8/13/2015 Baldy Fire Update

Mop-up continues around the perimeter of the Baldy Fire; crews, helicopters sent to new Tower Fire on South Baldy Mountain

            Ione, Wash. – Firefighters at the 535-acre Baldy Fire, are continuing mop-up operations along the entire perimeter, using hose lays and water pumped from Cedar Creek and delivered by water tenders.  They are extinguishing burning or smoldering fuels inside the perimeter to make sure that fuels do not flare up and escape, pushed by winds from a predicted thunderstorm late today.

Another fire, named the Tower Fire, was reported burning early yesterday morning on South Baldy Mountain (not to be confused with the Baldy Mountain northeast of Ione).  The Tower Fire is burning near the South Baldy Lookout Tower, approximately 20 miles north of Newport, Washington and 4 miles west of the Idaho-Washington state line.

Yesterday the Baker River Hotshots, supported by helicopter and air tanker water drops, were able to make significant headway in slowing fire spread. The 11-acre fire is 7 percent contained. Approximately 120 firefighters are now assigned to this fire which is being managed by the Newport Ranger District with support of a type III incident management team from northern New Mexico.

Hot, dry conditions will continue today.  A red flag warning has been issued for hot, dry, unstable conditions. A Preparedness Level 5 (PL5), the highest fire preparedness rating, has been issued for the Nation and Pacific Northwest Region. This allows more federal and state employees to be available for mobilization if needed. PL5 has only been issued 5 times in the past 10 years.

Temperatures are expected to rise into the low 90s and relative humidity to drop into the teens today. One firefighter suffered heat-related illness yesterday and several other minor injuries were reported. Because of the continuing drought, green trees have been observed falling over outside the Baldy Fire.  The fine, shallow roots of tree species such as cedar, spruce and hemlock are drying causing some trees to topple over without notice.  

A thunderstorm is expected to bring rain and 20-degree cooler temperatures this weekend.  Equipment and personnel excess to the needs of the Baldy Fire are being demobilized.  A Type III organization led by incident commander Pete Meyer will assume command of the Fire on Monday morning, August 17, 2015.  The Type III team will remain stationed at the incident command post located at the Selkirk High School, 6 miles north of Ione, Wash.

Quick Facts:

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: 48% Resources:  3 Type I Crews 5 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 5 Water tenders Personnel: 370 Area Closures: Area surrounding the Baldy Fire is closed to vehicle and foot traffic