8/15/2015 Baldy Fire AM Update

Baldy firefighters mopping-up; a wave of potential flare-ups and spot fires with predicted hot, dry weather.

 Ione, Wash. – Firefighters on the Baldy Fire are mopping-up, using hand tools and water to extinguish remaining hot spots near the fire’s edge.  Hoses extend along two to three miles of hand- and dozer-built fireline.   In places where the fuels weren’t consumed completely, heavy loads of fallen trees and brush present a huge volume of partly burned fuel the firefighters have to methodically work through.

Firefighters look carefully and use their hands to “cold trail,” and feel their section along the fire line is completely extinguished.  The night crew is using palm-held infrared detecting instruments to locate and mark remaining heat sources so the day shift can re-work them and ensure the perimeter is cold. 

Temperatures in the fire area are expected to reach the low 90’s today, an increase in several degrees over yesterday. 

Forest lands across the Pacific Northwest are currently extremely dry.  Lightning strikes yesterday resulted in many new fires and one crew and equipment have been diverted from the Baldy Fire to assist with the suppression effort.  Three crews and a dozer are identified to engage in initial attack of new fires near the Baldy Fire if requested.

Although forests in Pend Oreille County tend to be wetter than other parts of northeast Washington, aerial lichens growing in tree crowns are receptive to fire embers and can easily flare up if a lightning strike or other ignition occurs.  When the wind and uphill slope directions align, new fires can spread quickly.  Logs and other heavy fuels are dry, ignite easily, burn hot, and result in hard-to-control fires.

Everyone is encouraged to be careful with fire around homes and roads.  In the National Forest, all campfires and chainsaw use are currently banned.  Industrial forest lands are partially shut-down (Industrial Fire Precaution Level 3) with fire-fighting equipment and monitoring required for forest operations. Follow all burn bans and fire protection levels in your area.

Fire Size:   535 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: 42%

Resources: 

3 Type I Crews

6 Type II Crews

3 Engines

1 Type I Helicopter

1 Type II Helicopter

1 Type III Helicopter

2 Air Attack Platforms

Additional air support available as needed

2 Dozers

9 Water tenders

2 Skidgeons

1 Chipper

Personnel: 393

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