Daily Update 9-22-2012
Incident: Okanogan Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/22/2012
Crews in the vicinities of the Antoine Creek, Quiet Valley, Golf Course and Alta Lake communities worked throughout the day Friday with the focus of their efforts on containing the fire to protect the communities. Hand crews cut brush from around residences to provide fuel breaks, installed hose lays, and built containment lines using hand tools, while further up the slope dozers were used to build additional containment lines. Overhead, helicopters were active in the afternoon hours assisting crews on the ground by dropping water and retardant.
Progress was made yesterday on containing the Buckhorn fire. Remaining fuels between the fire and the western fireline were burned out Friday to bring more security to the upper end of the fire. Additional hose lay is helping crews protect lines that have been constructed in the last few days. Weather changes predicted today have the potential to create further problems for crews on this and all other fires.
Red Flag warnings have been issued for dry lightning on Saturday. Erratic winds associated with lightning, continued high temperatures and low humidities could lead to very erratic fire behavior today. Firefighters remain poised to quickly attack any new starts as a result of lightning strikes.
Eight helicopters will be working on the fires today, and may be seen flying to Twisp or Chelan for refueling. Heavy fire traffic continues, so the public is asked to drive carefully in the fire areas. As always, firefighter and public safety is the top priority.
Pateros Web Cam shows air quality near Goat Fire: http://paterosriversrestaurant.com/webcam/
To view high quality photos and maps visit our blog at: http://okanogancomplex.wordpress.com/.
