Current Situation:
Today’s cool temperatures and a low cloud cover are expected to once again help firefighters close the loop on several of the Gold Hill complex of fires located around the Darrington area. In the past week Forest Service fire managers have detected at least 35 lightning-caused fires in the steep rugged terrain surrounding this small community. In the northern part of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, more than 40 fires have been detected to date.
Seventy firefighters and support personnel continue to work today to find and extinguish hot spots on the Gold Hill Fire (19 acres) and other fires that make up the Gold Hill Complex.
In several places, it is unsafe for crews to access fires due to steep terrain and inaccessibility. Fire managers continue to monitor these fires by helicopter and cooling them with water drops as needed.
It has been a very busy week for fire managers in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the small size of the fires, the elements of steep mountains, large trees, and a forest floor deep with a discarded layers of tree litter are a tough combination in making certain that fire is completely out. Today, crews with infrared heat detecting devices will continue to grid the fires to aid firefighters in finding the hidden fragments of smoldering fire.
Fire Managers are beginning to make plans to release many of the firefighters throughout the weekend.
Weather:
Temperatures are expected to be cooler between 56 and 66 with a chance of a drizzle. Winds out of the southwest 7-9 mph could gust to 18-23 mph. Relative humidity recovery is estimated at 59-74%.
Road Closures Remain in Effect:
An official Closure Order remains in effect for the portions of Forest Service Road 22 north of the junction with 2420. In addition, the following spur roads are ordered closed: 2210, 2210-011, 2210-013, 2210-014, and 2211. This closure is focused to the roads immediately accessing the Gold Hill Fire. While other Forest Service roads remain officially open, fire managers request that people avoid the local forest roads if possible. If you must travel them, please use caution and drive carefully.
FIRE STATUS
Geographic Location: Near Darrington, WA in Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Cause: Lightning Acres Burned: 60 total on 35 fires Start date: July 25-30; mostly July 29 & 30 Percent Contained: 75 percent Structures threatened: 0 RESOURCES Crews (type 2): 5 Engines: 2 Helicopters: 2 (one Type 1 and one Type 3) Water Tenders: 2 Total personnel: 75 (as of 8/7) Injuries: 0
Gold Hill Fire Complex Update
AAI just received the following email from the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest:
