Wildfire News, 8/3/06

Daily Statistics 8/3/06

The cool front that went through the west has calmed down the hot peak of fire last week. Just a pause, probably, because the summer is far from over.

Day before we had half a day a rain before the sun came out. This morning, about 4 o'clock, I was woken up with loud thunder (although I don't think we really got any rain.)

Nevada is getting a good break from the breakneck fire pace, and utah has calmed way down.

But as the stormy weather passes and the sun comes back out, more will certainly follow.

And Texas and Oklahoma picked up a number of fires yesterday.

I am packing up a big house full of stuff for a move maybe as early as september, and when we get sluggish days like yesterday and the day before, I might get behind in the news search. But when it gets hot, I will be right there.

1 posted on 08/03/2006 8:54:19 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Bar Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-08-03 11:53:00
Fire Update: Bar Complex

August 3, 2006 08:30 AM

This complex consists of the Oven, Bake, Little, and Martin Fires. Each of these fires was caused by a lightning storm that moved through the area the evening of Sunday, July 23rd and Monday, July 24th.

Oven Fire: 3686 acres, Bake Fire: 3060 acres, Little Fire: 213 acres, Martin Fire: 3.5 acres

Locations: The Oven and the Bake Fires are located 17 miles NE of Willow Creek and are in the area of the East Fork New River. The Oven Fire is approximately 4 miles NE of Denny. The Bake Fire is burning in the area of Jakes Lower Camp, north of the Jim Jam Ridge Trail.

The Little Fire is located 18 miles northwest of Weaverville, near the community of Canyon Creek. This fire continues to remain in patrol status, meaning crews will continue to monitor the fire and look for hotspots.

Fire

Behavior: The dominate influence on the fire behavior will continue to be the timing of the inversion lift. Higher humidity will be high enough to keep the small, fine fuels from becoming a dominate factor in fire growth and spread. Fine fuels consist of leaf litter, grasses, and small diameter vegetation, like twigs and branches.

Discussion: Firefighters continue to conduct burnout operations along the Jim Jam Trail, the New River, and from the confluence of the New River and East Fork of the New River over to the Jim Jam Trailhead. The burnout successfully widened the containment line to a minimum of 300 feet, providing an effective firebreak should the fires make a run to the south. Burnouts are where firefighters ignite fuels in a controlled manner in advance of the main fire. In this instance, they ignited the fuels next to the containment line. By allowing the fire to burn towards the main fire, the fuels are consumed, thereby reducing the chance of the main fire jumping or spotting across the control line.

In speaking of the burnout operations that firefighters conducted along the Jim Jam Trail, Operations Section Chief, Arlen Cravens said, “It was a big deal what they accomplished there.” Adding, “By securing this southern edge of the Bake Fire, we are making significant progress in securing the southern and western edges of both the Oven and Bake Fires.”

The plan is to secure the southwest corner of both fires, then shift focus to the northeast edges of the fires. “We want to lockdown this southwest corner of the fire so we no longer have a threat to structures,” said Incident Commander Jeanne Pincha-Tulley.

Today, an inversion and smoky conditions from the other fires in the area will likely minimize fire activity until mid-afternoon.

Closures: The following trails have been closed due to fire activity of the Oven Fire and the Bake Fire: Caribou Lake Trail (9W18), East Fork Trail (12W08), New River Trail (7E05), Slide Creek Trail (12W03), Emigrant Creek Trail (8E05), Milk Camp Trail (8E16), Pony Creek Trail (12W07), Jim Jam Ridge Trail (12W11), Semore Gulch Trail (8E08). As fire managers plan for locations of their suppression lines around the fires, it may become necessary to close additional portions of trails or roads to facilitate the suppression operation.

Due to the fire vehicle activity near the Bake and Oven Fires, Forest Service Road (7N15) and FS Road 402 beyond the intersection of (7N15) have been closed, except for local traffic.

Drivers using FS 402, from Hawkins-Bar to Denny should watch for fire vehicles using that portion of the road.

Resources: Currently there are 555 persons assigned to this complex. This consists of:

5- (20 person) Type 1 Crews;

10- (20 person) Type 2 Crews;

9 engines;

6 dozers;

9 water tenders; and

4 helicopters (1-Type 1, 3-Type 2)

This incident is coordinating with neighboring fires in the area by sharing resources and equipment, in addition to supporting initial attack on any new fires that might start in the area.

The California Interagency Incident Management Team #3 is currently managing the Bar Complex. This is a National Incident Management team comprised of federal, state and county government fire managers. They are currently located at the Incident Command Post (ICP) at the Burnt Ranch School.

Additional

Information: For more updated information, you may visit the incidents’ web page at www.inciweb.org then select the Bar Complex from the incident menu. An information line with recorded fire updates is available by calling (530) 226-2350. The public fire information line at the Burnt Ranch School is (530) 629-4108.

_____________________________

Incident Commander

California Team 3

http://63.196.254.151/WildCAD/WildCADWeb.asp

2 posted on 08/03/2006 8:56:25 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Dunce Wildland Fire Use
Released: 2006-08-03 11:27:00
Wildfires can Benefit Fish and Streams in the West

While wildfires wear a face of destruction on the nightly news, stream ecologists in Idaho are seeing a life-giving side of this natural force.

“What appears to be total devastation after a fire is not,” said Dr. Wayne Minshall, a retired ecology professor from Idaho State University. “Roots in riparian areas stay alive and put up new shoots.” The moisture of the stream helps protect nearby plants from fire’s heat, and the plants and streams benefit from the fire almost immediately, he said.

Increased sunlight after a fire can lead to more algae growth in streams, which can feed more aquatic insects. Leaves that blow into streams and decay after a fire are also eaten by these insects. More insects in the streams mean that there is more food for fish.

“Some people think that after a fire, streams are no good for fishing. There’s simply no evidence for that,” said Dr. Colden Baxter, an assistant professor in ISU’s biology department. “If anything, the contrary is true. Fires can stimulate the productivity of streams for periods of time.”

Minshall, a leading authority on wildfire impacts to streams, started a one-of-a-kind long-term stream study program near the University of Idaho’s Taylor Ranch wilderness field station. He has researched drainages in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness area for more than 20 years.

