8/2/2017 Suiattle Fire Update

Suiattle Fire Morning Update 8-2

AUGUST 2, 2017

Size: 180 acres 

Containment: 0% 

Personnel: 300

Start Date: July 30

Cause: Unknown 

Location: 9 miles NE of Darrington

Fuel Type: Shrubs, Timber, Timber Litter and Logging Slash

Management of the fire transitioned to Northwest Incident Management Team 12 commanded by Bob Johnson at 6:00 a.m. this morning.

YESTERDAY’S OPERATIONS: Smoke kept relative humidity higher than expected and provided shading for fuels on Tuesday limiting fire behavior. Crews worked to extend the dozer line along the west side of the fire down to the 2660 road to the south. The fire slowly backed down to an improved road on the northwest flank. Crews scouted potential suppression opportunities south of the fire.

TODAY’S OPERATIONS: A Red Flag Warning for very hot and dry weather conditions is in effect for the fire area through Thursday. Forecasted maximum temperatures will reach 95 degrees with relative humidity at 20%. Crews will continue improving the dozer line along the west side and reinforcing the 2650 Road in the north. Fire managers will continue to scout south of the fire for safe containment prospects.

CLOSURES: National Forest System Roads 2640, 2660 and 2650 (Tenas Creek Road) are closed to citizen traffic. Boulder Lake Trail (#740) and Huckleberry Ridge Trail (#780) are affected by the fire and will likely be closed.

SAFETY MESSAGE: Equipment will be heavily involved with firefighting along the Suiattle River Road (FS26) and people are encouraged to slow down and keep moving near the fire area.

CONTACT INFO: Fire Information phone number is (503)475-1668, e-mail at 2017suiattlefire@gmail.com.

There will be a Community Briefing TONIGHT (Wednesday, August 2nd) at the Darrington Community Community Center, 507 Sauk Ave. at 7:30 p.m.