SWANSON LAKE FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 21, 2008  -  1:00 PM

INFORMATION LINE:  509-725-8392                                WEBSITES:  www.wa-imt2.org or www.imtcenter.net

ACRES:  19,000

CONTAINMENT:  20%

FIRE 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: Yesterday, crews were able to make good progress on the Swanson Lake Fire. Rainfall on the fire provided a window of opportunity to build and strengthen containment lines throughout the perimeter.   Crews focused on extinguishing the hottest spots near the fire’s edge.     Air operations continued to drop water on the fire area as necessary.  A hand-held  thermal imaging device was utilized to identify hot spots and areas on concern.  Structure protection crews worked throughout the night to monitor and patrol areas around structures.

 TODAY’S PLAN:  Crews will work to complete line construction on the southern perimeter by the end of the day.  Crews will be conducting burnout operations along the northern border and line construction is also expected to be completed between Highway 2 to the Miles Canyon Road.  Fire crews will begin mopping up the perimeter approximately 500 feet around structures and approximately 300 feet in from the fire perimeter.

 The east and northeast perimeter along the Hawk Creek Canyon Road and Dodds Canyon where residents were evacuated continues to challenge firefighters.  Although less of an impact over the last 24-hour period, erratic winds and steep, rocky terrain have made firefighting conditions difficult.   

Residents of the Hawk Creek Canyon Road and Hawk Creek Canyon Estates in the Dodd Canyon remain at an Emergency Notice – Level 2.  Residents of that area have been allowed back into their homes, but must be prepared to leave if the fire situation changes.  The area is only open to local traffic and residents are urged to take precautions staying out of the burned areas, away from fallen and damaged trees and downed power lines. 

COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT

A community meeting is scheduled for tonight beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the Davenport Memorial Hall – 507 Park Street in the town of Davenport, Washington.  Fire officials will be updating the public on the fire situation.

CLOSURES:  None at this time.  The Hawk Creek Canyon Road and the Hawk Creek Road will be open to local traffic only.  We ask the public to stay out of the burn area for their safety as fire suppression activity continues.  The Hawk Creek Campground is now open, but the boat launch remains closed for suppression activity.

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

RESOURCES:  24 crews, 2 helicopters, 55 engines, 5 dozers, 117 overhead – Total 648 Personnel