 The Sierra Front Dobson Fire Update Cherokee, NC – The Sierra Front Incident Management Team transitioned with the Southern Area Blue Team yesterday, and took command of the Eastern Cherokee Complex Fire at 0800 this morning. Operations today will continue to focus on holding all fire line, and mopping up areas that have already burned. Crews will focus on snags that have burned and dropping those trees that threaten the line or safety of firefighters. High winds and warm daytime temperatures along with drought conditions continue to make it difficult to extinguish the fires. There is little or no chance for rain the next 5 days. Wind gusts are expected on the ridgelines, which will create extreme fire behavior on the steep slopes. Firefighter and Public Safety remain our primary concern. Local residents are reminded to stay indoors if they have respiratory problems as air quality is still fair to poor. All fires currently burning are under investigation by local law enforcement. Thirty four fires have burned within the Qualla Boundary since October. The Bureau of Indian Affairs is seeking information regarding arson fires on Indian Lands through the WeTip Program. Up to $10,000 is being offered through this anonymous program. WeTip can be contacted through their website: www.wetip.com or by calling their hotline at 1-800-47-ARSON. For further updates visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5097/ Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIA-Forestry-Wildland-Fire-Management-Eastern-Region-418304818231967/  Comments are closed.
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