Saturday 9/15 Powell Sbw Update
Incident: Powell Sbw Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/15/2012
POWELL SBW FIRE COMPLEX
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Nez Perce - Clearwater National Forests
Loc
Contact: Molly Puchlerz Phone # (208)942-0303
Date Started: 7/20/2012 Total Personnel: 74
Cause: Multiple Lightning Strikes Size: 46,021 Acres
Percent Contained: 0% Injuries to Date: 2
Resources: 1 Type 1 Helicopter, 7 engines, and 2 water tenders.
Location: The complex consists of three main and numerous small fires situated in an arc running southeast to southwest of the town of Powell, Idaho, straddling the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness boundary. The three main fires are named from east to west as: Fern, Cedar and Freeze Out/Queen.
Yesterday' Activities: Fire behavior had moderate activity yesterday with growth on all three main fires, picking up just over 1000 acres with short runs and group torching. Ground operations continued patrols along the Beaver Ridge containment line, around the Elk Summit guard station, and along Lochsa River, north of the Freeze Out/Queen fire, to make sure no spots jumped Highway 12. The Powell Ranger Station and fire Complex also received a visit from Wildland Fire Management professionals from Australia, on an informational tour of North America; to see how different agencies manage wildland fire.
Today's Activities: Due to the smoke inversion in place for the foreseeable future fire activity is expected to be similar to yesterday, this would include backing fire, short runs, and group torching. Firefighter and public safety remains the priority. If visibility improves helicopters will utilized to cool down any active fire along the Highway 12 corridor and on the Eagle Robin fire west of the freeze Out/Queen fire. Ground forces will continue to patrol Beaver Ridge and the Highway 12 corridor.
Remarks: Motorists are urged to use caution and drive slowly, with their headlights on along Highway 12 from the Powell Ranger Station downriver. Visibility is very limited due to all the smoke.
For Tips on Keeping Your House Firewise: http://www.idahofirewise.org/