“This is no bench-top controlled experiment,” said Baxter of the program. “Our plots are remote; this is the closest to witnessing fire function naturally, in an untouched a setting as possible.”

The Dunce Fire, a managed wildland fire use fire, is now burning in the same isolated area where many of their study plots are located. Fire use fires are lightning-started fires that are managed for ecological and other benefits.

As soon as the researchers got the go-ahead from fire officials, Minshall and Baxter booked a back-country flight to check their work. They flew to Taylor Ranch last week, and have been investigating immediate effects of the fire on streams. Until now, they have never been able to study wildfire’s impacts immediately after it happened.

“Fires or floods, natural disturbances have a function in the ecosystem. There are consequences when we remove them,” said Minshall.

The consequences of interrupting wildfire’s vital role can be financial as well as ecological. The longer that fire is kept out of a system, the more expensive - and dangerous - it can become. Fuels that keep building up contribute to the rising costs of firefighting. Even now, it is no longer unusual to have firefighting costs for one year to exceed a billion dollars.

While not all fires can be managed as fire use fires because of the threats they pose to people, the consensus view among fire managers is that there is a time and a place for these managed natural fires.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/314/1115/

3 posted on 08/03/2006 8:57:15 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Bearmouth Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-08-03 10:53:00
FACT SHEET Bearmouth Fire

August 3, 2006 9:00 a.m.

Contact: Information Officers Ted Pettis @ (208) 660-5740 cell phone or Terina Mullen @ (406) 208-0934 cell phone.

Location: 25 miles southeast of Missoula, MT

Jurisdiction: Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation

Cooperating Agencies: Granite County, Lolo National Forest, Stimson

Incident Commanders: Mark Grant & John Specht Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team. The ICP is located @ Beavertail Hill State Park off I-90 Exit 130.

Current Size: 1000 acres Containment: 20%

Estimated Containment Date: Unknown Estimated Control Date: Unknown

Status: This fire started on August 1st and is still under investigation. Fuel types are Ponderosa pine, sagebrush and grass. One structure and utilities (power/gas) infrastructure are potentially threatened.

Yesterday’s Activities: The Type II IMT assumed command at 4:00 pm from the Montana-DNRC initial attack forces. Crews worked to secure existing dozer and hand lines on the northern half of the fire. Crews continued with line construction at the head of the fire on the southern half. Helicopters and air tankers provided air support, dropping water and retardant.

Current Resources: There are 275 total personnel, including seven 20-person crews, assigned to these fires. Equipment includes 6 dozers, 9 engines & water tenders, and 2 helicopters with access to 3 others being shared with other fires.

Today’s Activities: Ground forces will begin mop-up operations with support from engines along the secured sections of line. Hand fireline will be constructed in the steeper terrain. Structure protection continues for one structure. Air support will again be available from Montana DNRC.

A public meeting is scheduled for tonight, August 3rd, at 7:00 pm at the Drummond Town Hall. Discussion will be on fire behavior and current operations, introduction of incident management team, and comments from the local DNRC agency representative.

The public should be advised that Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the West Central Montana Area which includes all the areas in Missoula and Granite Counties. Contact the Northern Rockies website listed below for details.

Decreased acreage due to more accurate mapping.

For further information on Fires, contact www.inciweb.org or contact the

Northern Rockies Coordination Center website at http://www.gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/385/1110/

4 posted on 08/03/2006 8:58:17 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Happy Camp Complex Wildfires
Released: 2006-08-03 09:00:00
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006

Location: The Goff Fire is 9 miles northeast of Happy Camp and the Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.

Cause: Lightning

Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff

Size: Goff Fire: 235 acres; Titus Fire: 2,312 acres

Containment: 20%

Resources Committed: 4 Type 1 crews, 7 Type 2 crews, 3 helicopters (1 heavy, 2 mediums), 13 engines, 2 dozers, 7 water tenders. Total personnel = 467.

Estimated Cost to Date: $2,630,000

Predicted Weather: Temperatures will be in the high 70s; relative humidity will be near 18 percent; winds will be light and from the southwest.

Structures: No structures are currently threatened.

Closures: Yesterday, the Klamath National Forest implemented additional closures to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities. The new closures include the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, and the following Forest System roads: 15N17Y, 15N10, 15N08.

The trails that remain closed are Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).

Summary:

• The Goff Fire is 90 percent contained. Two crews remain assigned to the fire to complete line construction, mop up, and to monitor its status.

• The Titus Fire expanded to 2,312 acres yesterday and continues to burn at a low intensity level. Line is being built to contain the northern and southern expansion of the fire. Two campgrounds, the Happy Camp watershed, and numerous cultural and spiritual sites remain threatened.

Websites: www.nazteam.com, www.inciweb.org

Information phone numbers: (530) 598-0065, (530) 493-1511.

5 posted on 08/03/2006 8:59:01 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Private lands increase firefighting demands, says top state forester
By TYLER CHRISTENSEN of the Missoulian

As the number of wildfires being fought on private land increases, so too will the cost and risk associated with fire suppression, Montana state forester Bob Harrington said Wednesday.

“Our forests are changing right under our feet,” Harrington said during a meeting with the Missoulian's editorial board.

Private lands that have been in the hands of ranchers, farmers and timber companies for decades are being sold to developers, who are building houses in places with a high potential for wildfire.
*
And fighting fires on private land, as opposed to public land, presents a greater challenge, Harrington said. Not only does it cost more and put more lives at risk, it also generates more anxiety among landowners because they feel the loss directly, he said.

After a dozen retardant drops - at $5,000 each - to save a home or piece of land from burning, the money spent fighting a fire may have exceeded the value of the property, but what's on that property is priceless to its owner.

Private landowners, therefore, want more say in how fires are fought on their property - which has made for some heated discussions already this summer. However, the state Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and other firefighting agencies are learning from past mistakes and working to address landowners' concerns before it's too late, Harrington said.

Take, for example, the Black Pulaski fire in Garfield County during the 2003 wildfire season.

“People were ready to shoot each other over how that fire went,” Harrington said.

