Cascade Complex

July 17, 2007

50 lightning starts on the Boise National Forest

Ordered 2 - IMT2s; 1 - FUMT

Initial fires in the Cascade Complex…Monumental,
Mormon Creek, Bear Creek & Riordan fires

Payette NF: IMT1 assigned to East Zone Complex,
which included the North Fork Fire (on the Boise NF)
Cascade Complex

July 20, IMT2 assigned to fires that would become the Cascade
Complex

July 25, Area Command established in Cascade, ID

The IMT2 establishes Knox Ranch as Cascade Complex ICP

Transfer of command from IMT2 to the 1st. IMT1 assigned to the
Cascade Complex

1st. IMT1 requests permission from the AA to remain at Knox Ranch
rather than Landmark Airstrip for Cascade Complex ICP

Permission to remain at Knox Ranch was granted
LARGE INCIDENTS – AUGUST 5, 2007
August 7, 2007

Cascade Complex redefined to include:



North Fork Fire, (previously in the East Zone
Complex)
Skunk, Yellow, Tyndall, Whiskey, & Monumental fires
All fires except Skunk, Tyndall & Whiskey are
exhibiting extreme fire behavior & substantial growth
August 8, 2007

2000 hrs. transfer of command from 1st. IMT1 to Broyles
Great Basin IMT1

Broyles IMT1 moves onto existing Cascade ICP &
incident Helibase in the meadow at Knox Ranch

The helibase is on the east end of the meadow

The ICP & camp are on the west end of the meadow

Three IMTs occupy Knox Ranch on 8/8 & 8/9, (1-IMT2 & 2IMT1s)
Cascade
Complex
Fires on
8/8/07
Map
Aerial View of Knox Ranch ICP
August 9, 2007

Multiple transitions & in-briefings took place




The 1st. Area Command Team transitions to a 2nd. Area
Command Team
East Zone Complex IMT1 transfers command to a NIMO Team
Broyles IMT1 receives new DoA not significantly different from
the previous DoA from new Area Command Team
IMT2 assigned to the newly established Landmark Complex
August 9, 2007

continued
Cascade Complex conference call with the AA, Area Command & IC discussed issues
pertaining to the Cascade ICP remaining at Knox Ranch:

The 1st. IMT1 advised Broyles IMT that they believe Knox Ranch was the best choice & a
safe location for the Cascade Complex ICP

Firefighter exposure to driving hazards (travel times, road construction & heavy construction
equipment

A 1998 vehicle accident on Warm Lake Highway resulted in two fatalities of fire support personnel

Proximity to the values to be protected

Physical aspects of the meadow:




Previous fuel treatments south & west of ICP
Size (33 acres)
Seasonal grasses in the meadow had been eradicated by ICP traffic
The meadow was surrounded on three sides by riparian area (west, south & north)

Numerous old burns in proximity to the ICP

Cost of relocating ICP
Fire Threat Mitigations at
Knox Ranch

IC directs SOF to update the Camp Safety Plan & an Evacuation/Stay-InPlace Plan (SIPP) previously drafted by the 1st. IMT1

Section Chiefs are instructed to discuss the SIPP with all subordinates,
including contractors

Identification of personnel who did not wish to remain in camp if fire
threatened the camp


Three evacuation routes were identified, one to the north (South Fork of the
Salmon River Rd.), one to the east (The Warm Lake Highway to Landmark),
& one to the southwest (over Big Creek Summit to Cascade, ID)
SOFs instructed to develop a plan to evacuate personnel, (14), not wishing
to stay in camp if the fire does threaten the camp

Personnel not wishing to remain in camp if it is threatened will be evacuated by
bus via the Warm Lake Highway to Cascade, ID
August 10, 2007


All complexes fires continue to exhibit
extreme behavior with major growth
Potential exists for fire to threaten both
Cascade Complex ICP & Landmark ICP
(about to be established at the Landmark
Air Strip)
August 11, 2007

Strong inversion until 1500 hrs.

