Date: August 6, 2007
Contact: Kerry Olson, (360) 854-7365, ext 13
Daily Update for August 6, 2007
"The door is not closed on this fire. There are still parts of it that are inaccessible and there is still fire on the ground," remarked Kathryn Kirkpatrick, Incident Commander of the Tolo Fire, at morning briefing today.
The Tolo Fire burning in North Cascades National Park approximately 15 miles northwest of Stehekin is still holding at 225 acres with 35% containment. Smokejumpers caught four spot fires yesterday and helicopter bucket drops will continue today. Steep slopes, scree slopes containing pockets of unburned fuel and thick vegetation are hampering firefighting efforts, particularly on the southwest side of the fire.
Crews who have been working on the fire for the last two weeks will be hiking out of the fire today and tomorrow, with a fresh crew arriving tomorrow.
Cooler weather and higher relative humidity have helped firefighters make headway on the fire in the last few days.
Businesses in Stehekin are open, skies are clear and all seasonal activities are proceeding as usual. No trail closures are in effect.
As of today, 35 firefighters and 25 support personnel including aviation support, ground transportation, and fire managers are working on the Tolo fire. Park and fire officials appreciate all that the community has done in supporting the firefighters and fire support staff.
Daily Update for August 2, 2007
At this point, the fire is covering approximately 225 acres. The retardant lines held most of the fire in the southwest corner of the fire, except for one spot fire. Heavy fuels burning on the northwestern flank continue to produce more noticeable smoke, particularly in the afternoons. The south, north and eastern flanks are holding. Both ground and air operations are being used to attack the fire.
Daily Update for August 1st, 2007
Work to secure the north and east flanks continued on the Tolo Fire. Fire fighters were busy mopping up and checking for hot spots along these areas. Establishment of hose lays and sprinklers continued as well. As of yesterday morning, the fire covered approximately 220 acres.
The heavier fuels found on the northwest flank of the fire are burning actively during the day, creating more smoke. This trend is expected to continue over the next few days. As a result, residents should expect to see smoke, particularly in the afternoons. The fire is burning towards the hilltop and away from the Stehekin River. Air and ground resources will remain in use.
All businesses, trails and campgrounds in Stehekin remain open. For additional information, go to www.inciweb.org.
Daily Update for July 31st, 2007
On Monday, July 30, progress continued on the Tolo Fire. Early during the day, fire fighters were busy mopping up and checking for hot spots along all sides of the fire. Hose lays and sprinklers are being established on the north and east flank of the fire.
Later in the afternoon, as a result of hotter, drier weather the fire progressed into a heavy timber stringer on the northwest flank of the fire. The fire is burning towards the hilltop and away from the Stehekin River. Residents and visitors will continue to see smoke. This is a result of the fire burning in a heavier fuel type with large down logs, which will generate some smoke in the valley. Additional air resources are arriving to support today’s operation.
All businesses, trails and campground in Stehekin are open for business and visitors to enjoy the area. For additional information go to www.inciweb.org.
Daily Update for July 29th, 2007
The Tolo Fire has grown to 175 acres. This growth has occurred mainly on the northwest flank of the fire. Fire activity has been moderate over the last couple of days due to hotter and drier weather. Fire fighters are continuing to build fire line on the north and east flanks, checking for hotspots along the perimeter and using natural barrier such as rock outcrops along the south and east flanks to contain the fire. Helicopters and airplanes continue to support fire fighters with water drops and supplies.
Slightly cooler temperatures should help firefighters in their efforts Monday and Tuesday. No thunderstorms are predicted with the cooler weather. A return to warmer temperatures is predicted to move in later in the week. The fire is located in North Cascades National Park, approximately 15 miles northwest of Stehekin, WA, in extremely steep and rocky terrain. All businesses, campgrounds and trails remain open. For additional information on the Tolo Fire, go to http://www.inciweb.com.
