EnvirocastTM TV for Friday, July 25, 2003

Huge Smoke Plume From Wildfire in Washington State

Background

  

Images
The image on the right was taken by the MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard NASA's Aqua satellite on July 23, 2003 at 21:00 UTC (2:00 PM PDT, 5:00 PM EDT) and shows the Fawn Peak Complex fire burning in Washington state.

Environmental Impacts

  • The fire has burned over 58,734 acres so far and is about 35 percent contained.
     
  • The smoke plume column rises to 20,000 feet, and can be seen from approximately 140 miles away.
     
  • This complex wildfire started on June 29 by lightning. It is comprised of three fires. The Fawn Peak and Sweetgrass fires have been controlled.  The Farewell fire is still burning actively in timber.
     
  • Helicopters and hand crews are being utilized to contain and suppress spot fires. Numerous trail and road closures are in effect.
  • With continuing hot and dry conditions, the fire is spreading to the north and west to Ashnola and Andrew Passes.
     
  • Fire spread to the north is within five miles of the Canadian border. Discussions are ongoing with the British Columbia Ministry of Forestry on tactics and arrangements for suppressing the fire.

Image NTSC 720x486 030725_01_tva.jpg shows the Fawn Peak Complex wildfire burning in Washington state on July 23, 2003, with annotations.
Image NTSC 720x486 030725_02_tva.jpg is the same as above, with limited annotations.
Image NTSC 720x486 030725_03_tva.jpg is the same as above, but with no  annotations.
Image NTSC 640x480 030725_01_tvb.jpg shows the Fawn Peak Complex wildfire burning in Washington state on July 23, 2003, with annotations.
Image NTSC 640x480 030725_02_tvb.jpg is the same as above, with limited annotations.
Image NTSC 640x480 030725_03_tvb.jpg is the same as above, but with no annotations.

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