8/10/2015 Baldy AM fire Update

Ione, Wash. – Taking advantage of yesterday's cooler, more humid weather, firefighters were able to tie together more of the control lines being constructed on the Baldy Fire. Hoses have been set up along most of these lines, providing the water needed to cool the large amounts of burning fuels.

On the north edge of the fire, crews completed a ten-acre burnout yesterday to clean up a patch of spot fires. This allows the firefighters to efficiently complete construction of a section of the control line without worrying about the fire later flaring up nearby.

Firefighters will work in from the control lines trying to extinguish all embers. Just as the type and width of the lines has varied according to the topography and fuels, the distance the firefighters mop-up in from the fire's edge will vary. According to Operations Section Chief Karrie Stevens, “Containment will be completed along the perimeter of the fire to the extent necessary to make the potential for escape unlikely.”

A blasting group is assigned to the Baldy Fire to assist with falling large, extremely hazardous trees that threaten firefighter safety. The blasting group uses explosives to knock down hazard trees. The explosives are detonated electronically from a sufficient distance to minimize the risk to personnel. So far, local sawyers have been able to cut the hazard trees and the blasting group's services have not been needed.

Today’s weather is forecast to be warmer and drier than yesterday, with a slight chance of thunderstorms. Over the next few days, the weather is forecast to become more hot, dry, and windy, with a stronger chance of thunderstorms. Firefighters will be working hard to get as much of the fire edge lined and mopped up as they can before this weather shift occurs. Work on contingency lines is expected to be completed by the end of today's work shift.

Twenty-one visitors toured the Baldy Fire Incident Command Post yesterday. Public tours are being offered today at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participants are directed to enter the Selkirk High School grounds through the north entrance and park in the lower lot near the football field. For additional information please call 509-446-1292.

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: 15%

Resources: 

4 Type I Crews

6 Type II Crews

11 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

6 Water tenders

2 Skidgeons

Personnel: 439

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