Morning Update August 16, 2007, 8:00 AM
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/16/2007
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 (34,498 acres and 16% contained); Monumental (67,564 acres and 17% contained); and the Sandy (18,093 acres and 29% contained). Management responsibility for the Sandy Fire was transferred to the Cascade Complex yesterday from the Landmark Complex.
Yesterday, the fires showed moderate activity after the inversion lifted mid-afternoon. The North Fork Fire spread less than one mile to the north with active burning within the fire perimeter. It is now E of Four-Mile Creek near the head waters of Caton Creek. Crews conducted a burnout at Knox Ranch to reduce the remaining fuels between the fire and the Incident Command Post. The western flank continues to hold. The North Fork fire bumped up against dozer lines constructed along the northwest side of Paradise Valley in the Cabin Creek area, but the lines held.
The Monumental Fire was very active along the western flank. The fire has crossed Tyndall Creek and is now pushing to the W and NE along the South Fork Salmon River corridor. It is now in the Artillery Dome area S of Pistol and W of the headwaters of Luger Creek. The NE flank of the Monumental Fire has spread across Sand Creek into the Sandy Fire. The southern flanks continue to hold.
Last night, crews were staged near structures to patrol for spot fires and maintain sprinkler systems.
Structure protection measures remain in place for the Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows, Paradise Valley and Deadwood Road 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.
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 120,155 acres (total of all fires). Containment is now estimated at 21% for the entire complex. No containment or control dates have been established.
Values at Risk/Structures Lost
Warm Lake and Paradise areas, two organizational camps, Meadow Creek and Rice Peak Lookouts, Landmark and Stolle Meadows Historic Guard stations, Walker Peak Communications Site, Juniper Outfitters, 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). Other resources threatened include bull trout, Chinook salmon, and steelhead trout habitat.
Resources on the Fire/Costs
These numbers are updated daily at 6:30 p.m. Crews: 35 Helicopters: 7 Engines: 49 Water tenders: 14 Dozers: 2 Personnel: 1,163 Reportable Injuries: 4 Costs to Date: $12,597,776 (as of August 15)
Cooperators
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
·· Focus on structure protection of buildings, power lines and other critical resources throughout the fire are concentrating on the Warm Lake, Paradise Valley, Stolle Meadows, Landmark Guard Station, Deadwood Outfitters, and the Knox Ranch ICP.
·· Construct line on the Monumental Fire between Railroad Pass and the South Fork Salmon River.
·· Establish direct line south from Warm Lake Highway over Kline Mt. to NW corner of Warm Lake.
·· Burnout along Forest Road 437 and 447 from the Sandy Fire perimeter to Landmark.
·· Prepare for possible burnout W of the West Shore and Kinney Point at Warm Lake.
Fire Weather
A Red Flag Warning is in effect for the complex today for high temperatures, low humidity and possible thunderstorm activity and gusty winds. Little precipitation is expected with these thunderstorms. Temperatures will be in the upper 80s and minimum relative humidity 14-19%. Winds will be out of the W/SW at 7 -10 mph, with gusts up to 15 mph, and slightly stronger on the ridge tops. A strong inversion may trap smoke in the valleys until late morning, after which time the fires should become more active.
Fire Behavior
Fires will become moderately active mid-afternoon today, with crowning, torching and long-range spotting up to one 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/.