Landowners disagreed vehemently with fire management over how the fires should be fought, and many didn't approve of some rules, such as mandatory rest periods for firefighters, or methods, such as burnouts conducted ahead of the fire.

Many watched tent cities rise and wondered: “Who are these people? What, exactly, are they doing? Why don't they work harder? Why didn't they save my property?”

“There was no liaison, no contact with locals,” Harrington said.

This year, Type 1 incident teams carry a liaison and find a community member to act as a messenger for community concerns, he said. And Garfield County - which had another large wildfire this summer - was just one of several Montana counties that received Federal Emergency Management Agency grants aimed at better preparing local communities to fight fires.

However, communication problems and disagreements over how fires are fought persist.

The Bundy Railroad fire south of Billings, for instance, was the source of both positive and negative comments from local landowners, Harrington said.

Many of the landowners' concerns were legitimate and should be addressed, he said. On the other hand, there seemed to be some confusion over who leads firefighting efforts and the amount of control those teams have over firefighting resources.

Each individual wildfire is managed by an incident team - on the ground, at that one fire, Harrington explained. The incident team makes all tactical decisions regarding a particular fire, while the National Interagency Fire Center in Boise, Idaho, prioritizes and allocates resources.

The intensity of Montana's wildfires has been escalating and consequently consuming more resources, said Gail Kimbell, the U.S. Forest Service's regional forester for the Northern Region.

“In the last 10 years, we've seen fire behaviors that exceeded all expectations,” Kimbell said. Montana's continuing drought and the sheer amount of dry fuels make for more and bigger fires, she said.

At the same time, firefighting agencies are paying a lot of attention to safety. Work-and-rest guidelines, for example, are the result of extensive research, and weren't drawn up arbitrarily or haphazardly. Firefighter safety is No. 1, Kimbell said.

“I don't ever want to have to call another person's family to tell them a family member won't be coming home,” she said.

When allocating fire-management resources, top priority is always given to residences, power lines and other infrastructure, she said. But fire managers are increasingly seeing new homes in what was traditionally wild country.

Consider the region around Whitefish Lake, where people are building multimillion-dollar homes.

“If there were a fire in that 100-year-old lodgepole right next to that $6 million home, we'd put a lot more money into that fire than if it was still just a forest,” she said.

While wildland fires might sometimes be permitted to burn without interference, that's not an option near people's homes, Kimbell said.

Statewide, the DNRC is promoting discussion of ways to minimize fire damage to residences. Agency staff are contributing to subdivision reviews, and more emphasis is being given to treating forested areas in proximity to communities, Harrington said.

While the sources of this year's fires are all over the map, most point back to the urban-wildlife interface, Harrington said. In fact, the percentage of human-caused fires, which had been down for the past couple of years, is up again this year.

“A lot of them are people just still not realizing that it's dry out there,” he said.

http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2006/08/03/news/mtregional/news04.txt

6 posted on 08/03/2006 9:00:09 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Brad's Gramma; drungus; george76; familyop; moondoggie; Arizona Carolyn; nw_arizona_granny; ...

Wildfire news ping finally!

7 posted on 08/03/2006 9:02:01 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Thanks.

The new Benny Fire east of Sturgis will probably play havoc with the hundreds of thousands of Harley Davidson bikers expected here this weekend for the Rally. While I welcome the Rally each year and all the wonderful bikers, I get very concerned over their cigarettes (while riding through the forests) and campfires. 99.9% of them really are good guys/gals.

8 posted on 08/03/2006 9:13:09 AM PDT by Rushmore Rocks

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Are you making that move to Boise? Really nice area.

9 posted on 08/03/2006 9:14:43 AM PDT by Rushmore Rocks

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Dawes County Complex Type 2
Released: 2006-08-03 14:04:00
Joint Information Center Fire Update

Dawes County Complex and Thayer/Sioux County Complex

Thursday, August 3, 2006 - 9:00 A.M.

Information: Dawes: 308-432-6440, Sioux: 308-668-9424 or 9410

and on the Web at: www.inciweb.org

Work continues on both complexes to rehabilitate firelines and burned areas. Some firefighters and resources are being reassigned to other fires or returning to their home units. On Friday, the Dawes County Complex will transition from the Type 2 Team to a Type 3 Team. The new team will have 100-150 resources that will continue monitoring the fires, dousing hotspots, and assisting with rehabilitation efforts.

As temperatures increase and winds pick up, residents will continue to see smoke from smoldering trees or stumps in the fire areas. They may also see “dust devils,” which look very similar to smoke columns, however, they may just be swirls of ash and dust picked up and carried by winds. These are usually short-term duration events. If you suspect you are seeing a new fire start, call 911 or your local fire department.

Dawes County Complex

Total Acres: 27,954

(Spotted Tail – 17,935, Roberts Tract – 9,934, Deadhorse – 85)

Acres by Jurisdiction: National Forest – 16,938, Other - 11,016

Containment: 90 percent

Location: South and southwest of Chadron, NE

Resources: Total personnel: 312, which includes: 4 20-person crews, 27 engines, 4 dozers, 6 water tenders

Air support available: 2 helicopters

Cost to date: $2.6 million

Spotted Tail and Roberts Tract Fires: Firefighters will continue looking for and dousing hotspots 100 feet in from the perimeter in grassy areas and 200 feet in from the perimeter in forested areas. Firefighters will continue rehabilitating dozer and hand lines built during the suppression efforts.

Thayer/Sioux County Complex

Total Acres: 37,900 (Thayer - 29,466 and Rudloff - 8,379)

Containment: 85% (Thayer - 80%, Rudloff – 95% and Oldaker - 75%

Resources: 328, which includes 2 type 1 Crews, 3 Type 2 Crews, 21 engines, 4 dozers, 6 water tenders, 4 helicopters

Cost to Date: $850,000

Thayer: Personnel will continue securing the perimeter, improving control lines, and extinguishing burning or smoldering trees or stumps in proximity to the established lines. Rehabilitation will be continuing on the western side of the fire.

Rudloff: Firefighters are continuing to secure and strengthen firelines. Rehabilitation of fireliens is being initiated on segments of the fire perimeter.

