FOREST SERVICE BAER TEAM BEGINS

POST-FIRE ASSESSMENT OF VALLEY FIRE

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team was established by the Cleveland National Forest to begin burned area assessments of the Valley Fire. The BAER team is being led by Forest Service Watershed Specialist Chris Stewart. The team is coordinating with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), National Weather Service (NWS), US Geological Survey (USGS), San Diego County and other federal, state and local agencies as they assess potential post-fire impacts to the burned watersheds.

BAER surveys are rapid assessments that evaluate the burned area to identify watersheds having increased potential for post-fire flooding, sediment flows and rock slides. Since the BAER survey is a rapid assessment to assist land managers prepare the burned area for rainstorms, the team will focus on potential emergency impacts to life, and safety on National Forest System (NFS) land and share the team’s findings with the responsible downstream agencies.

BAER teams may consist of scientists and specialists including hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road engineers, botanists, wildlife biologists, recreation specialists, archeologists and geographic information specialists. BAER teams collect data during their burned area surveys to analyze through GIS and computer models and presents their findings along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in a BAER assessment report.

BAER teams utilize satellite imagery and specialist data to analyze and produce a map that shows the levels of burn severity on the watersheds. This is the first step in assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires to any NFS values that may be at-risk from potential increased flooding, sedimentation, debris flows and rock slides. BAER teams produce a report that describes threats associated with the burned area’s post-fire conditions along with recommended emergency stabilization measures and actions. BAER emergency response efforts are focused on the protection of human life, safety and property, as well as critical cultural and natural resource values such as the water quality of streams and wetlands on NFS lands.

BAER reports are shared with interagency cooperators who work with downstream private home and land owners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program or www.fema.gov/wildfires-you-need-flood-insurance. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events-be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website: www.weather.gov/sgx/.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY TO OPEN EROSION CONTROL CENTER FOR VALLEY FIRE BUSINESSES, RESIDENTS

09/16/2020 09:15 AM PDT

San Diego County will open a new erosion control center in Alpine on Thursday September 17, to help businesses and homeowners in the areas burned by the Valley Fire by giving out free sandbags, fiber rolls and items to stabilize properties before winter rains arrive.

Link for more information: County to Open Erosion Control Center for Valley Fire Businesses, Residents

THREE PHASES OF WILDFIRE RECOVERY

There are three phases of recovery following wildfires on federal lands:

• Fire Suppression Repair

• Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER)

• Long-Term Recovery and Restoration

• Fire Suppression Repair is a series of immediate post-fire actions taken to repair damages and minimize potential soil erosion and impacts resulting from fire suppression activities and usually begins before the fire is contained, and before the demobilization of an Incident Management Team. This work repairs the hand and dozer fire lines, roads, trails, staging areas, safety zones, and drop points used during fire suppression efforts.

• Emergency Stabilization-Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) is a rapid assessment of burned watersheds by a BAER team to identify imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System lands and take immediate actions to implement emergency stabilization measures before the first post-fire damaging events. Fires result in loss of vegetation, exposure of soil to erosion, and increased water runoff that may lead to flooding, increased sediment, debris flows, and damage to critical natural and cultural resources. BAER actions such as: mulching, seeding, installation of erosion and water run-off control structures, temporary barriers to protect recovering areas, and installation of warning signs may be implemented. BAER work may also replace safety related facilities; remove safety hazards; prevent permanent loss of habitat for threatened and endangered species; prevent the spread of noxious weeds, and protect critical cultural resources.

• Long-Term Recovery and Restoration utilizes non-emergency actions to improve fire-damaged lands that are unlikely to recover naturally and to repair or replace facilities damaged by the fire that are not critical to life and safety. This phase may include restoring burned habitat, reforestation, other planting or seeding, monitoring fire effects, replacing burned fences, interpreting cultural sites, treating noxious weed infestations, and installing interpretive signs.

Acres: 564                                                                           Personnel: 210

Percent Containment: 75%                                                Start Date: September 14, 2020                                                                                   

Injuries: 0

Current Situation: Today: Out of area crews are continuing to work on mopping up along containment lines, patrolling for smokes in the interior and mitigating and rehabbing fire suppression actions. Many of these crews will be winding down their assignment here and demobilizing to leave for other incidents or headed home for well-earned rest. The Naches Ranger District together with forest and regional support, will be taking over the command of the Cold Creek Fire mid-day Thursday. There will still be firefighters evident and working throughout the area, including near recreation sites and often in proximity to Highway 12, which should elicit caution from the public. 

