Boise NF Fire Update 8-30-07
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 8/30/2007
News
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Boise National Forest
1249 S. Vinnell Way
Suite 200
Boise, Idaho 83709
208-373-4100
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Boise NF Fire Info Center: 208-384-3266
Thursday morning, August 30, 2007 Websites: www.fs.fed.us/idahofires
www.inciweb.org
Red Flag Warning & Recreational Opportunities
Boise, ID - A Red Flag Warning is in effect all afternoon and evening on the Boise National Forest. Mostly dry thunderstorms are expected over the Forest and have the potential to cause rapid increases in fire activity and dramatic changes in fire spread direction. These conditions may present a very dangerous situation for firefighters working on the Cascade Complex and other area fires.
Even though the fires are not finished, the summer season is coming to its unofficial end after the upcoming Labor Day weekend. Visitors planning to visit the Boise National Forest should know that recreational opportunities exist, despite on-going fires. Highway 21 is open between Boise and Stanley. The Banks-Lowman Road is also open. The National Forest lands north of Highway 21 between Lowman and Banner Summit are open to the public. The Clear Creek Road (#582) heading north from Lowman is open and provides access to Bear Valley. The Landmark-Stanley Road (#579) is open from Bear Valley to the junction with Road #555. Deadwood Reservoir is also available for visitors. The southern part of the Forest south of Lowman remains open with very few exceptions.
Only property owners in Yellow Pine, Johnson Creek and Big Creek will be allowed to access their properties via Warm Lake Road. The Warm Lake area remains closed to all but emergency traffic. Yellow Pine remains under a Level 2 Evacuation Order, but should be prepared for a higher level evacuation at any time.
Stage 2 Fire Restrictions remain in effect on the Boise, Sawtooth and Payette National Forest lands as well as all Boise and Twin Falls District BLM lands
Cascade Complex Total: 238,355 acres, 26% contained
Monumental Fire - 190,072 acres, Riordan Fire - 48,382 acres
A heavy smoke inversion limited fire activity until mid-afternoon yesterday, but increased quickly once the smoke lifted. The planned burnout in the Landmark area did not occur due to unfavorable conditions. The Monumental Fire is moving to the northeast and may grow together with the Riordan Fire. A defensive strategy remains in place to protect structures and critical infrastructure.
Resources: 549 personnel, 8 crews, 9 aircraft, 30 engines
Contact: Cascade Complex Fire Info: 208-382-3202
