09/05/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

There was limited growth of the Kettle Complex yesterday as crews continued constructing and improving fireline. Burnout operations were conducted to strenghnen containment lines. 

Work today will be focused on securing fireline in areas where needed, mopping up burned areas, and initiating repair work where appropriate. Helicopters will continue to be used for air attack, reconnaissance of the fires, and water drops to support firefighting work on the ground, as weather permits. Firefighting crews also remain in a state of readiness to initial attack any new starts that are detected. An additional National Guard crew arrived yesterday. Nearly 1,000 personnel are still assigned to the complex.

Stickpin Fire: Yesterday, two crews continued a burnout operation on the fire’s western perimeter. Today, firefighters will start suppression repair work to mitigate sedimentation and erosion from the burnout. Line construction and improvement will continue on the northern half of the fire. Firefighters will work to contain slopover on the northeast fire perimeter. Work to cut and remove hazard trees along Boulder Creek Road continues. Crews will resume mop up where appropriate and backhaul of equipment at the south and southwest ends of the fire. 

Renner Fire: Aided by higher humidity and moderated fire behavior, crews  will begin working the western perimeter to ensure the fire remains east of South Boulder Creek Road. The east and southwest fire perimeters are in patrol status today.

Graves Mountain Fire: Today handcrews will patrol for spots outside the main fireline and continue to construct direct and indirect line for holding the fire south of Deadman Creek. Crews will also resume holding and mop up along the southwest portion of the fire.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cool temperatures and rain showers are expected through the afternoon, and ending by early evening. Winds from the northeast, 5-8 mph (8-13 km/hr), with gusts around 12 mph (19 km/hr). Below normal temperatures (50-54 F, 10-12 C on ridges; 55-60 F, 13-16 C in canyons) will continue. The cooler weather will moderate fire behavior today, providing greater opportunities for containment. 

Community meetings: Saturday (Today) at the Orient School and Sunday at the Malo Grange, both at 2:00 pm. Fire update from the Deputy Incident Commander and information about resources available to help with fire recovery, hazards to be aware of when entering burned areas, and guidance on how to create defensible space around property to reduce the risk of fire damage. 

Evacuations: Evacuation levels around the Kettle Complex have been lowered to Level 1. The Town of Republic remains at evacuation level 2. Even though some levels have been reduced, the Sheriff’s office encourages you to remain vigilant and pay attention to updates as there is still active fire in the area.