8/6/2015 Baldy Fire Update

Ione, Wash. – Very light showers fell overnight on the Baldy Fire. The shift to cooler, more humid weather should keep the fire less active today. As Operations Section Chief Karrie Stevens stated, “This is a day of opportunity. We have more chances of going direct while the fire isn't so active.” Where possible, firefighters will be building containment lines directly along the fire’s edge on its south and southwest flanks.

Even with higher humidity and cooler temperatures, the fire will still be burning intensely. Much of what is burning is the larger dead and down wood. These fuels will need much more time and precipitation to absorb enough moisture to be extinguished. “The fire will keep chunking along,” described Fire Behavior Analyst Dean Warner.

The newest estimate of the fire size is 507 acres. The perimeter was measured using GPS carried by helicopter yesterday. Most of the growth has been to the east and south, where burning debris rolls down the hill, then the fire burns back uphill occasionally torching trees. If the fire gets closer to Cedar Creek and Jim Creek Roads, firefighters are prepared to burn out and reduce fuels along the roads. This should stop these portions of the fire from continuing to spread.

Fire investigators were on site yesterday examining the point of origin.

Incident Commander Brian Gales and key staff in charge of suppressing the Baldy Fire will meet with interested public Friday, August 7th at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Ione Baptist Church in Ione, Washington. The hall is located at the corner of Highway 31 and Main Street in Ione. The purpose of the meeting will be to present an update on fire suppression activities, accomplishments and challenges.

A closure order was released August 4, 2015 by the Colville National Forest for the area surrounding the Baldy Fire.

The order prohibits entry by vehicle or foot into the area described legally and by a physical map. The closure will protect the safety of the firefighters and the public. The Sherlock Peak Trail No. 139, Silver Creek South Trail No. 123, Silver Creek North Trail No. 119, Abercrombie Mountain Trail No. 117, and Flume Creek Trail No. 502 are all closed.

A public meeting will be held Friday evening, August 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of the Ione Baptist Church in Ione, Washington

Quick Facts:

Fire Size: 507 acres
Fire Start Date: Saturday, August 1, 2015
Location: Six miles northwest of Ione, WA
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, structures
Cause: Under investigation
Containment: 2%
Resources:
3 Type I Crews
8 Type II Crews
7 Engines
1 Type I Helicopter
1 Type III Helicopter
2 Air Attack
Additional air support available as needed
5 Dozers
Personnel: 353

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