Tolo Fire Update

Date: July 27, 2007
Contact: Becky Banker, [phone] ext.11

The Tolo Fire has remained at 154 acres since Thursday, July 19, 2007. The fire is located in the North Cascades National Park, approximately 15 miles northwest of Stehekin, WA, in extremely steep and rocky terrain. Because of rolling debris and heavy fuels, the safety of the firefighters continues to be the top priority. Lookouts are providing surveillance of fire activity and air and ground operations, in order to protect firefighters and direct helicopter water drops.

Clear skies and a mild warming trend have allowed air operations to use direct suppression on the fire. Both helicopters and hand crews are being used for this direct attack. Two ground crews were airlifted to areas along Bridge Creek to begin establishing a line along portions of the fire. Although fire growth has been minimal, contingency plans are currently being developed should an increase in fire activity occur.

Local, county, state, and federal agencies will be prepared to act should community safety become a concern. In addition to direct attack where it can be done safely, current suppression efforts include indirect attack and structure protection. Historic cabins, shelters and bridges at High Bridge and Bridge Creek camps are being protected. Monitoring by lookouts and air surveillance will continue.

Skies have been clear at North Cascades National Park. However, as the weather warms, smoke may be more visible than in the past several days. Stehekin visitors and businesses have not been impacted by the fire.