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September 9, 2024 - West Mountain Fires Update

Quick Facts *The acreages do not reflect the growth from yesterday. Firefighters are ground truthing mapping data. When we get an acurate map, we will share it.

#boulderfire 6 miles SW of Cascade 4,159 24% https://tinyurl.com/ycdfv3tv

#snagfire 11 miles E of Cascade 33,014 13% https://tinyurl.com/4k9dk3mu

#Dollarfire 18 NE of Cascade 4,297 8% https://tinyurl.com/bef6r3tz

#goatfire 11 miles SE of Cascade 6,054 0% https://tinyurl.com/2h4a3dvr

Cause: Lighting (All Fires) Total Incident Personnel 1096

Special Note: There will be a COMMUNITY MEETING tomorrow, TUESDAY, September 10, 7pm, at the Cascade Fire Department, 109 E. Pine St., Cascade. Operations and evacuation information will be shared. 

EVACUATIONS: A significant increase in fire behavior prompted GO evacuations in Zones 4 and 5 yesterday as well as an upgrade to SET in Zones 6, 7. For more, check Valley County Sheriff’s Office Facebook or call dispatch at 208-382-5160.

Weather and Fire Behavior:

Today, Monday, will be another warm, dry, and windy day with temps up to the low 80s and humidity in teens to low 20s. Winds predicted from the SW at 6-10 mph, and 15-20 mph near the ridgetops. While atmospheric instability should be slightly improved over yesterday’s conditions, fire is still expected to be active to very active today. Fuels remain dry and receptive to burning; group torching, uphill runs, spotting, and short crown runs are all possible. The behavior of the neighboring Lava Fire could significantly impact the Boulder and Goat Fires; any column collapse could send outflow winds as well as contribute to significant spotting. Tuesday is expected to be even more active with comparable behavior to what was seen yesterday. Wednesday through Friday there is a greater chance of rain over the fire areas.

Boulder Fire: “Go,” “Set,” and “Ready” evacuation orders are in effect. Learn more: Valley County Sheriff on Facebook.

• The Boulder Fire was very active yesterday, generating spots and running through a stretch of timber toward Collier Peak where it slowed in the sub-alpine fuels. While this area of fuel is not as receptive to burning compared to lower elevations, columns generating spots that travel to the north/northwest are of significant concern, as is impact of columns from the neighboring Lava Fire.
• The neighboring Lava fire made a significant push north and east, hooking around the Four Corners burn scar. Fire managers are assessing the proximity of the Lava Fire to the Cascade area and will have more info later today.
• Firefighters are utilizing dozer and handlines along the Le John, Mosier, and 404 roads system as holding features. If conditions allow, firefighters may perform strategic burning operations to the west of these roads to help protect homes north of the fire. The fire remains west and south of the 404 roads and the dozer line below the structures.

Dollar Fire:

• The Dollar Fire is showing very little activity, with the northern edge/Square Top remaining the area of focus. Today, this fire will be placed in “monitor” status and be monitored by air. The Black Hills Wildland Fire Module will be relocated today so their specialized skills can be utilized for operations on the Boulder Fire. 

Snag Fire:

• Warm Lake Road closed to the public. A pilot car access to residents will continue from 7 am – 6 pm. 
• The east side is holding in the old burn scars, and structure protection continues near the Fish Hatchery and the values in this area. Masticators are working along the 474 Road. Chipping is taking place along Road 409.

Goat Fire:

• The fire made a significant push to the west and crossed the 099 Road, burning up the 417 Road. Fire is moving laterally to the NE, looping around the old Skunk and East burn scars.
• Firefighters are prepping the 409 Road as a holding feature and may perform burning operations as needed.