North Fork Fire crosses South Fork Salmon River Road north of
Cascade ICP (one of three camp evacuation routes)

Landmark Airstrip was assessed by the IMT2 & deemed too small
for Landmark Complex ICP if the Monumental Fire presents a threat


Landmark Complex ICP relocated to Cox Ranch (several miles north of
Landmark Airstrip)
Landmark Airstrip was deemed adequate in size for the smaller scale
Spike Camp operation for the Cascade Complex
Fire
Progression
to 8/11/07
August 12, 2007

Vehicle accident west of Landmark Air Strip on the Warm Lake Highway

A refuse contractor’s garbage truck assigned to the Landmark Complex left the
roadway & overturned while descending the grade west of the Landmark Air
Strip. (garbage truck occupants estimate time to be apx. 1330 hrs. ??)


Another contractor watering the airstrip at Landmark recalled seeing the garbage truck
at the air strip “around 1400 or 1500 hrs.)
Monumental Fire crosses the Warm Lake Highway between Landmark Air
Strip & the Cascade ICP making the camp evacuation route to the east
unsafe (TNSP reported fire across the Warm Lake Highway at 1500 hrs.)

Both occupants of the garbage truck were injured, both were ambulatory &
transported to local hospital for treatment. One by helicopter, (apx. 2230 hrs.) &
the second by ambulance (after 2400 hrs.)
Idaho Fire Activity 8/12 & 13/07
August 13, 2007

1300 hrs. IMET issues weather update to all personnel

Inversion in the Warm Lake Basin is lifting rapidly

Gusty southwest winds developing 10 – 15 mph.

RH drops from 26% to 9% within thirty minutes & to 5% by late afternoon at Cascade ICP

The North Fork fire spots across the Warm Lake Highway & the South Fork of the
Salmon River approximately 1.5 miles southwest of the Cascade ICP

ATGS recommends that OSC advise the IC he is recommending evacuation of
Cascade ICP

Dramatic fire behavior changes are taking place & the fire is approaching Knox Ranch

Moments later ATGS advises the evacuation route to the southwest via the Warm
Lake Highway to Cascade, ID was no longer a safe

This compromised the last camp evacuation route
August 13, 2007 continued

1545 hrs.


Fire activity has increased & is approaching the Cascade ICP
from the south & the west
Of the fourteen personnel that indicated they wished to be
evacuated only ten were currently in camp. These personnel
were instructed to board a bus for evacuation. The evacuations
routes were reevaluated & deemed unsafe. The personnel on
the bus were instructed to join the others in the center of camp
where they would be safe.

All evacuation routes are unsafe

The IC implements the ICP Stay-In-Place plan

Command & general staff meeting (per the SIPP) at the
communications tent to coordinate SIPP implementation
August 13, 2007 continued

All camp personnel were instructed to don PPE
(issued from supply the previous day) & proceed to
the communications tent for SIPP briefing



Camp personnel are briefed by the IC & OSC regarding what
to expect as the fire passes camp
Non-fireline qualified personnel were instructed to get chairs
& move to the center of camp
Fireline qualified camp personnel were instructed to
disperse about camp to suppress spot fires using prepositioned equipment
Camp Personnel Receiving SIPP
Briefing
The IC & OSC Describe What Can
Be Expected As The Fire Passes
Section Chiefs Remain With Section
Personnel Fire Passes
August 13, 2007 continued

The North Fork Fire burned toward ICP in three
separate pulses:



The first pulse burned along the south side of the ICP
An hour later a second pulse burned along the west
side of the ICP
An hour later a third pulse burned along the west &
north edge of the ICP
Camp Personnel Following The
SIPP Briefing
The First Pulse Approaches From
The Southwest
Air Support Reduces Intensity Of
The First Pulse
Flames Become Visible To The
Southwest
August 13, 2007 continued

ICP perimeter protection provided by:

OPBD (incident-within-incident IC)

Two hand crews

Three engines

Several support water tenders refilled the engines

ATGS directed three Type I helicopters making repeated water drops
along the camp perimeter until smoke compromised safety

Fireline qualified personnel in camp used pre-positioned bladder bag
pumps to suppress small spot fires

Sprinkler systems were in place & operating on four historical structures
at Knox Ranch
Resources Operating In Camp
During Burn-by
Personnel Prepare with Prepositioned Equipment
The First Pulse From the Southwest
Fire Progresses Along the South
Side of ICP
Fireline Qualified Personnel Monitor
the Fires Passage on the South
Side of ICP
Most Intense Pulse Along the
South Side of Camp
August 13, 2007 continued

