July 12, 2008 Daily Fire Update - Saturday
Incident: Abraham Canyon Wildland Fire
Released: 7/12/2008
Resources continue to arrive today to assist with the suppression of the Abraham Canyon Fire, located approximately 6 miles northwest of Inchelium, on the east side of the Colville Reservation. Local resources successfully suppressed many of the fires that started from downed power lines after a severe wind event on Thursday July 10th. The number of fires since June 30th has kept local resources very busy, and this fire requires more staff to fully contain than are available locally.
Firelines have been created by dozers where possible, but much of this is "indirect" fire line - it is not located directly adjacent to the fire. New control lines will have to be completed directly adjacent to the fire edges before it is considered contained. The fire has not spread significantly since the initial wind-driven movement on July 10th.
Washington's Interagency Incident Management Team 1 is assigned to coordinate the efforts on this fire, to achieve the objectives outlined by the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. Firefighter and public safety is the highest priority.
TODAY'S PLANNED ACTIONS: Crews will be working to "tight trail" the fire (ensuring the fire's edge and the fire containment lines are directly adjacent to each other). Newer resources will be evaluating access to more remote portions of the fire, determining potential locations for portable water tanks, and opening closed or overgrown roads as appropriate. Local firefighters and arriving resources will be working together to meet the incident objectives.
WEATHER: Winds are expected to be light, 2 to 5 mph in the morning from variable directions, and from the south in the afternoon, 4 to 7 mph. The high temperature is forecast to be 87 degrees, with relative humidity less than 30%.
VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN: The fire is burning in a range of conditions, from dense stands of heavy timber to scattered trees. There are areas of heavily wooded, steep slopes, and more open areas.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Fire managers are working with the Tribal Employment Rights staff to utilize local available resources on the fire assignment when possible. Since the planned 4-H Community Fair in Inchelium was cancelled due to the fire, much of the food that had been prepared for that was used for dinner for assigned and incoming staff on Friday; it was greatly appreciated by everyone.
