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Stand 4 - The Slop Over

Early in the morning of May 5, additional resources are being ordered through Zone Dispatch. About mid-morning the Burn Boss is informed that the interior backing fire has burned below the black lining operations. Approximately an hour later, holding personnel on the east flank inform the Holding Boss that they are concerned the fire may "hook" them and they begin black lining operations to stay below the east flank backing fire.

Later that morning, the Burn Boss formally transfers command due to fatigue issues. Shortly thereafter, the east flank holding crew detects a slopover a short distance uphill from their location and mention difficulty holding it. They request a helicopter with a bucket and additional firefighters to assist in their efforts.

Photo taken in 2003 from the ridgeline east of Cerro Grande Peak looking towards the location of the slop over. Notice the "clump grass" and difficulty in walking in this vegetation.