8/4/2015 Baldy Fire AM Update

The Baldy Fire, located approximately six miles northwest of Ione, Washington atop Baldy Mountain, continues to burn through dry ground fuels. It is backing downhill to the east, south and north.  Rolling debris ignites fuels below causing short uphill runs back towards the fire.  Night crews observed single and group tree torching.  The fire is approximately 342 acres in size.

The objective for firefighters is to minimize growth of the fire and prepare direct fire lines near the fire where hazards can be mitigated and air support is available.  Helicopters will be visible today, delivering water to the fire from the Pend Oreille River to cool the fire and reduce its activity.  The fire’s south and east flanks are the highest priority. 

Indirect lines are being prepared along existing roads and trails. Firefighters have brushed out the Cedar Creek and Jim Creek roads to improve access and develop indirect options.  Additional contingency lines are being prepared along the south and east. Options further to the north are being identified and analyzed.

Firefighters are preparing for the potential of stronger, shifting winds and the slight chance of a thunderstorm moving into the area today.   Firefighters are aware that should the fire reach the bottom of Cedar Creek, the rate of spread up the opposite slope of the drainage could increase significantly.  Fire managers have identified critical locations for safety zones, escape routes, and helispots.  Work is being done to clear these areas today.

 

The Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #4 (WAIIMT #4) under the direction of Brian Gales, is managing the fire.  According to Gales, firefighters are taking advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity at night to implement all firefighting strategies.

Gales and his staff are working closely with Washington State and Pend Oreille County agencies to protect power lines and develop a notification system through the Pend Oreille County Sheriff to warn residents should the need for evacuation arise.  Presently, the fire is not posing an immediate threat to the Ione community or residences and infrastructure along the Pend Oreille River. 

Fire Size:   342 acres
Fire Start Date: Saturday, August 1, 2015

Location:  East flank of Baldy Mountain, Sullivan Lake Ranger District,  Colville  National Forest
Hazards: Dangerous snags, heavy ‘jackstraw’ ground fuels, steep terrain, 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

Cause: Undetermined

Containment: 0%

Resources Committed or Available: 

·          Type I Crews

·          4 Type II Crews

·          1 Engine

·          2 Type I Helicopters (loan)

·          1 Type II Helicopter (loan)

·          1 Type III Helicopter (dedicated)

·          2 Dozers

·          1 Air Attack

Personnel: 200

Road Closures: Cedar Creek Road (firefighting activity); potential road closures:  Jim Creek and Smackout roads