Cascade Complex Update August 30, 2007
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/30/2007
August 30, 2007, 8:00 am Fire Information Center: 1-208-382-3202 or 1-208-382-3203
Fire Facts
Date Started: July 17, 2007 Cause of Ignition: Lightning
Location: 27 miles east of Cascade Idaho Size: 238,355 acres
Percent Contained: 26 % Time of Containment: No Estimation
Number of Personnel: 549 Aircraft: 4 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 3 Type 3 (Helicopters) 3 fixed wing platforms
Equipment: 27 Engines, 7 Water Tenders, 1 Dozers Crews: 0 Type 1 and 8 Type 2
Cost to date: 38.6 M Structures Lost: 3 out buildings
Yesterdays Fire Activity
A heavy inversion blanketed most of the fire area for a better part of the day and inhibited fire activity well into the afternoon. This inversion limited the ability to fly aerial observation or tactical missions. Active fire behavior began very quickly with the lifting of this inversion around 1500.
---Yellow Pine was very smokey for most of the day and little fire behavior occurred. There was little to no movement by the Zena Loon fire toward the Wellington Ranch area. Most of the activity was centered around the Caton Creek area of the Cascade Complex. A new group was established to assess the threat of fire in the Profile Creek and to establish a strategic plan for suppression action in order to keep fire from Yellow Pine.
Yellow Pine remains in a Level 2 evacuation status and residents are still advised to be prepared for the possibility of a higher level evacuation. Only property owners in Yellow Pine, Big Creek and Johnson Creek will be allowed to access their property.
---The Johnson Creek area continues to have fire on the eastern ridge and is backing slowly to the west. Little fire activity was evident. Suppression resources continue to strengthen point protection areas and prepare for contingency actions.
---The northeastern corner of the Cascade Complex formally known as the Monumental fire is burning in a northeasterly direction but has not yet connected with the fire formally known as the Riordan fire.
---The planned burn out operation in the Landmark area did not occur due to unfavorable conditions. Once the inversion lifted the area exhibited significant activity east of the guard station with the fire burning northeast of Lunch Creek.
---Forces in the Warm Lake and Paradise areas continue to mop up to a 300' foot standard. They are clearing hazard trees from roadways and beginning rehabilitation of dozer lines in the area. This area is still closed to all but fire personnel.
---Hotshot crews were inserted into the Monumental Peak area to complete a section of line and secure the southwestern corner of the fire. They will employ coyote tactics and remain overnight.
---An aerial assessment of the Sulphur and Morgan Ranch areas was conducted to ensure all was well.
---Night shift patrolled in Yellow Pine, Landmark and Warm Lake areas for structure protection.
---Crews continued to removed snags along secondary roads and secure a large portion of the southern boundary of the fire.
Today's Planned Activity
---Crews will continue to take action on identified point protection objectives at Yellow Pine, Johnson Creek, Deadwood, Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows, Paradise Valley and Landmark.
---Work on road clearing is progressing from major routes to the rest of the road network. Road buffer improvements are expected to take 3-4 more days.
Other Important Messages
Area, road, and trail closures are in effect around the Cascade Complex. More specific information may be obtained at the local Forest Service offices.
--Red Flag Warnings have been issued for dry thunderstorms and lightning in the cascade area.
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