Potamus Fire Entrapment 2008

The Potamus Fire was located on the North Fork John Day Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest (NF). The fire was an apparent result of ongoing widespread lightning activity, and was reported by government personnel at 1209 on August 7, 2008. The initial fire size estimate was 25 acres in light, flashy fuels. One Type l Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), three Type 6 engines, and two overhead were engaged at the fire mid-afternoon on August 7. The fire was active with occasional torching initially but became a backing, flanking fire by afternoon. The weather was unstable, with numerous convective cells reported that afternoon. At 1640, while fire fighters were engaged, the fire experienced a significant wind event associated with a passing thunder cell, causing a rapid acceleration in rate of spread and intensification of the fire activity. Fire fighters and one engine-retreated; another engine was burned over, resulting in a total loss. No personnel were injured.