Dave Gesser, who heads the daytime SW Incident Management Team 3 Operations Sections, reported that the reduction in wind is allowing for more air suport in containing the Assayii Lake Fire. The SWIMT 3 holds daily briefings at 9 a.m. at the middle school “tin house” in Fort Defiance, Ariz. Photo by Marley Shebala,
I just came from the daily morning briefings for the Assayii Lake Fire, which started on June 13, 2014, at about 40 acres and is now at 13,250 acres. The Assayii Lake Fire remains at Zero Containment.
Here is the Official June 18, 2014, PRESS RELEASE from the Southwest Incident Management Team 3:
Today, wind speeds will not be as strong as the past two days; however, we still expect 18-22 mph winds with gusts up the 32 mph throughout the day. With warming and drying, we anticipate another day of extreme fire behavior.
Firefighters monitored the fire along the 8093 Road last night. The fire activity died down and the fire held throughout the night.
As weather permits today, firefighters will construct direct line on the west side of the fire and continue to protect the communication tower on the north side. They plan to construct a dozer line on the east side if possible and will continue to assess the southern portion of the fire and construct line
when appropriate.
There are approximately 50 residences threatened. Four structures have been destroyed; however, that is not a firm count. Personnel continue to assess the damages at this time.
For safety reasons, the general public is encouraged not to travel on access roads leading to the Bowl Canyon Recreation Area. Road closures in the area are N 134 at Sheep Springs to Crystal Boarding
School, N 31, and N 30 at Mexican Springs.
For additional information, photos, and maps please visit www.facebook.com/AssayiiLakeFire and www.nwcg.inciweb.gov.
Yesterday, June 17, 2014, the SW Incident Management Team 3 issued the following evening PRESS RELEASE, which reported that the Assayii Lake Fire was at 12,107 acres:
Today (6-17-14), high winds continued to be a factor with fire suppression with aerial resources shutting down at 10:30 a.m. for safety reasons. There was minimal activity on the west side of the fire and the firefighters were able to establish some direct line. There continued to be fire activity in the timber litter on the west side of the fire and the fire was also active on the southern portion of the fire.
The firefighters will continue to patrol the 8093 Road this evening making sure the northern portion of the fire does not cross the road.
Some homes in Naschitti are currently under an evacuation order. Evacuated residents are asked to go to the evacuation shelter at the Tohachi High School Gymnasium.
There are approximately 50 residences threatened. Four structures have been destroyed; however, that is not a firm count. Personnel continue to assess the damages at this time.
For safety reasons, the general public is encouraged not to travel on access roads leading to the Bowl Canyon Recreation Area. Road closures in the area are N 134 at Sheep Springs to Crystal Boarding School, N 31, and N 30 at Mexican Springs.
For additional information, photos, and maps please visit www.facebook.com/AssayiiLakeFire and
www.nwcg.inciweb.gov.
