Castle Rock Fire Morning Update - September 5, 200
Incident: Castle Rock Wildland Fire
Released: 9/5/2007
After managing the Castle Rock Fire for the past two and a half weeks, California Team 3 will be turning management over to a Type 2 Incident Management Team from Utah, led by Incident Commander Tom Suwyn. With the fire at 100% containment, but still not yet under control, Suwyn's team will continue the mop-up and rehabilitation work.
Incident Commander, Jeanne Pincha-Tulley stated, "We again want to thank the community for all the generous support and hospitality during our time on this incident. We felt very welcome in your community and were overwhelmed by your interest and support."
All voluntary evacuations and advisories have been lifted around the fire area. Fire crews remain working in residential areas; residents and visitors to the area should be aware of them. Media wishing to visit the area still require an escort. Media are asked to call 208-622-7379 if they would like to schedule a visit to the area.
Crews return to the fireline today to continue mopping up 500 feet into the interior. Although the fire received rain last night, there may be hot spots needing additional attention to put them out. Crews will also continue to remove the 75 miles of hose that was laid for suppression efforts and the equipment from the fire area.
The fire received precipitation last night, and up to ¾ inch of rain is possible today. The moisture, though needed, will create an additional hazard for firefighters with slippery slopes and the chance of mudslides and flash flooding. A Flash Flood Warning is in effect for the fire area until 11 am today; a Flash Flood Watch will be in effect for the rest of the day. In the event of a flash flood, stay in your house and call 9-1-1.
The Sawtooth National Forest closure area for public safety is still in effect west of Highway 75 within the Big Wood River drainage of the Ketchum Ranger District, as well as a portion of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. It is a federal misdemeanor to violate a closure and citations are being issued. For specific information and a map log on to www.inciweb.org/incident/952/.
Stage two fire restrictions are in place with the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management.
