8-15 Cascade Complex Morning Update
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/15/2007
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 now composed of three fires: North Fork (33,473 acres and 23% contained); Monumental (65,960 acres and 25% contained); and the Sandy Fire (17,353 acres and 32% contained). Management responsibility for the Sandy Fire was transferred to the Cascade Complex earlier this morning from the Landmark Complex.
Yesterday, the fires exhibited only moderate activity after several days of extreme fire behavior. This was due to an inversion that lasted most of the day, finally clearing around 4 p.m. yesterday afternoon. Growth on the fires continued to the north and east, actively burning thorough areas of old burns. Fire personnel conducted an assessment of the Incident Command Post (ICP), and Warm Lake and surrounding areas after the North Fork Fire pasted through Monday afternoon. The only structures confirmed lost were five unoccupied, historic buildings in the Knox Ranch area at ICP.
The North Fork Fire continues to burn north through the South Fork Salmon River drainage. It is also backing down towards the Warm Lake Road. Crews are thinning and chipping vegetation along the road in preparation of the fire reaching there. They may also conduct a burnout operation along the road if weather and fire conditions afford the opportunity.
The Monumental Fire has burned into the Sandy Fire.. Most of the growth on the fire continues to the north and east. The southern flank has not shown any recent growth. Plans for a burnout along Forest Road 437 (Sandy Creek Road) are under development if necessary.
Structure protection measures remain in place for the Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows and Paradise Valley areas. No structures have been reported lost in these areas. Powerlines located between Scott Valley and Yellow Pine have been shut down until further notice for firefighter safety. There are 21 confirmed power poles lost or damaged. Idaho Power continues to work in close concert with the IMT to address power-related issues.
The Warm Lake Road remains closed until further notice to all but emergency traffic. This is necessary to meet fire suppression operation needs and to ensure firefighter and public safety. The Lick Creek Road is also closed to non-emergency fire fighting traffic.
Estimated Acreage/ containment
Complex Acreage: Estimated at 99,433 acres. Containment is now estimated at 20% for the entire complex. No containment or control dates have been established.
Values at Risk/Structures Lost
Structures and areas that remain threatened include Warm Lake and Paradise areas, two organizational camps Meadow Creek and Rice Peak Lookouts, Landmark and Stolle Meadows Historic Guard stations, and Walker Peak Communications Site. Also, commercial buildings in Stolle Meadows, Deadwood Outfitters, campgrounds, cultural sites, and the Cascade Complex Incident Command Post at Knox Ranch. There are over 200 structures threatened. Six structures have been confirmed lost (Snowshoe Cabin and five at Knox Ranch).
Resources on the Fire/Costs
These numbers are updated daily at 6:30 p.m. Crews: 35 Helicopters: 6 Engines: 48 Water tenders: 14 Dozers: 2 Personnel: 1,172 Reportable Injuries: 4 Costs to Date: $11,453,229 (as of August 14)
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.
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
Today, crews will focus on continued structure protection of buildings, power lines and other critical resources throughout the fire area, concentrating on the Warm Lake and Paradise Valley areas. Additionally crews will address any spot fires and continue mop-up operations where containment lines have held. Chippers will be utilized to address vegetation that has been thinned along the Warm Lake Road for a planned burnout, subject to favorable fire and weather conditions.
Fire Weather
A Fire Weather Watch is in effect today for high temperatures, low humidity and possible thunderstorm activity with associated gusty winds. Little precipitation is expected with these thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s and minimum relative humidity 8-12%. Winds will be out of the west at 5 -10 mph, with gusts up to 20 mph. A strong inversion may trap smoke in the valleys until early afternoon, after which time the fires should become more active.
Fire Behavior
Fires will become very active mid-afternoon today, with crowning, torching and long-range spotting up to 1 mile possible. Topography and winds will influence fire activity and movement. Fire and Other
Information
Further information on the Cascade Complex can be obtained by calling (801) 413-0581 between 7 a.m. and 9 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/.
