PLUMTAW FIRE: May 26

Plumtaw fire objectives continue to be met enabling the Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2 to transfer command of the Plumtaw Fire to the San Juan National Forest on Saturday May 28 at 6am. In preparation for the Memorial Day weekend, recreationists are reminded of the trail and road closures near the fire area.

Drone pilots must observe the Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR) and not fly inside the fire’s airspace.

Yesterday’s accomplishments:

Containment increased again and is now at 72%, up 10% over yesterday.

Crews utilized the data from the thermal infrared detection and mapping data (NIROPS) flight, combined with the unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) equipped with an IR camera, to locate and extinguish any remaining spots.

Rehabilitation work in the Lost Valley of the San Juans subdivision has been completed and residents have returned.

Today’s plan:

Seeking and extinguishing areas of heat continues. The greatest areas of heat are on the southcentral perimeter, in rugged canyons containing jackpots of dead and down fuel.

Rehabilitation of hand and dozer lines will continue as well as removal of hose lays that are no longer needed.

Fire start date: May 17, 2022

Fire size today: 721 acres

Containment: 72%

Personnel: 364

Cause: With no recent lightning and no prescribed fire, the fire’s cause is under investigation.

Management: Rocky Mountain Complex Incident Management Team 2

6 20-person crews
6 engines
2 water tenders
1 dozers
2 helicopters
1 skidgeon (skidder/engine)

Weather: Upslope and up valley winds and warmer temperatures will continue over the fire area. Skies will be mostly sunny with lower humidity and poor overnight humidity recovery. A fire weather watch is in place starting Friday through the weekend.

San Juan National Forest Closure Information:
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sanjuan/alerts-notices

Drones: Drones are hazards for our pilots and ground crews. Remember: If You Fly, We Can’t!

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