No injuries were sustained by any personnel at the ICP during the
burn-by

On the perimeter, one yurt & five personal tents were destroyed;
seven portable toilets partially melted

Several personal tents & two large contractor’s tents sustained
minor ember damage. (eating & briefing tents)

Two of the historical structures were destroyed

A roll-off dumpster full of cardboard recyclables in the center of
camp caught fire requiring suppression & overhaul

Supply personnel applied structure wrap to containers of propane,
gasoline & fusees in the supply cache (no damage was sustained)
Recyclables Dumpster Needs Work
Embers in the Attic Destroyed Two
Knox Ranch Historical Cabins
August 13, 2007 continued

During the burn-by at the ICP operations activities throughout the remainder of the
complex continued with appropriate supervision according to the Incident Action Plan
of the day

The IC was in contact with Area Command both before & after the burn-by

After the burn-by:

1940 hrs. the IC conducts debrief with camp personnel

2030 hrs. planning meeting for 8/14


The current operational period of (8/13 day shift) would be extended until 2000 on 8/14/07

Personnel on extended operational period were instructed to obtain eight hours of rest during the
night of 8/13
2100 the caterer served dinner in camp
Planning Meeting to Extend the
8/13 Day Operational Period an
Additional 24 hrs.
Cascade
Complex
Map
Aug. 14,
2007
Cascade ICP
The Meadow at Knox Ranch After
Burn-by
The Decision to Remain at Knox
Ranch After the Burn-by

Smoke conditions were harsh, inversions persisted in the days
following the burn-by

The C & G discussed relocation of the ICP versus remaining at Knox
Ranch in detail daily

IMET weather forecasts indicated inversions would be present;
however, inversions should lift around noon

Fire still immediately threatened most of the identified values to be
protected (Warm Lake, Paradise, Church Camp & FS Work Center)

Logistical support for line personnel & the safety issues associated
with the Warm Lake Highway had not changed
Lessons Learned

Information from incidents travels at “light speed”

Risk Assessment:

Ensure a process is in place that will document the IMT’s risk
assessment.
(Although the C&G continually assessed & reassessed the risk to the
ICP at daily meetings it was not documented)

Include all operational issues & health hazards, to firefighters &
camp personnel
Lessons Learned

continued
Road closures:


Extremely close communication & coordination is
essential if other incidents’ ingress & egress is
through your closure area
If possible avoid situations where support services
vehicles & personnel, supporting nearby incidents, will
be required to travel roads under your responsibility
Lessons Learned

continued
Road closures: continued


SECM, OSC & SOF must develop clear procedures:

Who will open & close roads to ALL vehicles throughout the incident?

Are convoys a possibility?

Can support contractors be organized for convoys?

Who will lead convoys or are leaders necessary?

Will all contractors entering the hazard area be required to have full PPE?

What about cooperating & assisting agency employees? Power company, County
Roads, etc.
Ensure you have unwavering host & cooperating agency support in advance of
issues regarding access into closed areas.
Lessons Learned

continued
Preparing ICP if there is potential for a burn-by:

Maintain maximum distance between infrastructure &
the tree line/ flammable vegetation

No personal tents back in the tree line

Secure plenty of water; fold-a-tank, etc.

Preposition suppression tools
Lessons Learned

continued
Have a Stay In Place Plan: (SIPP)

Publicize the SIPP to all personnel in advance of implementation

Brief all camp personnel on SIPP procedures

Plan for evacuation of non-essential personnel

Plan for evacuation & security of documentation

Who will be accountable for whom, what, & how

Brief all personnel present in camp at time of SIPP implementation

Identify& brief resources that will be used to secure the camp perimeter during a burn-by
(engines, crews, water tenders, dozers, etc.)

Identify who will supervise all suppression activities both on the line & in camp

Identify a tactical frequency for in camp suppression activities
Cascade
Complex
8/21/07
Questions?
Thank You!
Paul Broyles, Incident Commander
Rod Collins, Operations Sec. Chief