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In the wildfire world, what does “containment” mean? 

Containment is the status of a wildfire suppression action signaling that a control line, or containment line, has been completed around the fire and any associated spot fires, which can reasonably be expected to stop the fire’s spread.

Percent containment represents sections of fire line that pose no escape risk without further action from firefighters.

Increasing containment across the Black Cove Complex continues to be a challenge for wildland firefighters due to heavy fuel loading and access post-Helene. The terrain in this area is steep and rugged, which poses challenges on its own. Add storm debris and landslides to the already existing challenges the terrain presents, and direct attack becomes substantially more difficult. Firefighters start constructing a fire line and reach an impassable point at which line construction is relocated and started again.

Another factor is that rainfall has been below average for a significant period of time. Despite well-timed wetting rain, 30-day precipitation has fallen below average for most of the region. Dry and windy cold fronts have also contributed to accelerated drying. Helene’s winds were catastrophic, and the impact on canopy cover has contributed to rapid drying. Tree canopy loss from Helene has allowed for more direct exposure to sunlight. Poor overnight recovery in relative humidity has led to a nearly 24-hour burn period. Nighttime intensity and growth are occurring regularly, further challenging control efforts.

Any dead and downed fuels on the ground before Helene are igniting easily and proving difficult to extinguish. While downed heavy fuels post-Helene are scorching, they are not consuming. However, any fine fuels from Helene that are adding to the fuel load are significantly increasing fire intensity.

While current and forecast conditions may continue to challenge firefighting efforts, emergency responders will not stop until the containment objective is accomplished.

In addition to the N.C. Forest Service, other state and local departments and agencies are supporting response efforts for this incident. Additionally, out-of-state resources, including air support are assisting. States providing support include South Carolina, Michigan, Montana, Wyoming, Tennessee, Oregon, South Dakota and California

 

Submitted by N.C. Forest Service