Print Version

Home   News   Sports   Social   Obituaries   Events   Letters
Looking Back     Health Jewels    Stitch in Time
 
Fires update:  Baker's Camp Fire still with hot spots in steep area; Forest Service manages 4 smaller fires
in Boundary County
July 14, 2015
Baker's Camp Fire in Boundary County
As of latest reports from this morning, the fire remains at 49 acres, with 75% containment.

According to fire officials, the southeast corner of the fire continues to be stubborn as hot spots persist in pockets of subalpine fir in this particularly rocky and steep part of the fire. Helicopters have been focusing their bucket drops in this difficult area, and fire retardant was also applied to this steeper, more difficult area.

(story continues below this photo)


New fire crews have been transitioning in to the fire today, bringing "fresh energy and enthusiasm," according to Shanna Kleinsmith, Public Information Officer for the fire.

There are 84 firefighters working this fire. The number is higher today as both the current firefighter team and the newly arriving team are working the fire today. That number will decrease tomorrow as the previous crew transitions out.

Crews continued mop up operations by extinguishing any hot spots that were found within 100 feet inside the fire perimeter.

(story continues below this photo)


Ms. Kleinsmith was asked by NewsBF regarding other fires in Boundary County. She indicated that during the lightning storm last Friday, four other fires were ignited in Boundary County. These fires are identified as the Caribou Fire, the Myrtle Fire, the Saddle Fire, and the Boulder 1 Fire.

"These small fires are being managed by the Bonners Ferry Ranger District," said Ms. Kleinsmith. "The Caribou, Myrtle, and Saddle fires are expected to be out by the end of shift today (Tuesday, July 14). The Boulder 1 Fire is expected to be out by the end of shift tomorrow."


Cape Horn Fire at Bayview
There are a total of 510 personnel at this fire, which has burned 1,326 acres and is 60% contained.

According to fire officials, fire crews have worked to build fire control lines today down the steep Three Sisters Ridge on the largely uncontrolled north flank of the fire.

This direct attact appears to be going well at this time, and, along with the arrival of additional resources and cooperative weather, may relegate using burnout to a secondary or contingency strategy.


Granite Fire, west of Priest Lake
Its size continues at 207 acres, with 90% containment. In this fire, as in the Baker's Camp Fire, new crews have been arriving today to relieve those who have been fighting the fire.

Crews are currently involved in seeking and extinguishing hot spots within the first 100 feet of the fire's edge. Firefighters are also continuing to patrol and reinforce the fire line.

.......................

Blacktail Fire, west of Priest Lake
Again, new crews are arriving to take over fighting this fire of 11 acres, which is 100% contained. Crews are continuing with mop up and with line reinforcement. Crews are also using an infrared camera to locate any previously undetected hot spots.

Fire officials are hoping to designate this fire as "Controlled" by the end of the day today.

 
 Questions or comments about this article? Click here to e-mail!