Springs Fire Update 8pm Aug 12

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Bill Hahnenberg, Incident Commander     

Information Center: 384-3266
Hours of operation: 8:00 am – 9:00 pm
Website: http://www.inciweb.org/
Email: springsfireinfo@gmail.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoiseNFFires
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August 12, 2012

8:00 pm                         
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Current Situation:  An inversion remained over the fire area for much of the day which allowed firefighters to make progress on containment lines on the north flank of the fire.  In addition, more aircraft were available today to help check fire movement.  Near Zimmer Creek, firefighters were able to hold the fire between roads 689Y and 691Z.  Dozers were used to improve the roads, and an airtanker dropped retardant along the roadways to reinforce the containment lines.  At 4:30 pm the inversion lifted, and firefighters were warned that fire activity could increase.

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On the part of the fire south of Banks Lowman Road, firefighters were able to complete handline on the southeast perimeter, and they are currently working to improve the line.  Mop up and fire proofing (removing burning material that could fall or roll across the line) continues on the east and south flanks.  Along Highway 55 and Banks Lowman Road, engines are patrolling, mopping up, and removing hazard trees.  The power along Banks Lowman Road will be shut off for a short time this evening as firefighters cut down a hazard tree that is threatening the power line and road.   

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Weather:  A Red Flag Warning remains in effect through Monday at midnight.  The Haines Index, which measures the stability and dryness of air over a fire, is 6.  This indicates that there is a high potential for extreme fire behavior, intensity, and growth.  An inversion remained in place over the fire area until 4:30 this afternoon which moderated fire activity.

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Public Safety:  The Rocky Mountain Type 1 Incident Management Team coordinated with Boise County and Garden Valley Fire Department to establish comprehensive evacuation plans for the area north and east of the fire.  Once the plans were finalized, members of the Garden Valley Fire Department and the Boise County Sheriff’s Office began going door to door to visit with homeowners and provide them with information on the evacuation plan and what they can do to prepare in the event that an evacuation becomes necessary.  Links to the documents are included below.

 Public Advisory for Evacuation Levels

Evacuation Preparation

An information station has been set up at the Terrace Lakes maintenance shop (across from the golf course).  The station is staffed with personnel providing fire and preparedness information.

Fire Statistics:

Location: 5 miles west of Garden Valley, ID                          Start Date: August 5, 2012    

Size:  5980 acres                                                                     Percent Contained: 30

Total Personnel: 515                                                              Cause:  Under Investigation

Resources Include: 4 Type 1 hand crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 27 engines, 7 dozers, 7 water tenders, and overhead personnel.

Air Resources: 3 helicopters that are used for initial attack are currently being used to support the incident.  Additional air resources are assisting as they become available from the surrounding area.