8-14 Morning Update Cascade Complex
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2007
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 fires: North Fork (33,473 acres; 18% contained) and Monumental (59,202 acres; 10% contained). Total acreage for the complex is 92,675 acres with 18% containment.
Yesterday, both fires exhibited extreme fire behavior, moving further to the north and east. When the inversion lifted around 1:00 p.m., humidity dropped dramatically, going from 26% to 9% in less than an hour. When the fires began their major runs, humidity dropped to 5% at the Remote Automated Weather Stations (RAWS) at North Fork and Warm Lake.
The Monumental Fire has been burning actively through parts of the 1989 Warm Lake Fire. Structure protection measures remain in place for the Warm Lake, as well as Stolle Meadows, and Paradise Valley areas. No structures have been reported lost. Powerlines located between Scott Valley and Yellow Pine have been shut down until further notice due to rapid and uncertain fire growth and potential power pole damage. Idaho Power is working in close concert with the IMT to address issues with powerlines. The North Fork fire continues to burn north through the South Fork Salmon River.
The Monumental Fire became very active after the inversion and created a smoke column that pulled the North Fork Fire column over, overpowering surface winds from the southwest. The North Fork Fire began to spot across containment lines, establishing itself on the east side of the South Fork Salmon River. The fire then began a major run toward the Incident Command Post (ICP). The IMT immediately implemented its Camp Safety Plan for such an event. Fire suppression forces were recalled from other locations on the fires and implemented defensive actions. Approximately 350 people stayed in place as the North Fork Fire burned by camp on the west, east, and south flanks.
There were no major injuries, however several personnel suffered minor eye irritation and smoke inhalation. Two historic structures in Knox Meadows were lost, as well as 5 tents, two camp yurts, and several portable toilets. Other infrastructure suffered some minor damage. The event lasted for approximately 5 hours, with active burning on the ICP perimeters for several hours.
When the fire activity subsided, the IMT regrouped and went into an operational mode, focusing on continued structural protection and containment activities.
The Warm Lake Road remains closed until further notice to all but emergency traffic. This is necessary to meet operational purposes and to ensure firefighter and public safety. The Lick Creek Road is also closed to non-emergency fire fighting traffic effective.
Estimated Acreage/ containment
Complex Acreage: Estimated at 92,675 acres. Containment is now estimated at 18% for the entire complex. No containment or control dates have been established. The North Fork Fire has 20.5 miles of completed and 90 miles of uncontrolled fireline; an additional 7.5 miles is planned. The Monumental Fire has 15 miles of completed and 80.5 miles of uncontrolled fireline.
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 over 200 structures threatened. three structures have been lost (Snowshoe Cabin and two at Knox Ranch).
Resources on the Fire/Costs
These numbers are updated daily at 6:30 p.m. Crews: 36 Helicopters: 6 Engines: 38 Water tenders: 11 Dozers: 2 Personnel: 1,144 Reportable Injuries: 4 Costs to Date: $9,547,183 (as of August 12)
Cooperators
Cooperators include: Valley County Sheriff's Office, Valley County government, Southern Idaho Timber Protection Association, Boise National Forest, Idaho Department of Lands, Idaho Power and Idaho Division of Land & Forestry.
