8/15/15 Baldy Fire Update

Cooler & wetter conditions to stay around for a while

Firefighters finishing up mop-up at Baldy Fire, actively supporting initial attack of new local fires

  Ione, Wash. – Firefighters at the Baldy Fire are completing mop-up of the 515-acre fire and securing a critical section of the northern perimeter of the fire. They are also working to meet turn-back standards set by the Colville National Forest and protecting the work already done to suppress the fire. There are still hot spots in the interior of the Baldy Fire, but they pose a low threat of spread outside containment lines in the cooler, wetter conditions. 

Firefighters are supporting initial attack of new fires.  Air attack platforms working on the Baldy Fire have been reassigned to other major fires, but one Type I and one Type III helicopter are being kept for local air support of new fires. 

Thunderstorms and lightning yesterday started five new fires in the Sullivan Lake and Newport ranger districts of the Colville National Forest, including a 2-acre fire and small fire near Slate Creek, the Cascade Fire near Sullivan Mountain Lookout (staffed and has a fire line around it), a 20-acre fire near Grease Creek, and a 12- acre fire on Hall Mountain. The Newport District is developing plans to engage these fires as soon as resources and opportunities develop.

The Tower Fire, burning on South Baldy mountain has grown to approximately 3,000 acres and is being managed by a Type III Team in Newport, Wash.  Browns Lake, North and South Skookum Lake campgrounds near the Tower Fire were closed yesterday. Firefighters are working to contain the fire with support from air tankers and helicopters.

Brian Gales, incident commander for Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #4, said that his team is busy with supporting other fires with equipment and personnel and preparing to turn over the fire to a smaller Type III organization.

“We are finalizing our successful work here and will be making sure the Baldy Fire is ready for patrol status,” he said.  “This will be the last day for information postings for the Baldy Fire.  It has been an honor and privilege to work with all of the supportive citizens and agency officials in communities affected by the Baldy Fire.  I want to extend our appreciation for the concern for our firefighters and team.  The cooperation of all stakeholders in the Pend Oreille Valley has greatly contributed to our successful suppression of this fire,” he added. 

Fire Size:   515 acres

Location:  Six miles northwest of Ione, WA

Fire Start Date: 8/1/15

Cause: Under investigation

Hazards: Dangerous snags, heavy ‘jackstraw’ ground fuels, steep terrain, helicopter operations, remote location, lack of safety zones and escape routes, poor access

Values at Risk: Power lines east and south of the fire, private property, fish habitat, water resources, timber, structures

Containment: 68%

Resources: 

3 Type II Crews

1 Engine

1 Type I Helicopter

1 Type III Helicopter

1 Dozer

3 Water tenders

Personnel: 330

Area Closures: Area surrounding the Baldy Fire is closed to vehicle and foot traffic