September 4, 2007 Cascade Complex Update
Incident: Cascade Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 9/4/2007
September 04, 2007 Fire Information Center 1-208-382-3202 1-208-382-3203
Fire Facts
Date Started: July 17, 2007 Cause of Ignition: Lightning
Location: 27 miles east of Cascade Idaho Size: 258,135 acres
Percent Contained: 30 % Time of Containment: No Estimation
Number of Personnel: 668 Aircraft: 4 Type 1, 3 Type 2, 4 Type 3 (Helicopters) 3 fixed wing platforms
Equipment: 33 Engines, 5 Water Tenders, 0 Dozers Crews: 4 Type 1 and 10 Type 2
Cost to date: 42.5M Structures Lost: 3 out buildings
Yesterdays Fire Activity
---The Zena-Loon was very active and moved to the east and north of Eurigan Ranch. It remains on the ridge above Reegan Creek
---After the inversion lifted at approximately 1:00 PM various sites on the Cascade Complex became very active.
---The section of the Monumental Fire, on the east side of Johnson Creek, backed down slope to the containment lines and is still burning under the electrical power line.
---The fire on the west side of Johnson Creek near the Cox Ranch and Ice Hole Campground spotted down the hill and crossed the trigger point for a level three evacuation. Authorities and the residents of Johnson Creek were notified and an orderly evacuation of the area occurred. They exited via the Johnson Creek/Warm Lake road at approx. 1100 am. The road was then closed to non fire traffic due to fire behavior and smoky conditions. Suppression resources were deployed for direct suppression actions.
---Further north, the fire made a significant push in the Loosum Creek area and burned within 1 mile of Yellow Pine. The trigger point for a level 3 evacuation was crossed. Authorities and Yellow Pine residents were notified. Some individuals chose to leave and were escorted out via the Lick Creek Road at approximately 3 pm. Several residents remain in the town. Contingency plans have been activated to deploy a strike team of engines for structure protection. Fire personnel are still deployed in the area and are directly suppressing any spots that may occur. All roads into this area are currently closed to non-fire traffic.
---There are spot fires in Quartz Creek north of Yellow Pine and are burning north.
---The fire in the Profile Creek area moved slowly north/northeast.
---Fire activity in the Landmark area is burning adjacent to the road in near Lunch Creek and is impacting travel on the Johnson Creek road.
---Forces in the Warm Lake and Paradise areas continue to mop up a 300' foot standard. Work also included; clearing hazard trees from area roadways and rehabilitation of dozer lines in the area. This area is still closed to all but fire personnel.
--The fire was very active near Curtis Creek threatening the electrical power line and the Warm Lake Road. The power lines were de-energized cutting power all the way to Yellow Pine. Crews were deployed. Three helicopters were utilized for water drops to reduce the fire spread.
---The eastern edge of the fire has burned across the Middle Fork of the Salmon and is burning into the Greyhound Creek area.
---Operations in the Deadwood area are progressing and near completion.
---Crews are completing suppression efforts in the North Fork area.
Today's Planned Activity
--- Fire behavior is expected to again increase in and around the Johnson Creek, Yellow Pine, and Curtis Creek areas.
---Crews will continue to take action on identified point protection objectives at Yellow Pine, Johnson Creek, Warm Lake, Stolle Meadows, Paradise Valley and Landmark.
---Progress is being made to open routes and remove snags.
--There is a red flag warning issued for dry lightning.
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.
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