net
ACRES: 448
FIRE CAUSE: LIGHTNING
CONTAINMENT: 30%
LOCATION: The Rattlesnake Point fire is burning 10 miles southwest of Okanogan, Washington near Highway 97. The lightning caused fire began at 9:00 p.m. on June 30. Incident Commander Rex Reed and members of the Washington Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire yesterday at 6:00 p.m.
VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN: The fire is burning in scattered timber, sagebrush and range land in steep, rocky terrain.
FIRE SITUATION: Fire activity was moderate yesterday as crews worked on the southern perimeter of the fire. Today crews will continue to concentrate their efforts along the southern portion of the fire's edge strengthening containment lines and reducing fuels around the structures. Extensive air support activities will continue throughout day with retardant and water drops where necessary to cool and slow the fire spread.
A Red Flag Warning has been issued bringing thunderstorms over the fire area with the potential for an increase in fire activity. Thunderstorm activity will increase in the afternoon possibly producing gusty winds and hail. Winds in the valleys and lower slopes will be northwest 3-6 mph in the morning becoming south in the afternoon with gusts expected to be up to 40 mph or more near the thunderstorms. Temperatures will range from 86-93 degrees in the valleys and 80-90 in the mountains with relative humidity between 20-30 percent.
Traffic will remain heavy on Highway 97 and along roads located near the fire area. The public is reminded to continue driving cautiously in those areas. Cooperation provided by local residents and communities has enabled the Team to concentrate on suppression efforts efficiently and effectively.
ROAD CLOSURES: None
RESOURCES: Crews 11, Helicopters 3, Engines 7, Dozers 2, Water Tenders 7, Overhead 42, Camp Crews 3, Total Personnel 252
