CUSICK, Wash. – A dry cold front will be moving in from east British Columbia and is expected to reach the fire area today. This weather pattern is often referred to as a "backdoor" cold front and is typically associated with passage movement from the north. This change in weather patterns can generate winds that will shift to a northeast-southwest trajectory later in the day with potential gusts reaching 25-30 mph.
This higher wind pattern potentially provides the ability for new noticeable ignitions to be located, due to previous lightning storms within the geographic area to which up until this time may have been dormant. These winds could also loft embers from torching trees on the southern flank of the fire and potentially cause spotting across primary lines. Fire managers are prepared to contain increased fire activity with direct attack utilizing hand tools, heavy equipment and aviation support as needed. Fire managers are mitigating fire growth potential by removing fuel from roadways which creates a buffer area, these are referred to as alternate containment lines. Alternate containment lines are only utilized if primary lines are no longer viable to provide containment. Due to the mixture of dead and down vegetation and diverse fuel loadings, firefighters continue to work diligently in their mop up standards. In order to achieve containment, firefighters feel the ground for hot spots and utilize water on remnant heat sources to reduce any possibility or potential for reignition. Safety: Safety of firefighters and members of the public are our first priority. All hunters are encouraged to become familiarized with the USFS closure area, don personal protective equipment and practice safe hunting practices as forest grouse season gets under way. Closures: An area closure remains in place for the Boulder Mountain Fire on the Colville National Forest. For a map and complete description of the closure area, including a list of trails and roads, go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices.
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