Walbridge Fire Update, Outlook for Weekend

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Walbridge Fire Update 11AM

54940 Acres, 88% Containment

SUMMARY

As calm weather conditions continue, containment is rising steadily on the Walbridge with firecrews able to connect hand and dozer lines over the past few days.

The focus continues to be putting out hot spots that could potentially flare up if and when weather conditions change. An extensive marine layer has caused humidity below 1500 feet to rise which has kept remaining fire activity relatively quiet. It has been over a week since the Walbridge showed any growth.

OUTLOOK

Unfortunately the outlook through the Labor Day weekend is problematic. An extreme heat event is once again forecast to begin inland on Friday, and throughout the region on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Temperatures will rise into the 100s in many areas, possibly reaching 105-110 degrees in the eastern sections of the LNU fire zone. Humidity will also be falling through the period, with values dropping from 50 percent or more to 5-15 percent by late in the upcoming weekend.

OFFSHORE WIND EVENT

By late on Monday or early Tuesday some models forecast an offshore wind event. Coming after extreme heat, this event could create critical fire concerns including the danger of new starts and rapid spread of any fires that begin. This situation is not certain, but will be closely monitored by fire and public safety officials over the coming days.

SMOKE

Although a more extensive marine layer has helped to clear the remaining smoke out of the valleys of the North Bay the past couple of days, with high pressure building stagnant air is expected to once again bring air quality concerns through the holiday weekend.