Road Information: Highway 12 has been re-opened by the Washington Department of Transportation and traffic volume is near normal. Those that travel the highway regularly will notice the difference in appearance as they travel through the fire affected zone. Standing dead trees, burnt trees and other vegetation and even live flame will likely be visible passing through the area. Hazards such as loose rock and rolling debris, some of which may enter the roadway, will occur periodically now and with future rain and snow events in the coming months. For the most current road information go to the WA Department of Transportation website: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/southcentral

Weather and Fire Behavior: The wetter weather has moved in as of Wednesday morning and is delivering precipitation in good amounts. Relative humidity is above 75% and more rain is in the forecast through the weekend. Gusty winds are still possible which can breathe a little life into pockets of fuel and igniting them but are more of a concern for toppling partially burned through trees. Warmer and drier weather is predicted after the frontal passage next week.

Evacuations: There are no current evacuation levels in place. If conditions were to change, the public can once again see the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management website at www.co.yakima.wa.us for details.

Closures: Fire restrictions remain in effect limiting some access for recreation activities and can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions. This is due to safety concerns because of damage from the fire or continued fire suppression and associated traffic. The Pacific Crest Trail is open in the White Pass area at this time. Please see the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures for a current trail map.

Acres: 564                                                                                
Personnel: 210
Percent Containment: 75%                          
Start Date: September 14, 2020
Residences Threatened: 0                                                             
Injuries: 0

NEW INFORMATION LINE PHONE NUMBER: 509-653-1468

Current Situation: Today: Work continued stabilizing the hillside above Highway 12 and containing the fire toward the northwest in the William O. Douglas Wilderness. On other divisions, containment line building continues into the black and cleaning up hot spots. Rehab began in areas to mitigate some of the fire suppression efforts. Crews and other resources continue to be released from the incident as appropriate as the fire activity becomes more reduced.

Road Information: Highway 12 has been re-opened by the Washington Department of Transportation and traffic volume is near normal. Caution should be exercised as there is still active fire on both sides of the highway and conditions can change. The traveling public should be aware of the potential for hazards that are common in these situations. Loose rock and rolling debris may enter the roadway. Increased fire suppression traffic and reduced visibility due to periodic smoke warrant caution through the fire area. For the most current road information, go to the WA Department of Transportation website: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/southcentral

Weather and Fire Behavior: The expected wetter weather front has been delayed by about 12 hours. Wednesday will bring a period of windier weather. The forecast calls for cooler temperatures, but winds will increase to 8-12 mph with gusts to 20 to 25 mph. Over the next few days and into the weekend, gusty winds will test fire lines, but the expected associated moisture should help moderate fire behavior.

Evacuations: All evacuation levels were lifted around noon on Tuesday by the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management. Most residents and recreating public have returned to their residences and cabins in the area. Please subscribe to the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management website at www.co.yakima.wa.us for automatic texting of evacuation orders.

Closures: Fire restrictions remain in effect, limiting some access for recreation activities and can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions. This is due to safety concerns because of damage from the fire or continued fire suppression or associated traffic. The Pacific Crest Trail is open in the White Pass area at this time. Please see the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures for a current trail map.

Community Meeting: We had a successful "live radio broadcast community meeting" Monday with incident management team members on KIT Radio 1280 AM answering questions that listeners had.  The broadcast is available on tape on the "information" tab on Inciweb or the KIT Radio 1280AM website.  

 Smokejumpers and a falling crew cleaned out areas north of Highway 12 in the steep draws, dropping snags and burning trees to stabilize the area above the highway. Other crews worked to close of the northeast corner building fire line from the Sand Ridge Trail down towards the highway as well as keeping fire north of Clear Creek. A lot of good work was accomplished throughout the day as crews began to mop up inward one to two hundred feet along many parts of the fire line in efforts to further secure those portions of containment lines. Hot spots and torching may continue within the perimeter of the footprint of the fire as pockets of unburned fuel ignite over the next few days during warmer and drier periods. Crews and other resources are being released from the incident as appropriate as the fire activity is becoming more reduced. The reduction in the overall acreage of the fire is due to better mapping.

