Castle Rock Fire Update, September 6
Incident: Castle Rock Wildland Fire
Released: 9/6/2007
Command of the Castle Rock Fire was assumed at 1800 yesterday by Tom Suwyn's Type 2 Incident Management Team from the Great Basin. The fire is fully contained, but is not yet under control. A season-ending event, such as the onset of winter, will signal full control of the fire.
Suwyn's team will continue assessing rehabilitation needs and will continue to mop-up remaining hot spots up to 500 feet into the fire perimeter. Removal of fire equipment from the area will also continue.
The fire received additional precipitation yesterday and last night. The moisture, though needed, creates an additional hazard for firefighters with slippery slopes and the chance of mudslides and flash flooding. Yesterday, a group of firefighters were caught behind a mudslide west of Frenchman's Bend along Warm Springs Road. There were no injuries or damage to equipment.
Residents and visitors are reminded not to enter into the fire area to walk or bike on trails at the present time. The fire area is still very dangerous with helicopters and crews working in the area. Fire-weakened trees and snags can fall at any time.
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 to schedule a visit to the area.
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.
