September 15, 2012 - Wesley Fire Update
Incident: Wesley Wildfire
Released: 9/15/2012
Great Basin Team 7, Doug Crocker IC
Phone: 208-253-3112
Internet: http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3243
WESLEY FIRE UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 15, 2012
Date Started: 09/09/2012
Cause: Lightning
Total Personnel: approx. 387
Structures: 22 threatened
Location: 12 miles NW of New Meadows, ID
Injuries to Date: 0
Size: 7,807 acres
Percent Contained: 8%
Resources: 5 Helicopters; 7 Engines; 9 Crews; 1 Dozer; 7 Water tenders
The Wesley Fire continues to burn in upper Lick Creek, upper Rapid River and upper Boulder Creek, encompassing the Lick Creek lookout. The fire is estimated at 7,807 acres moving north and northeast.
Fire is expected to work its way downhill throughout the day. However, increased fire activity is anticipated on the east side of the fire due to a shift to a more westerly wind flow. Firefighters will continue to guard against fire spotting across fire lines.
Active fire behavior continued overnight as the fire moved 2.5 miles within the Rapid River watershed along the ridge between Rapid River and Boulder Creek adding approximately 1,800 acres to the fire. The fire remains active, backing further down into Rapid River. Single tree torching with short range uphill spotting was observed throughout the day on the east side interior of the fire.
The fire continues to actively burn in the heavy downed fuels that are extremely dry. Firefighters continue to build control lines and establish anchor points along the southern portion of the fire and continue up the east side of the fire as the most active fire is now occurring on the north and east sides of the fire.
Objectives today include continuing line construction on the south end of the fire and from Ant Basin north into the old North Star Butte burn scar. Fire managers will also begin assessing structures along the Hwy 95 corridor north of Smokey Boulder Road.
The forecast calls for a slight cooling trend with low relative humidity. Air resources will continue to assist fire fighters with retardant and water drops as needed.
Public Meetings
Two public meetings are scheduled Saturday, Sept. 15 at the following times and locations:
1:00 pm Council Elementary School
7:00 pm McCall-Donnelly High School
Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and road closures are in effect. For inquiries, contact McCall Ranger District at (208)634-0400 or New Meadows Ranger District at (208)347-0300.
Note: Building or maintaining an open fire outside campgrounds or picnic areas is prohibited.
Safety of firefighting personnel and public is of the highest priority.
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