Church Canyon Fire Update - August 12th
Incident: Church Canyon Wildland Fire
Released: 8/12/2008
Church Canyon Fire
IDL - Maggie Creek Supervisory Area
August 12, 2008 8:00 a.m.
FACT
SHEET
Fire Information
(208) 935-9177 or (406) 208-0934
Office hours: 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Incident: Wildland fire, lightning-caused, reported on August 7, 2008
Location: 3 miles southeast of Kamiah, ID
Jurisdiction: Idaho Department of Lands, Maggie Creek Supervisory Area
Cooperating Agencies: Glenwood Caribell, Kooskia, Kamiah, Harpster and Sunnyside VFDs
Incident Commander: Mark Grant, Northern Rockies Type II Incident Management Team (IMT).
Current Size: 800 acres Containment: 60%
Yesterday's Activity: There was no growth in the fire. Hand crews, air support and ground-based machinery worked efficiently to contain the fire. Suppression efforts focused on tying together existing sections of fireline and initiating mop-up operations. Where conditions permitted, crews partially constructed fireline closer to the fire's southeastern edge. Personnel worked to secure and reinforce existing dozer and handline. Helicopters dropped water to cool hot spots. Night operations with engines and other heavy equipment patrolled all lines for spot fires.
The fire camp was relocated from the IDL office in Kamiah to an old mill site near the Clearwater River just north of Highway 12.
Current Resources: The number of firefighters on the incident is 253. Resources assigned include seven 20-person crews, three dozers, two helicopters, thirteen engines and four water tenders.
Today's Strategy: Today's weather forecast calls for temperatures in the upper 80s, with 20% relative humidity and light winds. Crews will be assisted by dozers, water tenders and helicopters as they continue to secure the existing lines and tie together newly constructed handline. Mop-up operations will continue. The public may see smoke as interior pockets of fuel burn within the containment lines.
Special Messages/Closures: The public is urged to drive carefully on both the Beaverslide and Kidder Ridge Road due to the increased fire traffic. Vegetation is quickly drying out, and fire danger in the Maggie Creek Supervisory Area is VERY HIGH. Please use extreme caution when enjoying the outdoors!
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