Daily Update 9-15-12
Incident: Okanogan Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/15/2012
The Buckhorn Fire has burned past the structures along the southernmost perimeter. No property in the Wildland-Urban Interface was damaged, and firefighters continue to use point protection with minimal burnout around residences as the fire approaches. Crews were successful in keeping the fire from crossing the Gold Creek Road, and worked to improve access to the fire near the 125 road. Two hotshot crews are working the ridge to the northwest to establish line designed to stop the westward advance.
Fireline around the Leecher Fire has been completed and hose line is being laid for mop up. The Hunter Fire is in mop-up status. Crews will be cold trailing and removing hazard trees into the interior up to 100 feet from the fire perimeter.
A Type 1 (heavy-lift) helicopter and three Type 3 (light-lift) helicopters are now available for transport and water drops, making a total of four helicopters working the fire today. A dip site has been established to pick up water from the Methow River near the switchbacks on Gold Creek Road. Drivers are asked to be patient with brief intermittent delays during dipping operations. For public safety, recreationists on both sides of the river are asked to keep a safe distance.
Fire weather is expected to be favorable for overall suppression efforts with northwest winds 4-8 mph. These winds will also help clear smoke from the area, improving air quality for public health and increasing visibility for safe aviation operations. Fire behavior is expected to be moderated today.
Road restrictions are still in place on North Fork Gold Creek Forest System Road (FSR) 4340, South Fork Gold Creek FSR 4330, Benson Creek Road FSR 4150, FSR 4150-300, and 4150-200. Trails from Foggy Dew and Crater Creek are also closed at this time. The public is asked to respect these closures.
Fire managers remind the public that fire danger is very high. Drivers should not park near dead or dry grass to avoid igniting a fire. Campers should check fire restrictions before building a campfire and take care to fully extinguish all campfires.
IMPORTANT· Please note that the new Fire Information number is 509-997-0568.
Fire at a Glance
Size: 3611 acres
Containment: 10%
Location: Vicinity of Carlton, Washington
Cause: Lightning (9/8)
Personnel: 423
Evacuations: A Level 3 evacuation is in place in the Gold Creek Area near the Buckhorn Fire
Closures/Restrictions:
See main text
NEW Fire Information Number:
509-997-0568
