Wapiti Fire at Stanley Lake 8/23
My agenda for today's post got a bit long for one update, especially how closely I've been watching the Wapiti for a turn east... So, I've decided to post just the Wapiti today. I will post a separate update with a new Snag and Nellie Fires analysis tomorrow. I do have some updates on those, but nothing as immediate.
Wapiti Status
If you haven't read my Wapiti Fire commentary from yesterday, I highly suggest you start there. That will take you around the fire and give you a good basis for where we are. Today's update will focus on just the last 24-36 hours of changes in the Stanley Lake area, look at the short-medium-term threat in the larger Stanley Basin, and then briefly update the Warm Springs side of the fire.
This morning, the fire is officially 35,631 acres. My 5 p.m. Friday estimate adds 5-10,000 acres to that number. There are currently 263 people assigned (as of EOD 8/22 report). The fire is burning in two Counties, Three Forests and at least one wilderness.
Dynamic Situation
Before we dive in, here is one extra disclaimer: This is an EXTREMELY dynamic situation today. The fire is running, and a cold front is approaching, bringing the chance for every gusty and erratic wind. It's impossible to predict what this fire will do in the next 12 hours with any certainty. So, keep that in mind, and if you're in the Stanley Basin, do not let your guard down on this fire today/tonight. I've rewritten this post about three times now as the situation has changed. I promised an update earlier today but the fire won't slow down long enough to post this.