08/16/2008 Daily Fire Update
Incident: Snow Hole Wildland Fire
Released: 8/16/2008
Snow Hole Progress Faster Than Expected
(Cottonwood, ID) Friday, containment lines around the Snow Hole Fire continued to hold, and crews worked to reinforce line around the southeastern and southern flanks of the fire.
Much of the finer fuels within the Snow Hole Fire perimeter had burned completely, so fire officials reassessed whether a thorough burnout operation (as previously planned) was even warranted.
Due to the reduced risk of fire spread and steadily improving lines, Operations Section Chief Sam Gibbons determined that approximately 75% of the firelines are secure enough to classify as contained. As a result, some aircraft and crews assigned to the incident will be released, or demobilized, starting this weekend.
Larger, woody debris and fuels within the fire perimeter, which are still smoldering, remain a potential source for re-ignition. Therefore, Saturday, engine crews and firefighters will begin the process of "mopping up" within the fire containment lines. "Mop up" will entail utilizing engines and pumps along the fire perimeter, along with fire hoselay, so crews can cool down hot spots with water.
As Jim Nichols, Incident Commander (T), explained, "We can't put out the fire without a lot of boots on the ground".
Due to the remote location of the fire, crews and equipment will continue to be "spiked" out south of the fire on Joseph Plains, near containment lines.
Smoke along the Salmon River and helicopter operations may impact recreational rafting in the area; however, river closures are not anticipated. BLM River Rangers are still stationed at White House Bar to provide rafters current fire information.
