09-20-17 Miller Complex Daily Update

09-20-17 Miller Complex Daily Update

Current Situation: A strong upper level trough and associated cold front will move across the complex today. This morning, winds will be especially prevalent over ridges, but are expected to lessen this afternoon as the front moves east. Rain is also expected this morning, diminishing to showers this afternoon.

On Friday, NW IMT 9 will be turning over management of the Miller Complex fires to a Type 3 command structure, signaling a reduction in the incident’s complexity. The Type 3 team will patrol established containment lines, rehabilitate those lines as needed, and monitor areas of the fire where natural features provide containment. These may include areas of less dense vegetation and significant rock band formations.

The Type 3 team inherits the incident command post location. Approximately 200 firefighters will continue to be assigned to the Miller Complex. Personnel are expected to remain on the fire until a season-ending event, such as sufficient snow, to stop fire activity.

The Miller Complex is 65% contained overall. Firefighter and public safety remain a top priority. Over the days during wet conditions, firefighters will focus on accomplishing work safely, adjusting to changing weather and conditions by being mindful of snags blown down by wind, the potential for movement of burnt debris, washouts and slippery surfaces.

Today, little fire activity is anticipated due to the wetting rain. Fire behavior is anticipated to be low for the next several days. Firefighters will repair hand lines on the Creedence Fire and continue chipping work on the west flank of the Abney Fire. Chipping the woody material previous cut during suppression activities creates mulch that is then spread to help contain erosion that could occur in heavy rain. Other activities on the Abney Fire include patrols in on the north flank as far east as Seattle Bar; as well as backhaul of equipment -- such as hose -- on the fire’s east flank.
In the Joe Bar area, the fire has now backed down to the creek as anticipated. The warning to evacuate was lifted September 19 and residents were notified.

Fire managers are actively consulting with local district and resource advisors on fire repair opportunities, such as evaluating the need for water bars in areas where suppression activities have taken place. Water bars help prevent erosion and improve soil stability in areas that lack vegetation due to burning. They are typically installed in hand and dozer lines.

Fire Statistics: Start Date: August 14, 2017 Cause: Lightning Complex Size: 36,302 acres

Containment: 65% Personnel: 338