8/5/2017 Suiattle Fire Update

Suiattle Fire Morning Update August 5

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12

Richy Harrod, Incident Commander

August 5, 2017

Yesterday’s operations:

The smoke layer moderated fire behavior, reducing temperatures by an estimated 10-15 degrees and winds by 5-10 mph compared to the forecast. Jeff Bouschor, Operations Section Chief reported “We had a real good day.” The northern containment line was extended down into the Tenas Creek, and the crews performed a successful burnout. The crews extended the southern containment line into Tenas Creek and set up a hose line with sprinklers. Hand crews continued to mop up along the containment line east of Forest Road 26. Helicopter operations had quick turn-around times and delivered water to critical areas efficiently.

Today’s operations:

The humidity increased overnight creating a good opportunity for crews to attack the fire this morning. Due to the heavy fuels in the area, mop-up will take an extended effort. The objective is to ensure that hot-spots near the containment lines are extinguished. The effort requires meticulous attention to the hazards posed by fire damaged trees, and overhead fuels which have been cured by the fire. The plan for the day is to continue to improve containment lines with dozer work and hand line construction, mopping-up as they go. Crews will continue removing brush along the containment line east of Forest Road 26 to secure the road. The hot shot crews will focus on extending the successes of the previous day on the steep slopes up the canyon. Helicopters will continue to support the ground crews with bucket drops.

Closures

The Mt. Baker-Snoqualimie National Forest issued a closure order for an area around the fire. Forest Roads 2640, 2650, and 2660, as well as Boulder Lake Trail (#740) and Huckleberry Ridge Trail (#780) are affected by the closure. A map is available on Inciweb.

Safety Message

The fires in British Columbia Canada have had explosive growth, generating additional smoke. Air quality will continue to be impacted for some time.

Traffic in the area of active fire suppression puts visitors and firefighters at risk. Visitors who need to access Forest Road 26 should reduce speeds and maintain awareness.

Visitors are encouraged to utilize alternate recreation access points away from the fire. Check with the Darrington Ranger Station for recreation suggestions (closed Sundays). Check Inciweb for burn restrictions.