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Updates on Cape Horn and Baker's Camp
fires |
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July 7, 2015--11:40 a..m. |
Cape Horn Fire near Bayview
Due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity
yesterday, there was no significant change in
the size of the fire. It remains at
approximately 2,000 acres, still with 0%
containment.
According to fire officials, firefighters have
made good progress building a fireline up to the
ridge above Bayview. Crews attempted "burnout"
operations last night in an effort to strengthen
the fireline between the ridge and the fire.
This area is in steep terrain, which is slows
the speed of the work.
Much of the fire has fireline installed around
it, but crews want to ensure the lines hold
before announcing any containment. Today crews
will continue working to increase containment.
There are weather warnings for possible
thunderstorms today, between noon and 9:00 p.m.
A higher level fire management team has assumed
control of firefighting activities today. This
team is a Type 2 team out of western Montana,
with commander Bob Fry. There are now 150
personnel at the fire, also two air tankers, two
helicopters, three fireboats, and two sheriff
boats.
Yesterday, Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) Region X Regional Administrator Kenneth
D. Murphy approved Idaho's request for a federal
Fire Management Assistance Grant, which
authorizes federal funds for use in helping with
Cape Horn firefighting costs. In this
authorization, Mr. Murphy determined that the
Cape Horn Fire threatened such destruction as
would constitute a major disaster.
In addition to threatening 287 structures, the
fire is also threatening a marina, the Naval
Acoustics Research Station, and Farragut State
Park.
Road closures in the area include Highway 54,
which is closed at the Farragut State Park
Visitor Center, and Perimeter Road, which is
closed at Salee Creek Road.
Six hundred people have reportedly been
evacuated from areas that have burned or are
considered dangerous.
A community meeting has been set where the fire
and firefighting efforts will be discussed. The
meeting will be at 8:00 p.m. at the Bayview
Community Center at 20298 East Perimeter Road in
Bayview.
The cause of this fire remains under
investigation.
Click here for a map of the Cape Horn
Fire location and perimeter.
Baker's Camp in northern Boundary County
This fire is at 35 acres burned, with 30%
containment according to most recent reports.
Crews continue to work on suppresion.
Click here for a map of the Baker's Camp
Fire location and perimeter.
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