Containment: 65% (Thayer - 50% and Rudloff - 75%)

Location: 3 miles northeast of Harrison, NE

Resources: Total personnel: 366, which includes 2 Type I Crew, 29 engines, 7 dozers, 6 graders and 11 water tenders, 4 helicopters

Cost to Date: $475,000

Thayer Fire: The main concern for the Thayer Fire is the securing of an area on the east side. On the remainder of the fire, personnel will be securing the perimeter, improving control lines, and extinguishing burning or smoldering trees or stumps in proximity to the fire lines.

Rudloff Fire: Firefighters made major headway in establishing and strengthening control lines and will continue these efforts today.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/368/1128/

10 posted on 08/03/2006 11:52:04 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Hunter Wildand Fire
Released: 2006-08-03 13:50:00
Information – (707) 983-6825 or (707) 983-6824

Acres: approximately 4,931 acres

Start date: July 23, 2006

Location: 19 miles southeast of Covelo, CA

Cause: Lightning

Containment: 15 percent

Terrain: Steep, rugged

Fuels: Timber (litter and understory)

Threats: Late Successional Reserves, Northern spotted owl and anadromous fisheries habitat

Resources: 13 crews, 20 engines, 16 water tenders, 6 dozers

Air Resources Available: 3 Type 1 helicopters, 1 Type 2 helicopter

Total personnel: 554

Firefighters continued to make progress on the Hunter Fire on the Covelo Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest, working in areas of heavy fuels and steep, rugged terrain. Crews worked late into the evening for the second night in a row to continue improving existing fireline. Burnout operations were performed to remove fuels between the fire and the line on the north and south ends of the fire.

Firefighter safety continues to be the number one priority on the fire. All personnel are briefed daily on safety concerns. As firefighters put in long hours day after day, cumulative fatigue becomes a growing concern. In spite of hazards ranging from steep terrain to bears, bees and poison oak, no serious injuries have been reported on the Hunter Fire.

Weather conditions are recorded and reported hourly from each division to head off the dangers that changes in wind direction, temperature and humidity can trigger.

For additional information see, http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc/.

Unit Information

Mendocino National Forest
825 N. Humboldt Avenue
Willows, CA 95988
News Releases

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/359/1126/

11 posted on 08/03/2006 11:53:05 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident Contact: Tripod Spur Information Center (509) 826-3881

Incident: TRIPOD SPUR Complex Fire
Released: 2006-08-03 13:48:00
Level 1 Local Air Pollution Alert

Air stagnation has resulted in smoke concentrations in valley areas of Okanogan County that warrant a Level I Air Pollution Alert. With continued fire activity and decreasing winds in late evening and early morning hours, smoke has settled in valley areas in concentrations that can be harmful to those with pre-existing medical conditions. Winds are expected to clear the smoke considerably by mid to late morning. The weather pattern has occurred the past few days and is expected to continue Thursday and Friday possibly clearing with increasing winds this weekend.

A Level I Air Pollution Alert is directed to those individuals with pre-existing medical conditions that may be adversely affected by expected smoke concentrations. Individuals with pre existing lung or heart disease should contact their physician for specific advice and try to remain indoors with doors and windows closed, and avoid excessive exertion and exposure to tobacco smoke and other respiratory irritants. People who need to take regular medications should make sure that they have at least a 5 day supply available. Individuals with chronic medical conditions should contact their physicians for guidance, regardless of the occurrence of symptoms. All others should contact a health care provider in the presence of any of the following symptoms: headache, repeated coughing, chest tightness or pain, wheezing in the chest, excessive phlegm production, difficulty in breathing, or nausea. All individuals should avoid vigorous outdoor activity.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/341/1122/

12 posted on 08/03/2006 12:00:53 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

ncident: Gash Creek Wildfire
Released: 2006-08-03 12:50:00
BITTERROOT NATIONAL FOREST

FIRE FACTS – August 3, 10:00 am

Contacts: Gash Creek Fire Camp – 406-642-6917 and 406-642-6919

Ravalli County Emergency Operations Center – Evacuations – 406-375-6650

Air Quality Hot Line – 406-375-6679

Bitterroot National Forest, Supervisor’s Office – 406-363-7100

Stevensville Ranger District – 406-777-5461

*Anyone with information regarding the start of the Gash Creek Fire or to report any suspicious activity in a fire area should call the Forest Service at (406) 375-4050*

Gash Creek Fire

The evacuation order for the three homes that were evacuated on Sunday was lifted yesterday, and those residents were allowed to return home. The fire has consumed 2600 acres, and the majority of the active burning is occurring on the uncontrolled western edge.

Fire Facts:

• The fire is 45% contained,

• 12 miles of fire line have been constructed,

• 40 miles of hose have been laid out,

• 250,000 gallons of water have been used, and

• 468 personnel are assigned to the incident, including 14 crews, 4 helicopters, and 20 engines.

The fire was active and kicking up smoke yesterday, but good progress was made on the Gash Creek Fire as it burned within the containment lines. Fire line was completed on the south and southeastern sides of the fire. Crews made excellent progress on the north side of the fire, where Sweathouse Creek is being used as the control line. Helicopters continued dropping water on the spot fires north of Sweathouse Creek.

Today firefighters will focus their efforts on the southwest corner and will continue to reinforce completed lines. Crews will continue working on the northern portion of the eastern fire line by mopping up hot spots within 100 feet of the fire line. The fire is moving west into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness and the fire team will use minimum impact suppression tactics in the wilderness area.

The fire is expected to be active again today, especially on the uncontrolled west side, as the temperature is expected to be hotter and drier than the last few days. The weather forecast calls for temperatures in the lower 80’s, humidity between 17 and 24 percent, and winds out of the west at 10 miles per hour.

Today, from 1 pm to 3 pm, a fire camp open house will be held at the camp west of Victor. To get to the camp from Highway 93, head west on 5th Street in Victor to Pleasantview Drive, turn left and drive 300 yards. The camp will be just off of Pleasantview Drive on the right hand side.

Stage II Fire Restrictions remain in effect for the Bitterroot National Forest and Ravalli County.

