8/9/2015 National Creek Fire Complex Update

Summary: Favorable burning conditions late in the afternoon on Saturday, aided by a westerly wind allowed the Crescent Fire to hook around the fire-line on the north flank and make a run to the northeast toward Boundary Springs.  Fire managers will readjust tactics on the Crescent Fire based on Saturday’s advance.  A full suppression strategy is being pursued due to the extreme drought conditions resulting from the lack of snow-pack last winter. 

Yesterday’s Activity: The Crescent Fire moved from an uncontained flank on the west side and progressed rapidly to the northeast at about 3:00 pm.  An infra-red flight early Sunday morning showed about 100 acres of growth into a lodgepole flat. Crews made good progress on the National Fire as firefighters working up the west flank were able to turn the corner and tie-in with the existing fire-line on the north. They then began setting up portable pumps and hose-lays to improve the holding capacity of the line.  Crews on the east side made steady headway to the south. Helicopters were active in supporting line construction and dampening fire growth.  The incident made use of a Type 1 (largest water carrying capacity) helicopter shared with other nearby incidents to dump prodigious amounts of water during its 6.2 hours of bucket work. 

Today’s Plans:  The forecasted weather shows the potential of thunderstorms beginning on Sunday afternoon.  Thunderstorms can be problematic to firefighting efforts due to their unpredictable winds and lightning that may create new fire starts.  Crews have been made aware of the likelihood of storms and will keep their eyes to the skies this afternoon.  Dry air aloft may also increase burning potential on Sunday afternoon.  Some crews will be shifted from the Crescent Fire to the National Fire to help improve the existing fire-lines and to set up hoses and pumps.  Firefighters began line construction on the west side of the Crescent Fire starting at a good anchor point.  Fire managers will look for new opportunities to suppress the fire with Saturday’s activity in mind.  An inversion that limits flying should lift about 11:00 am allowing for continued helicopter support of the ground troops. 

Closure:  Crater Lake National Park has closed the Bald Crater Loop Trail between Boundary Springs and Crater Springs due to potentially hazardous conditions created by the National Creek Complex Fires.  Both the Forest Service and Park Service are considering new closures in response to yesterday’s fire activity, stay tuned to the inciweb address below for updates.  All Crater Lake National Park facilities and roads remain open and safe to use.

Follow us on at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4463/