Monday, September 21, 2015

9/21/2015 Kettle Complex Update



Oregon Incident Management Team #1 took over command of this incident Sunday September 20th, at 1800.

Incident Commander, Shawn Sheldon thanked the crews for all the quality work they have done so far, but stated we are not done yet. We need to finish preparing this fire to be able to be returned back to the local forest.

Good progress was made yesterday on all divisions of the fire, from containing unsecured areas, to repairs of damage from
prior firefighting activities. The crews were brought in early last night, as an effort to control the safety concerns from potential falling snags, due to the wind event that transpired. Gusts were reported up to 40 mph.

There was some precipitation that came through the fire area last night, but that is the last in the forecast for a few days. Today the weather is expected to be sunny, cooler, and drier. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees cooler today, with RHs in the mid 20 percent range. Winds will be lighter at 8-12 mph, with gusts to 18. Tonight will approach freezing in most areas.

Today crews continue to monitor, patrol, and repair damage, on all perimeters of the complex. There is still brushing, and chipping going on, along with evaluations of the forest roads, in preparation to being able to allow the public back in to the area, as soon as safely possible.

Fire behavior today should amount to creeping, backing, and smoldering. Some areas of this fire will continue to burn, until significant moisture falls on the area. The extended 8-14 day forecast calls for above normal precipitation, and below normal temperatures. This could lead to theseason ending event” for the fire area.


Fire at a Glance


Stickpin 53,729 acres; 85% contained Graves Mtn. 8,557 acres; 80% cont Renner   13,775 acres; 85% contained Total        76,061 acres

Assigned personnel:  620



Location: Colville National Forest

Closures:  Deer Creek-Boulder Creek Road is open, but all connecting US Forest Service roads are closed to non- fire traffic. Highway 21 is open

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