September 25, 2012 - Wesley Fire Update
Incident: Wesley Wildfire
Released: 9/25/2012
Fire Update
For Immediate Release
wesleyfireinformation@gmail.com
Wesley Fire
Payette National Forest
Date: Tuesday, September 25, 2012 Fire Information: 208-347-3799
The Wesley Fire is now 32% contained.
The Wesley Fire is burning and smoldering in the headwaters of upper Lick Creek, upper Rapid River and the headwaters of upper Boulder Creek. It crossed Twin Lakes Creek and Echols Creek into the northeast slope of Echols Mountain to Lake Fork Creek. However, with the help of rainfall Sunday night and a cool day Monday, the fire is 15,233 acres.
Fire crews took advantage of the wet ground and cooler temperatures gaining ground with fire line construction from Bear Creek working north towards the Twin Lakes area. Crews worked extinguishing hot spots along the edge and were able to improve existing containment lines. Skidgine's have been working with crews to extinguish hot spots and construct fire line and feller buncher machines are removing trees to widen existing roads. They are also felling hazard trees for firefighter safety and for use as fire breaks in the future.
Today's objectives are to continue building fireline in the southwest corner of the fire working north towards the Twin Lakes area. On the eastern area of the fire, crews will continue to hold and improve line along Forest Road 079. Crews throughout the fire will continue constructing line and extinguishing hot spots with support of helicopter water drops.
The forecast for Tuesday is partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures are expected to be 60-70 degrees, with north winds 4 to 8 mph and gusts to 15on the ridges. The weather is predicted to become warmer and drier by midweek.
A group will perform rehabilitation and repair of suppression actions, such as fire line, back to a more natural state. In addition, recovery crews will also begin backhaul of unnecessary fire hose and equipment.
An area closure remains in effect. Maps are posted at information boards, Ranger Districts, local businesses and post offices.
Definition: A "skidgine" is a machine that is a combination of a fire engine and dozer with water carrying capacities and an attached hose reel and a dozer blade on the front of the other end to push debris away.
Fire Statistics
Start Date: September 9, 2012
Size - 15,233 acres
Lightning Caused
Contained: 32%
Cost $9,426,537
Injuries to date - 0
Number of helicopters -7
Number of engines -24
Number of crews - 33
Number of personnel- 911
Structures Lost - 0
Out Buildings Lost - 0
