Rattlesnake Point Complex - July 5, 2008
Incident: Rattlesnake Point Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/5/2008
RATTLESNAKE POINT COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - OKANOGAN FIRE DISTRICT 3 - BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
JULY 5, 2008 - 9:00 AM
INFORMATION LINE: (509) 826-0455
EMAIL: WAIMT2@comcast.net
TOTAL COMPLEX ACRES: 2620
FIRE CAUSE: LIGHTNING
LOCATION: The Rattlesnake Point Complex fires are located in the Okanogan Valley and on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The four fires consist of the Rattlesnake Point fire 10 miles SW of Okanogan. The Jackass Butte, Coyote Creek and the Kartar Valley fires are located on the Colville Reservation.
VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN: The fires are burning in scattered timber, sagebrush and rangeland in steep, rocky terrain.
FIRE SITUATION: Good progress was made yesterday on the Rattlesnake Point fire. With the help of the cooler temperatures, scattered showers, and higher relative humidity, fire activity was moderate. Crews continue to perform mop-up operations and secure the containment lines. Safety concerns include extremely steep, rocky terrain, rolling debris, snags and hazard trees. Crews will begin control line rehabilitation. Acres burned 741.
The Jackass Butte fire is in patrol status and 100% contained. Acres burned 1,765.
The Coyote Creek fire is 40% contained with containment lines in place on the southern end of the fire perimeter. The fire continues to consume unburned pockets of fuel between the fire's edge and containment lines. The rugged, mountainous landscape challenges firefighting efforts. Acres burned 17.
The Kartar Valley fire is burning just south of Omak Lake and is now 80% contained. Acres burned 97. Two new lightning strikes were discovered yesterday. One was located ¾ of a mile west of the Kartar Valley fire and the other east 1 mile from the fire. Crews on the Kartar Valley fire worked in conjunction with air operations to quickly contain those fires.
All injuries reported on this fire have been minor in nature.
ROAD CLOSURES: None
RESOURCES: Crews 14, Helicopters 3, Engines 25, Dozers 2, Water Tenders 18, Overhead 56, Camp Crews 3 - Total Personnel 380
