Neck Fire Update 9/11/2019
Size: 19,151 acres Containment: 76% Personnel: 304 Start Date: September 5, 2019 Cause: Lightning
FIRE UPDATE: Yesterday’s winds taxed the fire’s containment line, but pre-positioned crews and engines prevented any significant fire spread. The firefighters have been dousing some discovered old slash piles with water and continued monitoring shows no imminent risk of them burning. Today’s plan is to reinforce the dozer lines used to contain the spread of the fire while monitoring the active sections of the fire. Work will be focused in the Mound and Baboon Mountains areas of the perimeter, along with the long southeastern flank of the fire. Crews and equipment also will begin rehabilitating the 70 miles of dozer and handline around the area of the fire. No structures have been damaged, and none are currently at risk.
WEATHER: Today’s favorable firefighting scenario will benefit from the winds being far lighter than yesterday. Relative humidity also will increase today, helping reduce the combustibility of sagebrush and juniper. The high will be 70 degrees with light winds and 25% relative humidity that will aid firefighters in maintaining the containment lines.
RESOURCES: 1 Hotshot Crew 4 Helicopters 4 Hand Crews 14 Engines 2 Dozers 6 Water Tenders
PUBLIC SAFETY: Mud Springs Road is the only gravel road closure to-date. Law enforcement is staffing roadblocks established for public safety and efficient firefighting operations. Other unpaved roads near the fire remain closed.
Considering near-record dry fuels and windy conditions, area managers ask the public to be aware of any activities which may spark dry vegetation such as dragging chains on trailers, hot exhaust pipes, and work with any type of burning material.
The team’s firefighters continue to be actively engaged in mop-up and monitoring to ensure the fire does not escape containment. Smoke may linger for weeks, and even flare up, as interior hot spots ignite.
CLOSURES: Mud Springs Road and unpaved roads in the vicinity of the fire.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: None, but fire danger is High. Please ensure all campfires are out and cold to touch.