New Starts

A new start near Schultz Saddle, which straddles the Beaverhead-Deerlodge and Bitterroot National Forests, was reported last night. The Beaverhead-Deerlodge has assumed command of the fire, which is now at 20 acres. The Bitterroot National Forest aided in the initial attack effort by sending a helicopter and an engine from the Sula Ranger District. Three more crews were ordered for the fire and the cause remains under investigation.

Selway Bitterroot Wilderness Fires

There are no changes to report in the status of the five fires being managed for resource benefits, in the Selway Bitterroot Wilderness area.

###

13 posted on 08/03/2006 12:01:51 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Potato Fire
Released: 2006-08-03 12:39:00
POTATO FIRE

Salmon-Challis National Forest

FIRE UPDATE

Nick Lunde, Incident Commander

Blue Mountain Fire Interagency Team

IMT-II

August 3, 2006, 10:00 p.m.

Fire Information at www.inciweb.org

For Immediate Release

Slightly rising temperatures and lower humidity is creating more smoke from the Potato Fire. There has been minor movement of the fire. It is burning on lands about 7 miles north of Stanley, ID, and a half mile west of the Bonanza Guard Station in the Yankee Fork Drainage.

The Blue Mountain Interagency Incident Management Team is directing all assembled resources to meet the challenges posed by the Potato Wildland Fire, provide for firefighter and public safety, protect fisheries and other natural resources, provide protection for Yankee and Bonanza structures, protect Yankee Fork private land, and minimize costs.

Ten engines and three fire crews will be in the Yankee Fork Dredge and Bonanza Guard Station areas Thursday to continue structural fire protection and protect the local power line. All other crews are working the fire in the high country camps. The Custer County Sheriff’s Department is handling evacuation operations in this area. The Yankee Fork road is still closed to the public from highway 75 to Loon Creek.

Resources are arriving daily to assist with firefighting efforts. The arrival of additional helicopters will support crews with food, cargo drops and water drops.

The public is asked to watch out for fire equipment on highway 75 and local roads in the area from the Yankee Fork Work Center west to Yankee Fork Road. The Yankee Fork Work Center is being used as the Incident Command Post. Please be extra careful when passing the helibase located approximately half a mile from fire camp.

Location: 7 miles north of Stanley, ID. Start Date: 07/27/06

Cause: Lightning Approx. Size: 4,431 acres

Assigned Resources: 14 crews, 6 helicopters Containment: 10%

10 engines, 4 dozers

Total Personnel: 494 Agencies Represented: USFS, NPS, BLM, FWS, BIA, NWS, State, County, and Private

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in effect.

The Salmon-Challis National Forest has issued a Fire Emergency Road and Trail Closure. Portions of Basin Creek and Hardin Creek Roads, Basin Creek, Sawmill Creek, Deadwood Creek, and Rankin Creek Trails are closed. No public travel is allowed from highway 75, up the Yankee Fork roads to Loon Creek Guard Station. Please check with your local forest office or see the notices posted on these roads/trails.

Please contact Salmon-Challis National Forest to see if current fire conditions will impact travel or recreational activities at 208-756-5100.

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/365/1121/

14 posted on 08/03/2006 12:02:58 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Rushmore Rocks

We will be there sometime this fall...I'm beginning to think it will be sooner than later.

Boise is really nice. I am looking forward to moving back there.

Maybe I'll even start riding my bike again. Few cities are as bike friendly.

15 posted on 08/03/2006 12:06:32 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Rushmore Rocks

This is true. Known a lot of bikers. Maybe less true back east, but out here, you can't make any assumptions about people on a bike run, except that you know they like to ride their motorcycles, and that leathers have a practical function.

16 posted on 08/03/2006 12:09:21 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Schultz Saddle Wildfire
Released: 2006-08-03 16:55:00
Dillon Interagency Dispatch Center

Covering the following counties:

Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite,

southern Jefferson, Madison, Silver Bow,

southern Powell

Cooperating Agencies:

USDI Bureau of Land Management

Montana Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation

USDA Forest Service

Dillon, Montana

NEWS RELEASE

For Release Immediately Contact:

Jack de Golia

Office: (406) 683-3984

Cell Phone: (406) 660-2347

WINDS FANNING FIRE

DILLON, MONT., Aug. 3, 2006, 2 p.m.—Gusty winds fanned the Schultz Saddle fire Thursday (Aug. 3). The fire is burning 20 miles northwest of Wisdom in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest in an area with many dead, fallen trees.

The exact size of the fire hasn’t been determined. Officials estimated that if all the spot fires were included, about 60 acres was probably involved.

The spot fires resulted from the gusty winds that have made controlling the blaze difficult for the 60 firefighters assigned to the blaze.

They also reported that many trees have been falling since Wednesday night, making operations especially hazardous.

A fire-management team headed by Tom Heintz, with the Forest Service in Dillon, has been ordered in to take over operations at the fire. The team is expected this evening and will likely start managing the fire first thing Friday morning.

The Forest Service is preparing to close roads and trails near the fire, including roads in the upper Johnson and Schultz creeks and part of the Continental Divide trail.

The fire is believed to have started around July 25 from lightning but wasn’t discovered until August 3.

For more information on the Schultz Saddle fire, go to http://www.inciweb.org/incident/386/ or call (406) 683-3984.

-30-

17 posted on 08/03/2006 4:31:37 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

NOt sure why de Golia is acting as information officer contact for Schultz saddle fire, since he normally does wildland use fire, but as long as he is, we will get excellent information updates on that fire.

If that dead wood gets going well, it's going to be a hot fire if the winds stay up.

18 posted on 08/03/2006 4:35:15 PM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Brad's Gramma; drungus; george76; familyop; moondoggie; Arizona Carolyn; nw_arizona_granny; ...

I am running around pretty busy this morning with the packing related stuff, so in case I don't get time start a fresh thread, here is this morning's report:

National Preparedness Level 5
(On a scale from 1 to 5)

Current hours for the National Fire Information Center are
(MDT) 7:30 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday
208-387-5050

August 4, 2006

Wildland fire activity remained light with 104 new fires reported. Five new large fires were reported: one each in Oklahoma, Oregon, and Utah; and two in Idaho. Fourteen large fires were contained: one each in South Dakota, Nebraska, Idaho, Montana, and Utah; two in Nevada; three in Texas; and four in Oklahoma

Two MAFFS C-130 aircraft and support personnel from the 153rd Airlift Wing, Cheyenne, Wyoming, are deployed to Klamath Falls, Oregon. Lt. Col. Michael Exstrom is the Mission Commander.