 US 12 Open Both Directions - US-12 milepost 165 to milepost 166, east of White Pass: Monday Sept. 21 to Wednesday Sept. 23 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. expect flagged traffic control. Work depends of fire conditions. 

Acres: 616
Personnel: 267
Percent Containment: 35%                          
Start Date: September 14, 2020
Residences Threatened: 50                                                       
Injuries: 0

Current Situation: Today: Crews cleaned out areas north and west of the Sand Ridge Trail, clearing snags after a successful burnout operation Saturday night. The low intensity applied fire removed a good portion of the fuel load between Hwy 12 and the main fire to the junction with the Sand Ridge trailhead. Crews remain focused on both sides of Highway 12 in the area of Sand Ridge trail and Indian Creek. The hottest part of the fire remains the northwest corner in the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area and pockets of unburned fuel throughout. Helicopters were able to complete bucket work throughout the day Sunday settling down hot spots and assisting firefighters in attaining containment. As suppression work continued in the Hwy 12 corridor, an assessment is being done to determine when Hwy 12 might be opened to through traffic.

Road Information: Currently, Highway 12 remains closed through the fire area. Washington DOT has preliminary plans to open Highway 12 late after-noon today. The most current road information can be found at the WA Department of Transportation website.https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/southcentral

Weather and Fire Behavior: A warmer, drier trend as experienced Sunday is expected for the next few days. While this allows for the availability for use of air support to the firefighters, it may also provide for increased fire behavior with the drying out of fuels. There may be some evidence of increased flame and smoke with burning of pockets of fuels within the fire perimeter over the next few days. The chance for wetting rain over the fire area increases towards the end of the week beginning Wednesday.

Evacuations: Evacuation levels are evaluated daily but remain unchanged. Those evacuation levels are currently being assessed but will require notification from the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management if there is an adjustment. Please remember this is still an active fire, and citizens need to remain aware that conditions could change. Please see the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management website at www.co.yakima.wa.us for details.

Closures: Fire restrictions are in effect and can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions. The Pacific Crest Trail is open in the White Pass area at this time. Please see the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures for a current trail map.

Acres: 626
Personnel: 261
Percent Containment: 28%                           
Start Date: September 15, 2020
Residences Threatened: 50                                                               
Injuries: 0

Current Situation: Crews made good progress yesterday building more direct fire line as fire activity was lessened on parts of the fire after some precipitation was received overnight and humidity was higher during the day today. Firefighters continue to meet objectives increasing containment of the fire, building contingency lines to control fire that might escape, and clearing brush from along roadways around structures that may spread fire. The east and south flanks of the fire saw increased containment today while fire moving west along Highway 12 has been slowed. The fire in the northwest wilderness area continues to burn and remains active. Sunday will focus on continuing to improve the fire lines and burn operations today to secure the eastern flanks. Firefighters will hopefully be assisted by air support if visibility remains improved.

Road Information: Highway 12 remains closed through the fire area. Work continues on clearing debris from fire suppression work and falling material into the roadway. Current road information can be found at https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/southcentral

Weather and Fire Behavior: The storm that came in overnight Friday provided a good pulse of rain, increased humidity and lowered temperatures in the vicinity of the fire area, but dry conditions persist just down valley. This did allow firefighters an opportunity to more directly attack the fire on Saturday however, and begin to gain some containment with lessened fire behavior. Engines and crews are widening roadways and natural land breaks to create fire breaks that will hold in gusty wind conditions.

Evacuations: As the fire continues, it is natural to get relaxed as evacuation levels persist. Evacuation levels are evaluated daily but remain unchanged. Please remember this is an active fire and citizens need to remain aware that conditions could change. Please see the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management at www.co.yakima.wa.us for details.

Closures: Fire restrictions are in effect and can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/fire-restrictions. The Pacific Crest Trail is open in the White Pass area at this time. Please see the Pacific Crest Trail Association at www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures for a current trail map.

Community Meeting: We will be having a “live radio broadcast community meeting” at 8:15 AM on Monday. Incident management team members will be live on KIT Radio 1280 AM to talk about this fire and answer questions that viewers have. If you have questions, please call or email us ahead today and we will get an answer for you. We will keep a list of the most common ones to talk about Monday, as well as any new ones that are called in.

Acres:610                                                                                      Personel:222

Percent Containment: 12%                           Start Date: September 15, 2020

Residences Threatened:50                                                              Injuries: 0