Saturday, July 18, 2015

7/18/2015 Newby Lake Fire Update

Yesterday’s Activities:  After completing mop up on the northern end of the fire in Canada two hot shot crews were transported out by helicopter and returned to base camp.  A helicopter with an infra-red operator was used to assist firefighters on the ground in locating areas of heat along the fire line on the east area of the fire.  Firefighters experienced windy conditions on the southeast portion of the fire early in the day.  They were able to return to work installing hose lay after the wind subsided.  

Firefighters cleared snags and improved line at the south end of the fire.   Good progress was made on construction of contingency lines southeast of the fire perimeter.  Contingency lines within Branch Creek and Nine Mile Drainage are expected to be tied in together on Saturday.  These lines are being built in case the fire escapes current patrol lines.

Today’s Activities: A helicopter with a palm infra-red operator will continue on the east fire line detecting hot spots near the fire line. Once located,  the hot spots will be mapped and the infornation relayed to firefighters on the ground who will mop up the targeted areas.  On the southern perimeter of the fire crews will continue to cool down hot spots and build fire line directly adjacent to the fire where it’s safe to do so.
Crews will improve indirect line off the 4512 road west to the 2006 Tripod Fire.  Firefighters will continue to extend the contingency lines in the Branch Creek and Nine Mile Drainage. 

Weather:  Weather conditions are warming and drying for the weekend.  Lighter winds are expected to be 6 miles per hour.  Temperatures continue to increase and are expected to reach 76 degrees at the fire.  Relative humidity will be in the 24% range.
Closures:  An area closure remains in place on all National Forest Lands and WA DNR lands affected by the fire.  For the most up-to-date trail, road and campground closure information on National Forest and  Washington DNR lands, please contact the appropriate land management agency or visit their websites
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:  www.fs.usda.gov/okawen/

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.