SWANSON LAKE FIRE

FINAL UPDATE

AUGUST 26, 2008  -  9:00 AM

INFORMATION LINE:  509-725-8392 (This will be the last update on the Swanson Lake Fire, but the Information phone line will remain open over the next 3 days.)                

HOURS:  7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.                         WEBSITES:  www.wa-imt2.org    or    www.imtcenter.net   (WA IMT2)  

ACRES:  19,090

CONTAINMENT:  95%

CAUSE:  UNDER INVESTIGATION

LOCATION:  The Swanson Lake fire started on August 18, 2008, and is burning 5 miles southwest of the town of Creston in Lincoln County, Washington.  The cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  The fire is burning in wheat fields, sagebrush, and scattered timber in rough, steep terrain.  Large pockets of timber with dead and down woody debris are present on the north end of the fire and in the drainages.

FIRE SITUATION: Due to cooler, wetter, weather conditions, fire activity was minimal yesterday.  Mop-up operations continued around the perimeter and many areas are now in a patrol status.  Rehabilitation efforts will be conducted throughout the day.  As more of the fire suppression actions are accomplished the firefighting resources will begin to be demobilized over the next few days.  A total of 19,090 acres total were burned on the Swanson Lake fire.

All emergency notifications have been lifted on the Swanson Lake fire. The public is urged to take precautions staying out of the burned areas, away from fallen and damaged trees or any downed power lines as these can be a potential hazards.  Smoldering and scattered low intensity burning will continue for several weeks.  The Hawk Creek boat launch will not be open until Wednesday, August 27.

TODAY’S PLAN:  The Washington Incident Management Team 2 will complete their work by the end of the day and a Type 3 Team will begin managing the Swanson Lake fire taking command on Wednesday morning, August 27.  The two teams are coordinating suppression plans for a smooth and seamless transition.

All injuries reported on the Swanson Lake fire have been minor in nature.  Public and firefighter safety has been the top priority.  With the cooperation provided by local residents and surrounding areas, the Team was able to concentrate on suppression efforts efficiently.  Members of the Washington Incident Management Team 2 would like to thank the public for their patience and support during the fire situation.

WEATHER:  Sunny and warm today with temperatures around 70 degrees.  Winds will be southwest 5 to 8 mph with gusts to 18 mph in the afternoon.  Overnight lows will be in the 40s.

CLOSURES:  The boat launch at the Hawk Creek Campground will be open beginning Wednesday, August 27.

STRUCTURE LOSS:  1 residence, 2 seasonal cabins and 15 outbuildings.

RESOURCES:  23 crews, 43 engines, 3 dozers, 17 water tenders, 132 overhead, 2 camp crews  = Total Personnel 619