Single Publication

West Mountain Fires Daily Update 09-05-2024

Boulder, Goat, Snag and Dollar Fires 

Fire             Location                                  Size                   Containment      Assigned Personnel             Inciweb link

Boulder       6 miles SW of Cascade          3,842 acres               24%                    516                         https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv

Snag             11 miles E of Cascade            32,204 acres             12%                    366                         https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu

Dollar          18 miles NE of Cascade         4,137 acres                0%                      59                           https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz

Goat            11 miles SE of Cascade          3,952 acres                8%                      117                        https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr

Cause: Lightning (All Fires)                                                     Total Incident Personnel: 1058

Weather | Anticipated Fire Behavior: 

Clearing skies and warmer temperatures resulted in increased fire activity by late afternoon yesterday. A high-pressure system will move over the fire area today bringing temperatures in the 70s and clearing skies. Winds will shift to southwesterly with a potential for turbulent, erratic winds. Overall, temps will remain steady, but humidity continues to drop. Fire behavior is generally expected to increase with potential for single and group tree torching, spot fires and smoke column development. It is likely that these fires will continue to burn until a season-ending weather event. Historic average indicates this will occur around mid-October.

• 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 and adjacent wildfires in the area.

Boulder Fire: Find out about evacuation zones’ status at Valley County Sheriff on Facebook.

• Yesterday, firefighters and army crews worked in the Olson Creek and Brush Creek drainages creating hand and dozer line around the northern end of the fire.  They were supported by Type 1 helicopters. The structure protection group worked with dozers to install fuel breaks around the Willow Creek subdivision.   
• Overnight, crews patrolled in Willow Creek and on the forest east of the fire area to monitor for spot fires or increased fire activity.
• Today, containment line construction continues using hand crews and heavy equipment, between the fire and residences. Crews are working to tie together two pieces of handline in the Olson Creek drainage. Aviation resources will be used again today, depending on fire and weather conditions and aircraft availability. Structure assessment continues in Willow Creek subdivision.

Dollar Fire:

• Fire growth was minimal on the Dollar Fire. The western edge of the fire has good confinement and containment. Fire personnel are monitoring the northern edge of the fire, tracking minimal spread. 

Snag Fire:

• Warm Lake Road continues to be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with one lane of traffic and a pilot car for individuals vetted through the Valley County Sheriff’s department. Go slow and safely; firefighters and heavy equipment are along the roadway.
• The Snag Fire showed some growth moving slowly along its eastern flank yesterday within a previously burned area. A strike team of engine crews continues to assess structure needs for fuels mitigation and placement of sprinklers, hoses, and pumps in the Warm Lake area. 
• Smoke is being monitored across the Clear Creek drainage with support from unmanned aircraft system to locate any possible spot fires. 
• Firefighters and army crews continue to mop up and patrol along Forest Road 409. Hoses and pumps have been installed along the road to assist with securing the southern edge of the fire.

Goat Fire:

• Goat fire grew to the north and south and has crossed south of the Middle Fork Payette River drainage. Spot fires crossed the 405 road but were contained with Hotshot crews and dozers.  

Crews continue preparing Forest Service Trail 099 as a holding feature and will daily assess the need to burn off of trail 099 to protect values at risk if the fire moves to the west.