Springs Fire Update August 11

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 August 11, 2012
8:00 am Current Situation:
Crews continued to work through the night patrolling the fire and mopping up any hotspots that were found. Highway 55 was closed for about 30 minutes at 4:00 this morning due to falling rock.
On the north flank of the fire, crews have made good progress on line construction starting at Highway 55 working to the east and from Eddy Creek working to the west. Today firefighters will continue to work towards each other to tie those firelines together. The area near Zimmer Creek is still an area of concern and is expected to be active today. The containment line on the east and west flanks continue to hold and will be patrolled.
On the portion of the fire south of Banks Lowman Road, crews will continue constructing indirect fireline and improving existing lines. On the steeper slopes, there is concern that burning material within the fire perimeter could roll across the fireline. Crews will mop up areas of heat that could threaten the existing firelines. Weather:
Over the weekend high pressure will build back into the area. Warm and dry conditions with light winds and moderate to poor overnight humidity recovery are predicted. Today the temperature will range from 87 to 94 degrees. Relative humidity will be 8 to 15 percent. Winds are predicted to be out of the northwest at 6 to 12 mph this afternoon.
Closures and Public Safety: Highway 55 and the Banks Lowman Road are currently open. Heavy fire traffic should be expected and rolling rocks could fall without warning. Travelers along both routes are asked to not stop within the fire area on either road. There have been reports of several vehicles pulling over and of individuals taking pictures and walking into the fire area. Several hazards still exist within the fire area adjacent to these highways and parked vehicles pose a safety hazard to the public and firefighters. Vehicles parked along these highways may also impede fire operations.
The South Fork of the Payette River remains open to boaters, but they are asked to use caution as the river is being used as a dip site by helicopters supporting fire personnel. In addition, trees that have been weakened by fire may fall into the river without warning. Fire Statistics:
Location: 5 miles west of Garden Valley, ID Start Date: August 6, 2012
Size: 4600 acres (based on last night’s infrared flight) Percent Contained: 25
Total Personnel: 300 Cause: Under Investigation
Resources Include: 4 Type 1 hand crews, 5 Type 2 hand crews, 4 engines, 8 dozers, 3 water tenders, and
overhead personnel. Air Resources:
3 helicopters that are used for initial attack are currently being used to support the incident