August 25, 2007
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/25/2007
August 25, 2007, 8:00 am
Fire Information Center: 1-208-382-3202 or 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: 23 % Time of Containment: No Estimation
Number of Personnel: 721 Aircraft: 4 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 2 Type 3 (Helicopters)
Equipment: 53 Engines, 7 Water Tenders, 7 Dozers Crews: 6 Type 1 and 13 Type 2
Cost to date: 34 M Structures Lost: 3 out buildings
Yesterdays Fire Activity
Warmer temperatures and lower relative humidities led to increased fire behavior. Observations included; small group and isolated tree torching, occasional short runs, and creeping/smoldering over the balance of the fire.
Protection efforts have been successful and measures used include fuel reduction, sprinklers and extinguishing spot fires. A burn out operation was very successful in securing the structures in the Paradise Valley area.
The order to down grade the Level 3 Implemented Evacuation Order down to a Level 2 Recommended Evacuation Order was issued by the Valley County sheriffs Office is still in place. The order allows primary residents to re-enter 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. Lick Creek Road still remains unsafe and closed.
Arrangements have been made allowing residents of Big Creek access through the fire using the Warm Lake road.
Todays Planned Activity
Crews are taking actions on identified point protection objectives at Yellow Pine, Johnson Creek, Deadwood, Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows, Paradise Valley and Landmark. Additional fire personnel are removing severely burned "hazard" trees along travel routes.
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 Complex until further notice. More specific information may be obtained at the local Forest Service offices.
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