Weather Discussion: A low pressure will set up off the California coast with another weather disturbance moving across southwestern Canada. Thunderstorms are predicted across much of the western states with dry storms extending from California to Montana and Wyoming. Windy and dry conditions will develop over Montana and the northern Plains.

Fire Weather Watches: For gusty winds and low humidities on Friday afternoon and evening across northwest and west central Montana. For low humidities and thunderstorms across south central Montana. For low humidities and breezy conditions during the afternoon and evening for south central North Dakota. For winds and low humidity in South Dakota.

Daily Statistics 8/4/06
Number of new large fires	5			States currently reporting large fires:
Number of active large fires	34			Arizona (1) California (9) Idaho (6) Minnesota (2) Montana (6) Nebraska (1) Nevada (1) Oklahoma (4) Oregon (4) South Dakota (1) Texas (1) Utah (1) Washington (4) Wyoming (1) Note: Includes WFU fires
Acres from active fires	363,787
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) fires	8
Number of Wildland Fire Use (WFU) acres	16,806
Fires contained on 8/3/06	14
Year-to-date large fires contained	912
Year-to-date Statistics
2006 (1/1/06 - 8/4/06)		Fires: 71,892		Acres: 5,687,136
2005 (1/1/05 - 8/4/05)		Fires: 39,187		Acres: 4,854,968
2004 (1/1/04 - 8/4/04)		Fires: 48,559		Acres: 5,547,386
2003 (1/1/03 - 8/4/03)		Fires: 36,873		Acres: 1,852,169
2002 (1/1/02 - 8/4/02)		Fires: 53,647		Acres: 4,484,447
2001 (1/1/01 - 8/4/01)		Fires: 50,508		Acres: 1,550,151
2000 (1/1/00 - 8/4/00)		Fires: 62,374		Acres: 3,854,637
10-Year Average
1996 - 2006			Fires: 51,442	Acres: 3,433,038

