August 24, 2007 Update
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/24/2007
August 24, 2007, 8:00 am Fire Information Center: 1-208-382-3202
1-208-382-3203
Fire Facts
Date Started: August 8, 2007 Cause of Ignition: Lightning
Location: 27 miles east of Cascade Idaho Size: 211,353 acres
Percent Contained: 20 % Time of Containment: No Estimation
Number of Personnel: 825 Aircraft: Type 1, 3 Type 2, 2 Type 3 Helicopters
Equipment: 39 Engines, 8 Water Tenders, 2 Dozers Crews: 6 Type 1 and 15 Type 2
Cost to date: 32 M Structures Lost: 3 out buildings
Yesterdays Fire Activity
With the temperatures warming and relative humidities decreasing fire behavior is on the rise however there was no major fire activity and no growth was recorded for the Cascade Complex. This lack of fire activity has allowed fire personnel the opportunity to strengthen and improve point protection at all designated Management Action Points. These points include Yellow Pine, Sulphur Ranch, Morgan Ranch, Johnson Creek, Deadwood, Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows, Paradise Valley, and Land Mark. A significant effort to improve safety by removing hazard trees from major travel routes is continuing.
An order down grading the Level 3 Implemented Evacuation Order down to a Level 2 Recommended Evacuation Order was issued by the Valley County sheriffs Office. This order allows primary residents to reenter the Yellow Pine, Johnson Creek, and Deadwood areas but cautions residents that evacuation may again be warranted if fire activity increases and again threatens to overrun these locations. Residents are advised to be prepared for this possibility. Travel to these areas should be via the Warm Lake Road the Lick Creek Road still remains unsafe and closed.
Evacuations are still in place for the ParadiseValley and Warm Lake areas.
Todays Planned Activity
Crews will continue to provide suppression protection to communities, structures and critical infrastructures to redirect or stop fire spread. Protection efforts have been successful and measures used include fuel reduction, sprinklers and extinguishing spot fires. Opportunities for more aggressive direct suppression actions will be evaluated as they develop. Fire behavior is expected to increase with continued drying and predicted gusty conditions.
Other Important Messages
Area, road, and trail closures are in effect around the Cascade and Landmark Complex until further notice. More specific information may be obtained at the local Forest Service offices.
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