Morning Update August 11, 2007 8:00 AM
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/11/2007
Current Status
Management of the Cascade Complex is under the command of Paul Broyles' Type 1 Great Basin National Incident Management Team (IMT). The complex is composed of two large fires: North Fork (11,308 acres; 35% contained) and Monumental (32,728 acres; 35% contained). Two smaller fires (Whisky at 25 acres and Tyndall at 1 acre) are 100% contained.
Yesterday afternoon, crews on the North Fork Fire initiated a burnout between the Two-Bit and Six-Bit Creek drainages to protect the Incident Command Post (ICP), structures near Warm Lake and to secure the east flank of the North Fork Fire. A" burnout" is intentionally setting a fire to consume fuels in front of the main fire. Subject to favorable conditions, the goal today is to burnout between Six-Bit Creek and the Warm Lake Road Bridge at the South Fork Salmon River. This burnout is expected to last for three to five days. Powerlines located between the communities of Cascade and Yellow Pine may be temporarily shut down during burnout operations late today or tomorrow.
The Monumental Fire made advances on its northern flank; however, some of the progression was slowed by the 1989 Warm Lake Fire and the 1987 Deadwood Fire. The fire also burned across FS Road 579 at Deadwood Summit and spread to the east. Helicopters worked the area to slow its progress but the head of the fire will continue to advance towards the northeast.
Crews working the night shift focused on protecting the Stolle Guard Station and patrolling FS Road 474 north of the ICP. The fire has advanced to within a quarter mile of the station.
The Valley County Sheriff's Department, after consulting with the IMT and Boise National Forest staff, has closed Warm Lake Road until further notice to all but emergency traffic due to the extreme fire behavior and operational activities. Fire behavior has been so extreme that public safety could be compromised. Lick Creek Road remains open to residents and those working in the Yellow Pine and Johnson Creek areas only. No escort will be necessary.
Estimated Acreage/Containment
Complex Acreage: Estimated at 44,036 acres. Containment is now estimated at 27% for the entire complex. No containment or control dates have been established.
Values at Risk/Structures Lost
Structures and areas that remain threatened include the Meadow Creek and Rice Peak Lookouts, Landmark Historic Guard Station, Walker Peak Communications Site, Stolle Meadows Guard Station, commercial buildings in Stolle Meadows, the Warm Lake, Paradise and Stibnite areas, Deadwood Outfitters, two organizational camps and the Cascade Complex Incident Command Post at Knox Ranch. There are 142 residences, 52 commercial properties, and 309 outbuildings and other structures. One structure (Snowshoe Cabin) was lost earlier in the incident.
Resources on the Fire/Costs
These numbers are updated daily at 6:30 p.m. Crews: 33 Helicopters: 6 Engines: 43 Water tenders: 11 Dozers: 2 Personnel: 1,058 Reportable Injuries: 3 Costs to Date: $7,296,950 (Reduction in cost is due to moving the Riordan and Sandy Fire costs to a new account under the Landmark Complex).
Cooperators
Cooperators include: Valley County Sheriff's Office, Valley County government, Southern Idaho Timber Protection Association, Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands and Idaho Division of Land & Forestry.
Closures and Restrictions
The Boise, Payette and Salmon-Challis National Forests have implemented road and area closures to provide for public safety within the fire areas. Please contact the Boise National Forest Information Center for more information at (208) 384-3266, or visit their website at www.fs.fed.us/r4/boise/.
Today's Plan
Crews will focus on burnout operations along the eastern flank of the North Fork Fire along FS Road 474. Crews will continue structure protection on residences in the Warm Lake, Stolle Meadow and Knox Ranch areas. This includes thinning vegetation and installing sprinkler systems to reduce approaching fire intensity and reduce chances for embers to ignite roofs. Flanking operations will continue on both fires supported by aerial resources. Additionally, crews will continue mop-up operations where containment lines have held.
Fire Weather
A Red Flag Warning is forecasted for today for dry and windy conditions, with temperatures in the mid-80s and minimum relative humidity 10 -15%. Winds will be south at 10-20 mph, with gusts ranging between 30-40 mph, pushing fires generally north. A red flag warning is also forecast for Sunday, due to high temperatures, low relative humidity and gusty winds.
Fire Behavior
Fire behavior conditions remain at record levels for this area of Idaho. The fires will become very active mid-afternoon today, with crowning, torching and spotting probable. Winds, drainages and slopes will influence fire activity and movement.
Fire and Other Information
Further information on the Cascade Complex can be obtained by calling (208) 632-2810 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. or by going to http://www.inciweb.org/. For information on other fires elsewhere in the area, contact the Boise National Forest Information Center for more information at (208) 384-3266 or go to www.fs.fed.us/idahofires/.
