8/9/2015 Baldy Fire Update

“Another good day on the line,” said Kim Valentine, Field Operations Chief on the Baldy Fire at the 6 a.m. briefing Sunday morning. Most of the work to improve contingency lines will be completed today. Crews and equipment continue to work directly along the fire’s edge. Observers on the fire overnight reported that the fire was very quiet.

Fire Behavior Analyst Dean Warner cautioned the firefighters not to be complacent. He emphasized that fuel moistures are still extremely low. Rates of spread will remain slow today due to the cloud-cover, but the consumption of interior fuel will continue.

Warner urged the crews to remain vigilant to the possibility of spot fires from torching trees that could loft embers across containment lines. He added that the dry fuels and the weather we’re experiencing closely mimic those of the Pend Oreille Fire of 2007 which grew to 10,000 acres in Canada.

John Fox, Incident Meteorologist warned the firefighters that we are in a changing weather pattern. The cooler and cloudier weather we’re experiencing this morning will give way to hotter temperatures later in the week with possible thunderstorms and lightning.

The Incident Management Team is very thankful for the support the community and cooperating agencies have provided over this last week of fire suppression efforts. The Team is offering the public a chance to tour the Incident Command Post (or Fire Camp) this afternoon and tomorrow. Tours will begin at 2 p.m. today (Sunday) and then at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday. Participants are directed to enter the Selkirk High School grounds through the north entrance and park in the lower lot near the track and football field. A tour guide will meet them there.

Additional information about the tours or fire suppression activities is available at 509-446-1292.

Quick Facts:

Fire Size: 535 acres

Fire Start Date: 8/1/15

Location: Six miles northwest of Ione, WA

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

Cause: Under investigation

Containment: 7%

Resources:

4 Type I Crews

6 Type II Crews

12 Engines

1 Type I Helicopter

1 Type II Helicopter

1 Type III Helicopter

2 Air Attack Platforms

Additional air support available as needed

5 Dozers

7 Water tenders

2 Skidgeons

Personnel: 441

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