08/18/2008- Daily Fire Update
Incident: Snow Hole Wildland Fire
Released: 8/18/2008
Snow Hole Fire Winds Down
(Cottonwood, ID) This will be the last fire update from Kusicko's Incident Management Team (IMT). A local IMT is preparing to assume command of the Snow Hole Fire Tuesday morning, August 19th. The Incident Command Post (ICP) established east of Keuterville will be dismantled on Tuesday, and the new camp will be located where a spike camp has been established on Joseph Plains. Approximately 75 firefighters will be stationed there until the fire is controlled.
Sunday, crews continued to secure containment lines around the Snow Hole Fire. Crews mopped up about 200 feet inside containment lines and are finding fewer hotspots every day. In fact, the line around the western flank of the fire is looking so good that Operations Section Chief Sam Gibbons compared it to the "shady side of an iceberg."
Areas of heavy, woody fuels still remain unburned within the fire perimeter, particularly along the southern flank of the fire between the upper ends of the Home Sweet Home and Kylie Creek drainages. These unburned fuels will continue to smolder and even some individual and group tree torching will occur. As a result, smoke columns may occasionally develop, especially in the afternoons. Patrols will monitor this burning as a potential for spotting across containment lines, especially when windy conditions are forecasted.
Smoke and helicopter operations along the Salmon River may continue to impact recreational rafting in the area. However, the Salmon River will remain open.
Monday, you can still obtain Snow Hole Fire Information from the ICP near Keuterville by calling 208-962-5138. However, beginning Tuesday please call the Craig Mountain Idaho Department of Lands Office at 208-924-5571. Beginning Tuesday, daily updates will only be provided if fire conditions change significantly.
