Fire Update for July 16, 2008
Incident: Cold Springs Wildland Fire
Released: 7/16/2008
FIRE ACTIVITY SUMMARY: Yesterdays suppression efforts significantly held the majority of fire in check. Today fire activity is expected to increase around 1 pm and continue through 7 pm. Islands of fuel will continue to burn within the perimeter of the fire. Spotting may occur to the east and southeast during early evening. Fire is primarily spreading from heavy dead and down fuels and spotting from trees with heavy lichen in unharvested areas and through slash from recent timber harvest areas. Recent infrared mapping confirmed acreage at 7604.
TODAY'S ACTIONS: Crews continued direct and indirect line construction in all divisions. Dozers worked on line construction in the E and NE. Air support continues with 2 heavy, 2 medium, and 2 light helicopters.
WEATHER: An upper level trough will move into the Pacific Northwest today bringing increased west winds and cooler weather. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70's with moderate relative humidities. The cooler temperatures are likely to continue through Thursday and Friday. Warmer, drier weather will return this weekend as an upper level ridge builds over the area and persist into next week.
RESTRICTIONS AND CLOSURES: Forest Road 8040 accessing the trailhead has been temporarily closed. Forest Roads 80 and 82 are also closed at the Forest boundary north of Trout Lake, closing access to all roads, trails and campgrounds east of FR 23. Gifford Pinchot National Forest campground closures include: Morrison, Cold Springs, Horse Camp. Washington DNR campground closures include: Bird Creek and Island Camp.
The community of Trout Lake is open with clear skies. Summer events will continue as planned including the Trout Lake Festival of the Arts (July 19 and 20) , Summer Saturday Market,(July 19) and Trout Lake Fair (Aug. 1-3). Although there are some closures in the Guifford Pinchot National Forest, much of the forest is open for recreation. For specific forest closure information contact 509.395.3400.
COOPERATING AGENCIES: USDA Forest Service, Yakama Nation, WA DNR, Yakima and Klickitat County Sheriff's Office, Yakima BIA.
FIRE CAMP/HELIBASE LOCATION: The ICP is located at the Trout Lake School in Trout Lake, Washington. The helibase is at the Trout Lake Airport.
