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All tagged Sandstone
The higher temperatures and easterly winds caused an uptick in fire activity yesterday, and increased smoke is expected today with the Red Flag conditions. There has been minimal fire growth, and firefighters are well prepared for any increase in fire activity.
Fire managers flew over the fire and observed minor fire growth in the east fork of Herman Creek yesterday. Excess hose was pulled from Tomlike Mountain and the northeast side of the fire. Crews repaired hand line and a temporary helicopter landing spot.
Despite cool and moist weather yesterday, the fire continued to creep in surface fuels and deep duff layers in the east fork of Herman Creek. Gusty winds and fog prevented aircraft from reconnaissance flights and long-line external cargo missions for equipment backhaul. Water tenders, a hand crew, and a group of sawyers successfully secured the nearby Knebal Fire and returned to the Whisky Creek Fire.
Yesterday, crews monitored the west side of the fire in the Herman Creek area, observing no fire activity. Hand crews continued work on the Tomlike Mountain ridge control line, while on the southeast edges, firefighters monitored and patrolled containment lines.
Yesterday, crews successfully constructed over half a mile of new fireline near Tomlike Mountain, removing hazard trees while coordinating closely with resource advisors. Resource advisors are subject-matter experts, helping firefighters identify and protect natural and cultural features.
Yesterday, crews confirmed that the southern line options were not suitable as control features and were found unsafe due to terrain hazards. However, options near Tomlike Mountain were identified as more feasible and line construction began.
Today, crews will work to strengthen established containment lines. Heavy equipment operators will utilize masticators, skidders, and feller bunchers to process suppression-generated debris, converting it into more manageable and less flammable material.
Today, crews will patrol the northeast edge of the fire, looking for hot spots near containment lines. Mop up and strengthening of containment lines on the east side of the fire is ongoing. South of the fire near Wahtum Lake, mastication operations along roads will continue.
Pacific Northwest Team 10 is taking over the incident today as Northern Rockies Team 2 prepares to head home. Both teams will be working hard today to ensure a smooth transition of command. Weather remains mild and crews continue to establish more direct handline around both fires resulting in increased containment.
Heavy focus remains on the southeast edge of the Whisky Creek Fire where crews have been able to perform fire suppression activities more directly. The Dozer line has been completed and firefighters are continuing to construct the handline.
Crews responded to yesterday's increased fire activity by continuing to construct and improve the direct containment line on the north and east sides of the fire. Today crews will resume mop-up operations and proceed to scout for spot fires across the containment line.