Source: National Interagency Coordination Center

Current Wildland Fires
Arizona	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 350	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Semi (Havasu National Wildlife Refuge): 350 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles north of Parker. An endangered habitat is threatened. Torching and backing fire behavior was reported.
California	Number of fires: 7	Acres: 33,716	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
	WFU Fires: 2	WFU Acres: 691	WFU New Fires: 0
Frog Complex (Yosemite National Park): 515 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This complex consists of the Laurel and Frog fires located one mile west of Laurel Lake. Information: Visit the NPS website.
Middle T (Yosemite National Park): 176 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident consists of two fires which are located 10 miles northwest of Yosemite Village. Information: Visit the NPS website.
Uncles Complex (Klamath National Forest): 7,000 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex consists of the Uncles, Rock, Ethel, Katherine, and Snoozer fires which is 18 miles northeast of Orleans. Residences and outbuildings remain threatened. Steep terrain, difficult access, and poor visiblility due to an inversion are hampering containment efforts. Fire runs and torching were reported. Information: Call 530-462-1534 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/348/.
Orleans Complex (Six Rivers National Forest): 4,276 acres at five percent contained. The complex, comprised of the Somes, Crawford, Buck, and Hancock fires, is four miles southwest of Oreans. The community of Orleans, a communications site, Native American cultural and spiritual sites, fisheries, and a municipal water supply are threatened. Uphill fire runs and spotting were observed. Information: Call 707-441-3517 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/350/.
Bar Complex (Shasta-Trinity National Forest): 7,463 acres at 10 percent contained. This complex consists of the Little, Bake, and Oven fires which is located northwest of Weaverville. Residences, outbuildings, power lines, municipal watersheds, and a wildlife habitat are threatened. Fire behavior included torching and uphill fire runs. Information: Call 530-336-2494 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/357/.
Kingsley Complex (Mendocino National Forest): 6,221 acres at 65 percent contained. This complex consists of the Kingsley, Soldier, and Minnie fires. The complex is located 38 miles southwest of Red Bluff. Residences and summer cabins are threatened and evacuations are in place for several communities. Forest Road 7 is closed at Alder Junction. Backing fire and torching were reported. Information: Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/mendocino/news/2006/07-27-fires/.
Happy Camp Complex (Klamath National Forest): 2,735 acres at 22 percent contained. This complex consists of 11 lightning caused fires, located near Happy Camp. The fires are burning in a roadless area which is causing poor access to firefighters. The Titus and Goff fires remain active. The Marble Mountain Wilderness was closed. Torching and backing fire were observed. Information: Call 530-841-4485 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/361/.
Hunter (Mendocino National Forest): 4,931 acres at 18 percent contained. This fire is 19 miles southeast of Covelo. Structures and a wildlife habitat remain threatened. Spotting and torching were reported. Information: Call 530-934-1137 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/359/.
Panther (Six Rivers National Forest): 520 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is 14 miles west of Big Bar. A watershed and a historic cabin are threatened. Difficult access and steep slopes are impeding containment efforts. Moderate fire activity was reported. Information: Call 707-441-3517 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/378/.
Idaho	Number of fires: 34	Acres: 9,062	New fires: 2	Fires contained: 1
	WFU Fires: 2	WFU Acres: 8,884	WFU New Fires: 0
Dunce (Payette National Forest): 7,865 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 31 miles east of Edwardsburg and is burning in cheatgrass. Structure protection remains in place for the Cabin Creek drainage. Fire activity was minimal. Information: Visit the website http://www.inciweb.org/incident/314/
Lick Creek (Payette National Forest): 1,019 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 25 miles northwest of McCall and is burning in timber. Minimal fire activity was reported. Information: Call (208) 208-634-0990 or visit the website http://www.inciweb.org/incident/313/
Burnt (Boise National Forest): 1,425 acres at 30 percent contained. This fire is 24 miles northeast of Cascade. A wildlife and fisheries habitat and recreational facilities are threatened. Torching was reported. Information: Call 208-373-4105 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/379/
Potato (Salmon-Challis National Forest): 4,481 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is seven miles north of Stanley. A fisheries habitat, power lines, and recreation sites are threatened. Steep and difficult terrain is hindering containment efforts. Spotting up to a quarter mile was reported. Information: Call 208-756-5177 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/365/
NEW 4 Wheel Drive (Twin Falls District, Bureau of Land Management): 3,000 acres at 10 percent contained. This fire is 15 miles northwest of Paul. Extreme fire behavior was caused by high winds.
NEW Brushy (Nez Perce National Forest): 156 acres at an unknown percent contained. This fire is 25 miles southwest of Hamilton.
Nez Perce Trail (Idaho Falls District, Bureau of Land Managagement): The fire was contained at 1,652 acres.
Minnesota	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 31,830	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
	WFU Fires: 1	WFU Acres: 2,085	WFU New Fires: 0
Turtle Lake (Superior National Forest): 2,085 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 15 miles east of Ely and is burning in heavy logging slash. Information: Visit the website http://www.mnics.org/ or http://www.inciweb.org/incident/334/.
Cavity Lake (Superior National Forest): 31,830 acres at 85 percent contained. This fire is 44 miles northeast of Ely and is burning in timber and blowdown. Minimal fire activity was reported. Information: Call 218-387-3617 or visit the website http://www.mnics.org/ or http://www.inciweb.org/incident/324/ .
Montana	Number of fires: 6	Acres: 42,671	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Bearmouth (Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Southwestern Land Office): 1,000 acres at 50 percent contained. This fire is 10 miles east of Drummond. One residence remains threatened. The fire burned actively within the interior. Information: Call 406-542-4235 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/385/
Indian Coulee (Northern Cheyenne Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): The fire was contained at 477 acres.
Big Creek (Central Land Office, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation): 12,000 acres at 40 percent contained. The fire is 29 miles southwest of Livingston. Residences remain threatened. Creeping, smoldering, and torching were reported in heavier fuels. Information: Call 406-490-0367 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/376/
Red Eagle (Glacier National Park): 26,000 acres at 40 percent contained. The fire is eight miles southwest of St Mary. Glacier National Park Visitor Center, park residences, and the community of St Mary is threatened. Torching, spotting and fire runs were reported. Information: Call 406-732-4009 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/374/
Little Spar (Kootenai National Forest): 83 acres at 65 percent contained. Difficult access is hampering containment efforts. Torching, creeping, and flare-ups were observed. Information: Call 406-295-5823 or visit http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm or http://www.inciweb.org/incident/371/
Gash Creek (Bitterroot National Forest): 2,800 acres at 45 percent contained. This fire is six miles south of Victor. Several residences are threatened and the evacuation order was lifted. Backing fire, torching, and spotting were reported. Information: Call 406-363-7100 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/346.
South Pine (Gallatin National Forest): 788 acres at 40 percent contained. This fire is 13 miles south of Livingston and is burning in timber. Minimal fire activity was observed. Information: Visit the website http://www.inciweb.org/index/320/ or http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/information/information.htm
Nebraska	Number of fires: 2	Acres: 68,165	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Sioux County Complex (Nebraska Department of Forestry): 40,211 acres at 90 percent contained. This complex, consisting of the Thayer and Ruloff fires, is three miles northeast of Harrison. Fire behavior included smoldering. Information: Call 308-668-9424 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/382/
Dawes County Complex (Nebraska National Forest): The fire was contained at 27,954 acres. Information: Call 402-326-3179 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/368/
Nevada	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 52,000	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 2
Taylor (Northern Region, Nevada Division of Forestry): The fire was contained at 4,467 acres.
Hambly Complex (Ely District, Bureau of Land Management): 52,000 acres at 90 percent contained. This complex, consisting of the Hambly and Range fires, is 13 miles northeast of Hiko near the Big Rocks Wilderness. Minimal fire activity was reported. Information: Call 775-635-3679 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/384/
Winters (Winnemucca Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): The fire was contained at 238,458 acres. Information: Call 775-623-1768 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/380/
Oklahoma	Number of fires: 4	Acres: 5,320	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 4
NEW Shepherds Fold (Osage Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 175 acres at 60 percent contained. Residences, Indian Trust Lands, grazing allotments, and commercial property are threatened. Rough terrain is making containment efforts difficult. Running, torching, and spotting were observed. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Wesley (Talihina Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 4,000 acres at 60 percent contained. This fire is eight miles north of Stringtown. Residences and structures are threatened. Downed power lines closed county roads. Rough and steep terrain is hampering containment efforts. Crowning, torching, and spotting fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Hensley Mountain (Oklahoma Division of Forestry): The fire was contained at 3,920 acres. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Nobletown (Wewoka Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): The fire was contained at 280 acres. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Doss Cutoff (Oklahoma Division of Forestry): 725 acres at 90 percent contained. This fire is 20 miles north of Antlers. No further information was received. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Mcintosh One (Oklahoma Division of Forestry): 420 acres at 85 percent contained. This fire is five miles northwest of Warner. No further information was received. Information: Call 405-522-6158.
Page (Chickasaw Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): The fire was contained at 367 acres.
Hagan Mountain (Oklahoma Division of Forestry): The fire was contained at 1,320 acres. Information: Visit http://www.ok.gov/~okag/redflag/forred.html
Oregon	Number of fires: 3	Acres: 68,525	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
	WFU Fires: 1	WFU Acres: 100	WFU New Fires: 1
NEW Bybee (Crater Lake National Park): 100 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is 29 miles northwest of Chiloquin. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed within the fire area. This will be the last narrative report unless significant activity occurs. Information: Visit the NPS website.
Black Crater (Deschutes National Forest): 9,400 acres at 70 percent contained. This fire is located seven miles southwest of Sisters. Road closures remain in effect. Increased fire activity with torching and fire runs was reported. Information: Call 541-549-3211 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/377/
Maxwell (Ochoco National Forest): 5,508 acres at 60 percent contained. This fire is located six miles south of Mitchell. Steep terrain is hampering containment efforts. One residence, communications equipment, and the water supply for Mitchell remain threatened. Minimal fire activity was reported. Information: Visit http://www.nwccweb.us/information/fire_info.asp.
Foster Gulch Complex (Wallawa-Whitman National Forest): 53,617 acres at 65 percent contained. This complex, consisting of the McClean Creek and Foster Gulch fires, is located six miles southeast of Halfway. Power lines and cultural resources remain threatened. Moderate fire behavior including torching was reported. Information: Call 541-742-6647 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/355/.
South Dakota	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 429	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 1
Benny (South Dakota Wildland Fire Suppression): The fire was contained at 298 acres.
Moreau Complex (Cheyenne River Agency, Bureau of Indian Affairs): 429 acres at 98 percent contained. This complex is 20 miles north of Eagle Butte. Minimal fire activity was reported. Information: Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r2/fire/fire_info/index.html
Texas	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 3,550	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 3
Peacock Complex (Texas Forest Service): 3,550 acres at 75 percent contained. This fire is located 12 miles northwest of Sanderson. Two fires within the complex are being monitored. Firefighters continued burn out operations. Information: Visit http://www.tamu.edu/ticc/predictive_services/tx_sitreport.pdf.
Dudley (Texas Forest Service): The fire was contained at 2,500 acres. Information: Visit http://www.tamu.edu/ticc/predictive_services/tx_sitreport.pdf.
Trollinger Road (Texas Forest Service): The fire was contained at 100 acres. Information: Visit http://www.tamu.edu/ticc/predictive_services/tx_sitreport.pdf.
Kirk Ranch (Texas Forest Service): The fire was contained at 1,939 acres. Information: Visit http://www.tamu.edu/ticc/predictive_services/tx_sitreport.pdf.
Utah	Number of fires: 0	Acres: 0	New fires: 1	Fires contained: 1
	WFU Fires: 1	WFU Acres: 1,432	WFU New Fires: 0
South Water Hollow (Fishlake National Forest): 1,432 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is eight miles southwest of Emery. Information: Visit http://www.utahfireinfo.gov/wildfires2006/southwaterhollowWFU.htm
NEW Table (Salt Lake Field Office, Bureau of Land Management): The fire was contained at 395 acres.
Washington	Number of fires: 3	Acres: 45,593	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
	WFU Fires: 1	WFU Acres: 3,614	WFU New Fires: 0
Tin Pan (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest): 3,614 acres. This lightning-caused Wildland Fire Use (WFU) incident is being managed to accomplish resource objectives. This fire is seven miles west of Lucerne and is burning in timber. Hiking trails are closed within the fire area. Backing fire, torching, spotting, and uphill fire runs were observed. Information: Call 509-784-9039 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/279/
Tripod Complex (Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest): 41,102 acres at five percent contained. This complex, consisting of the Spur Peak and Tripod fires, is located seven miles northeast of Winthrup. Fire behavior included backing, fire runs, torching, and spotting. Information: Call 509-664-9292 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/341/.
Flick Creek (North Cascades National Park): 4,216 acres at 25 percent contained. This fire is located three miles south of Stehekin. Several structures are threatened. Minimal fire activity was received. Information: Call 509-682-2576 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/360/.
Bear Gulch II (Olympic National Forest): 275 acres at 30 percent contained. This fire is located 15 miles northwest of Hoodsport. Rolling rocks and burning debris is a hazard to Forest Road 2400 which closed part of the Olympic National Park. Creeping fire behavior was reported. Information: Call 360-877-6109 or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/363/
Wyoming	Number of fires: 1	Acres: 30,530	New fires: 0	Fires contained: 0
Little Venus (Shoshone National Forest): 30,530 acres at 90 percent contained. The fire is 30 miles west of Meeteetse and is burning in bug-killed spruce with heavy down fuels. Portions of the fire received rain. The fire will be managed under a confine and contain strategy. This will be the last narrative unless significant activity occurs. Information: Call 307-868-2253 or visit the website http://www.inciweb.org/incident/260/

