SWANSON LAKE FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 24, 2008

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

HOURS:  7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.                                              www.imtcenter.net   (WA IMT2)

ACRES:  19,090

CONTAINMENT:  60%

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, firefighters were able to complete mop-up operations along the northern perimeter from Watson Road to Highway 2.  A hand-held thermal imaging device was utilized and the area will now be in patrol status.  During the afternoon hours, fire activity increased along Tedrick Lane causing the fire to breach the containment lines.  Fire crews diligently worked to contain the 1-acre fire and helicopters were called in to assist in cooling and slowing the spread.  By evening, dozer operations had been completed and the fire was contained. Night shift crews spent the evening patrolling around structures checking for any type of spotting outside the containment lines and watered roads to keep the dust down.  

TODAY’S PLAN:  The north to northeast perimeter continues to challenge firefighting activities.  The winds have diminished significantly over the last two days, but temperatures are expected to increase. As the day becomes warmer and dryer, fire activity increases creating the potential for flare-ups and spotting.    Firefighting resources will focus their efforts on the Bachelor Prairie area securing and strengthening the containment lines.  Fire crews will complete mop-up operations along the southern perimeter and the area is expected to be in a patrol status within the next 24-hours.

Residents of the Hawk Creek Ranch Road and Hawk Creek Canyon Estates in the Dodd Canyon remain at an Emergency Notice – Level 2.  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. 

Traffic remains heavy on the highways and along roads located near the Swanson Lake fire area. The public is reminded to continue driving cautiously in those areas. 

Fire managers continue to assess the priorities and staffing needs based on current incident management goals and objectives.   The Washington Incident Management Team 2 appreciates the patience and support from the public and local businesses as firefighters deal with the fire situation.

CLOSURES:  The Hawk Creek Ranch 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, 3 helicopters, 71 engines, 4 dozers, 23 water tenders, 150 overhead, 2 camp crews  – Total 727 Personnel