Press Release of August 23, 2008
Incident: Foam Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 8/23/2008
EASTERN AREA
Fire Use Management Team
Jack Creek Fire - Foam Creek Fire Complex
News Release
Date: August 23, 2008
Subject: Fire Update for Wenatchee Ranger District Fires
Contact: Becky Banker 509-548-3069; jackcreekfire@gmail.com; www.inciweb.org
While the Jack Creek and Foam Creek fires continue to smolder in remote, unpopulated areas of the Wenatchee River Ranger District, both fires remain relatively inactive. Arial reconnaissance yesterday revealed that the fires remain essentially the same size with some isolated hot spots. A drying trend is forecasted through the weekend, bringing with it the possibility of increased fire activity.
Fires of this nature tend to remain viable for long periods of time. Past history indicates that with the coming of wet weather the fires tend to lie down and not exhibit active fire behavior. These fires can remain dormant for extended periods of time. Should this be followed by a drying trend, the fire may become active again and display more active fire behavior. This could include open flames, up hill runs, torching, and heavier smoke.
The Eastern Wildland Fire Use Management Team, Barbara Bonefeld, Incident Commander, is managing these fires on the Wenatchee River Ranger District. The Incident Command Post is located at the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.
A temporary flight restriction remains in effect for the Jack Creek Fire. Trail closures were updated Tuesday, August 19, 2008. Visitors to the Forest are urged to familiarize themselves with fire locations, fire activity, and related closures. As of August 19, the Wenatchee River Ranger District has enlarged the area of restricted access in the vicinity of the Jack Creek Fire. Updated closures and closure maps may be accessed on the Wenatchee National Forest Web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/wenatchee, or at http://www.inciweb.org/, or by calling the Wenatchee River Ranger District at (509) 548-6977.
The Jack Creek Fire is located within the Jack Creek drainage of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The fire has not appreciably enlarged over the last several days, remaining 1058 acres in size. All ground resources have been removed from the fire due to weather. Public safety and the safety of fire personnel will continue to be emphasized for all operations. Current fire behavior consists largely of creeping through surface fuels.
The Foam Creek Fire has advanced through a previously burned area of abundant dead and downed fuels. The fire now encompasses 595 acres within the Glacier Peak Wilderness. A Trail closure is in effect on the White River Trail. Predicted warm and dry weather for the next few days could increase fire behavior. This fire will continue to be monitored for wildland fire use with the objective of achieving natural fuel reduction. Rock faces and scree slopes provide substantial natural barriers that should limit the spread of this fire. The Foam Creek Fire is located in a remote area removed from communities or structures.
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