Fire Information Update: Rattle Complex for July 10, 2002

Fire Information by telephone: 435-259-2100 at the B.L.M. Field Office in Moab, UT
Fire Information and photos at the website: www.r5.fs.fed.us/fire/team1

The Rattle Complex is 74,500 acres in size and is 50% contained. The fire is burning 20 miles northeast of Green River, Utah.

Yesterday, the daily helicopter flight with infrared found fewer hot spots on many division perimeters. There were some short and moderated surface runs and some torching was observed. Also, interior pockets of fuel continue to burn out. Helicopters assigned to this fire were very effective in support of the crews on the ground. Crews made good progress in their work. Rehabilitation of dozer lines and safety zones has begun on the north end of the fire. The west flank of this fire is nearly contained and the north portion is fully contained. Due to safety concerns, the south and eastern flanks of this fire will be closely monitored and efforts will be initiated as needed.

Projected fire activity continues to be limited to short surface fire runs with some torching and burn out of interior pockets of fuel is also expected. Mop-up and patrol on the north and northwest portions of the fire's perimeter and fire line construction are in the plan for today.

A containment strategy is in place, which will facilitate the planned transition to a Type III Overhead Team on July 12, 2002. Some demobilization of engines and crews has occurred on this fire. Several of these resources have been reassigned to the North Horn Mountain Fire southwest of Castle Dale, UT. Resources currently on the fire include: 481 Personnel, 13 Crews, 6 Helicopters, 12 Engines, 13 Water tenders and 2 Bulldozers.

No injuries have been reported on this fire.
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For information on the Black Canyon Fire, please call Tina or Barb, Fire Information Officers at 208-484-5712.

Road advisories and closures in the fire area remain in place: in Uinta County, the sheriff is advising the public to stay off the roads in Buck Canyon, Kings Wells Canyon and Indian Springs Canyon. In Grand County, Westwater-Hay Canyon, East Canyon and Bitter Creek Road above the San Arroyo Gas Plant have been closed to the public. The State of Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands has closed all State Trust Lands in the Book Cliffs area. Incident Commander Scott Vail would like to thank the public for their patience as the firefighters deal with this difficult fire. Also, thank you for cooperating with the road closures.

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