RATTLESNAKE POINT COMPLEX

FIRE UPDATE

JULY 4, 2008 – 11:00 AM

INFORMATION PHONELINE:  (509) 826-0455                         EMAIL:  waimt2@comcast.net

WEBSITE:  www.wa-imt2.org

LOCATION:  The Washington Incident Management Team 2 has been delegated the responsibility for managing a total of four fires, now forming a complex.  The four fires include the Rattlesnake Point located in Okanogan, and the Jackass Butte, Coyote Creek and Kartar Valley fires located on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation.

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  The fires are burning in scattered timber, sagebrush and range land in steep, rocky terrain.

FIRE SITUATION:  Fire operations are continuing as planned on the Rattlesnake Point fire and the firefighters are meeting their operational objectives.    Crews continue to secure existing control lines and will begin mop-up operations mopping up 100 feet within the perimeter of the fire.  Our first incident objective continues to be public and firefighter safety. 

The Jackass Butte fire is now 100 % contained and is in patrol status.  Crews will monitor the fire for any hot spots or flare-ups that may occur.

The Coyote Creek fire is 20% contained with line construction predicted to be completed and mop-up operations beginning over the next few days.  The fire is burning in extremely steep and rocky terrain.  Approximately 100 personnel have been assigned to this area.

The Kartar Valley fire is burning just south of Omak Lake and is 70% contained.  Crews will begin mopping up 50 feet within the perimeter of the fire.

Safety of the firefighters is always a concern on any wildland fire incident.  Snags, rolling debris, difficult terrain, long distances to and from the fire area and warm weather conditions increase the potential risks.  We ask the public to be cautious this Fourth of July.

ROAD CLOSURES:   None

RESOURCES:  Crews 14, Helicopters 3, Engines 21, Dozers 4, Water Tenders 7, Overhead 52, Camp Crews 3, Total Personnel - 332