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West Mountain Fires Daily Update 08-31-2024
Boulder Fire, Dollar Fire , Snag Fire, Goat Fire
Publication Type: News - 08/31/2024 - 07:49
August 31, 2024
Fire Information Phone Line: 208-462-0345 (8 a.m. - 8 p.m.)
Email: 2024.Boulder.id@firenet.gov
QUICK FACTS
Fire Location Size Containment Assigned Crews Inciweb link
Boulder 9 miles SW of Cascade 2,386 acres 57% 343 https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv
Snag 11 miles E of Cascade 29,542 acres 3% 516 https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu
Dollar 18 miles NE of Cascade 3,271 acres 0% 79 https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz
Goat 11 miles SE of Cascade 2,708 acres 0% 83 https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr
Cause: Lightning (All Fires) Total Incident Personnel: 1,021
Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior:
A high-pressure system parked over the fire area yesterday, bringing a stable air mass that trapped smoke at low altitude. Resulting fire behavior was moderate, with short, slope-driven runs, and single-tree and group torching. The high-pressure system remains over the fire area today, with expected high temperatures around 80 degrees, minimum relative humidity around 10%, and light, terrain-driven winds. Minimal winds will result in smoke settling over the area again today, shading the fires from sunshine and keeping fire behavior moderate.
- Army crews from the 14th Brigade Engineer Battalion based at Joint Base Lewis McChord are currently assisting with suppression efforts on the West Mountain Fires as well as assisting with adjacent wildfires in the area.
- Helicopters were unable to fly yesterday due to poor visibility in smoky atmospheric conditions.
Boulder Fire:
- Fire crews constructed a segment of indirect hand line yesterday, tying the fire perimeter toward Blue Lake, as a contingency holding feature in case the fire becomes more active along the uncontained western edge.
- Firefighters continue to mop up residual heat, secure containment lines, and chip brush, branches, and other unburned fuels, while they monitor areas of heat for increased fire behavior.
Dollar Fire:
- Reduced acreage on the Dollar Fire reflects improved mapping.
- A wildland fire module and military personnel completed firing operations along the western edge of the fire yesterday. They will keep working the Dollar Fire, securing line and mopping up heat that could threaten the containment line.
Snag Fire:
- Along the north edge of the fire, crews are close to completing firing operations to remove available fuels south of Warm Lake Road, aiding in securing the power line and roadway. This is our highest priority over the next few days.
- Another firing operation is needed south of the highway along the fire’s northeastern edge, possibly to be implemented today.
- Yesterday’s firing operation along the southern perimeter were successful in bringing fire down to Forest Roads #406 and #409. Fire continues backing downslope and consuming surface fuels with low to moderate intensity, preserving the overhead canopy.
- Firefighters and Army crews returned to the fire’s western flank for more mop up and securing of containment line.
- A masticator moved into the Warm Lake area today to treat accumulated brush and other fuels near residences.
- Crews will scout terrain to the north in order to identify where hand line might be constructed if needed.
Goat Fire:
- There was minimal fire activity on the Goat Fire yesterday, as the fire was shaded from the sun by heavy smoke.
- Crews continue making improvements to Forest Service Trail 099 so the trail may be used as a contingency holding feature in the case the fire moves in that direction.