Wesley Fire Update, Sunday, September 23, 2012
Incident: Wesley Wildfire
Released: 9/23/2012
Date: Sunday, September 23, 2012 Fire Information: 208-347-3799
WESLEY FIRE UPDATE
The Wesley Fire is burning in the headwaters of upper Lick Creek, upper Rapid River and the headwaters of upper Boulder Creek. Between 4:30 pm and 9:30 pm, as fire management personnel were briefing the community of Bear, the northwest corner of the fire expanded approximately 1700 acres. It crossed Twin Lakes Creek and Echols Creek and made a narrow push along the northeast slope of Echols Mountain to Lake Fork Creek. The fire is currently 14,000 acres as of last night.
Yesterday's increased fire activity on the northwest edge of the fire was contributed to the lifting of the inversion layer and stronger southerly wind flow. On the east side fire crews worked the edge extinguishing hot spots and were able to improve existing containment lines. On the southwest portion of the fire helicopters made good progress with water drops. Additional resources continue to be moved to the southwest edge of the fire to concentrate efforts where most needed. Feller buncher machines are removing trees to widen existing roads for fire break potential. Firefighters are diligent picking up spot fires across fire lines and extinguishing them when found.
Objectives today are to continue building fire line to the west and north toward Smith Mountain. On the eastern area of the fire, crews will continue to hold and improve line along the 079 road and capture spot fires. On the southeastern edge, crews will continue constructing line, and hold and extinguish hot spots. Air resources are assisting fire fighters with helicopter water drops. Additional crews have arrived as they become available to assist existing resources firefighting efforts.
The forecast for Sunday is partly cloudy with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to be 65-75 degrees, with south winds 5 to 10 mph and gust to 25 on the ridges.
Special note: The fire was declared 29% contained before the growth to the northwest and may be adjusted accordingly depending on today's progress.
An area closure remains in effect. Maps are posted at information boards, Ranger Districts, local businesses and post offices.
Definition: "Mopping Up", is the process to putting out a fire by removing either fuel, oxygen, or heat from the fire area.
Fire Statistics
Start Date: September 9, 2012
Size - 14,000 acres
Lightning Caused
Contained: 29%
Cost $7,740,683
Injuries to date - 0
Number of helicopters -7
Number of engines -12
Number of crews - 23
Number of personnel - 771
Structures Lost - 0
Out Buildings Lost - 0
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