Crews hope cool weather helps dampen TCC fires

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HOPE — Fire crews are hoping that Tuesday's cooler weather will help them continue to make stride on containment lines on the Trestle Creek Complex, officials said.

"Control lines on the west and southern sides of the fire are performing as expected with crews patrolling the areas and keeping a close eye out for spot fires," said Jess Harvey, public information officer for the Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team 3 overseeing the complex.

The team is being rotated out and management of the complex fires is being taken over by Nevada Incident Management Team 4.

Crews are continuing to focus on containment actions along the south and west flanks of the fire. In addition, firefighters are continuing to improve the fire break line along the western most side of the fire with equipment. They also are inserting crews to build line in steeper locations along the south side, Harvey said.

The mastication — or mulching of forest fuels — along the roads and previous preparations is proving successful in helping slow the movement of the fire. Harvey said crews are closely monitoring that effort and directly engaging the Trestle Creek Complex fires where possible.

Crews have been working the southern-most edge of the fire along Trestle Creek and, as part of that, checking the hose lays and pumping systems. Harvey said the goal is to make sure the equipment is ready in the event it is needed.

Harvey said Nevada IMT 3 crews wanted to thank the community for their support and many acts of kindness.

"We thank you all for the opportunity to serve and for your hospitality and kindness during our tour here," he said. "We leave you in good hands with the Nevada IMT 4."

While the weekend's dry and hot conditions brought an increase in fire activity on Monday, Tuesday's cooler temperatures and some rain should help crews, fire officials said.

A cold front that pushed across the fire area Tuesday night was expected to create breezy winds and possible thunderstorms. The breezy conditions are forecast to turn into a northerly flow Tuesday evening and Wednesday, continuing to bring cooler temperatures, Harvey said.

Located of miles north of Hope, the fire has now burned 6,051 acres and is 5% contained.

A Type 1 helicopter with a bucket has been assigned to the fire, which now has 165 personnel assigned to the Trestle Creek Complex. In addition, there are three hand crews, 11 engines, two dozes, three feller bunches, two excavators, a forwarder, a masticator and three water tenders.

To the north, Idaho Department of Lands crews are working on the Jay Peak Fire, located east of Naples. The fire, located east of Naples, is estimated to have burned 12 acres.

Fire officials closed Trail Creek Road at the end of the county road to the public due to safety concerns. No structures are threatened, they said.

IDL has one engine, one dozer, one excavator, a skidgen and two hand crews working to suppress the fire. One type 1 and 1 type 2 helicopter are assisting with suppression efforts.

First reported Sunday at about 5 p.m., the fire is currently 0% contained and is burning in heavy downed timber. The rocky and steep terrain makes it difficult for firefighters to access.