19 posted on 08/04/2006 8:17:00 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

To: Knitting A Conundrum

Incident: Bearmouth Fire Wildland Fire
Released: 2006-08-04 09:55:00
FACT SHEET Bearmouth Fire

August 4, 2006 9:00 a.m.

Contact: Information Officers Ted Pettis @ (208) 660-5740 cell phone or Terina Mullen @ (406) 208-0934 cell phone. ICP phone (406) 825-9277.

Location: 10 miles west of Drummond, MT

Jurisdiction: Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation

Cooperating Agencies: Granite County, Stimson Lumber Company

Incident Commanders: Mark Grant Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team. The ICP is located @ Beavertail Hill State Park off I-90 Exit 130.

Current Size: 1000 acres Containment: 50%

Estimated Containment Date: Unknown Estimated Control Date: Unknown

Status: This fire started on August 1st and is still under investigation. Fuel types are Ponderosa pine, sagebrush and grass. One structure and utilities (power/gas) infrastructure are potentially threatened. Decreased acreage is due to more accurate mapping, with information obtained from an infrared flight.

Yesterday’s Activities: Ground forces began mop-up operations with support from engines along the secured sections of line. Hand fireline was constructed in the steeper terrain. Structure protection continued for one structure. Helicopters and air tankers provided air support. Crews picked up and contained four spot fires.

Current Resources: There are 303 total personnel, including nine 20-person crews, assigned to these fires. Equipment includes 6 dozers, 16 engines & water tenders, and 1 helicopter with access to 3 others being shared with other fires.

Today’s Activities: A Red Flag Warning for strong, gusty winds with gusts up to 25 mph is in effect for this afternoon through the evening. Ground forces will continue mop-up operations with support from engines along the secured sections of line. Hand fireline will be constructed in the steeper terrain. Structure protection continues for one structure. Helicopters and air tankers are available for air support.

The public should be advised that Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect for the West Central Montana Area which includes all the areas in Missoula and Granite Counties. Contact the Northern Rockies website listed below for details.

For further information on Fires, contact www.inciweb.org or contact the

Northern Rockies Coordination Center website at http://www.gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/

http://inciweb.org/incident/news/article/385/1143/

20 posted on 08/04/2006 8:18:42 AM PDT by Knitting A Conundrum (Act Justly, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly With God Micah 6:8)

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