9/06/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

Saturday’s public meeting in Orient was attended by approximately 70 members of the community. They received information about the current Kettle Complex fire situation, protecting their property from wildfire in the future, and about local resources that can help in that endeavor.

Yesterday’s precipitation allowed firefighters on the Kettle Complex to make excellent progress constructing and improving direct and indirect fireline. Though helpful, the rain itself will not put the fire out, and it limited air operations ability to provide support.

Work today will be focused on securing fireline in areas where needed, mopping up burned areas, and initiating repair work where appropriate. Helicopters will resume operations 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. Nearly 1,000 personnel are still assigned to the complex.

Stickpin Fire: 

Today, firefighters continue suppression repair work to mitigate sedimentation and erosion from the fire and from recent precipitation. Line construction and improvement is ongoing on the northern half of the fire. Crews will construct handline and dozerline on the unsecured eastern perimeter. Crews will resume mop up and backhaul of equipment where appropriate.

Renner Fire: 

Crews continue assessing opportunities on the western perimeter to keep the fire east of South Boulder Creek Road. The east and southwest fire perimeters remain in patrol status.

Graves Mountain Fire: 

Today, handcrews will resume constructing direct and indirect line to hold the fire south of Deadman Creek and prevent eastern fire progression. Falling crews are working to remove hazard trees away from power lines.

Weather and Fire Behavior: 

Cool temperatures will continue today with a slight chance for rain showers. Expect southwest winds of 4-7 mph (6-11 km/hr), with gusts around 10 mph (16 km/hr). Below normal temperatures (54-58 F, 12-14 C on ridges; 59-63 F, 15-17 C in canyons) will persist; slightly warmer than yesterday. Fire behavior will remain below normal.

Community meeting: 

Sunday (Today) at the Malo Grange Hall at 2:00 pm. Pacific Northwest Team 2 will give a fire update. Information will be provided about resources for helping 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 remain at Level 1. The Town of Republic remains at Level 2. The Sheriff’s office encourages people to remain vigilant and pay attention to updates as there is still active fire in the area.