InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

PENDLETON, Ore. – Firefighters are actively suppressing a wildfire located near Matlock Hill, approximately 13 miles northwest of Ukiah, Oregon on the North Fork John Day Ranger District. The Matlock Fire, which is currently estimated at 60 acres, was reported on Tues., July 28 at 3:39 p.m. Fire managers located the wildfire with assistance from an Oregon Department of Forestry detection camera located on Black Mountain. The fire was caused by lightning and is burning in grass and timber with dead and down trees.  The fire actively burned yesterday to the southeast with crowning, torching, and spotting.  Gusty winds contributed to increased fire behavior and growth.  Numerous resources aided in initial attack efforts, including support from Oregon Department of Forestry.  The Forest will inbrief the local Northeast Oregon Interagency Type 3 Incident Management Team today at 12 p.m. with plans for the team to take command of the fire tomorrow. An incident command post will be...

7/29/2020 Daily Update Yesterday temperatures reached 101 degrees, the humidity dropped to eleven percent, and wind gusts up to 28 miles per hour were recorded on lower elevations within the fire.  “In areas with receptive fuels, these weather conditions can result in extreme fire behavior,” said Steve Ziel, Incident Fire Behavior Analysist. “It is obvious that our fire fighters have been doing an excellent job of mopping up, or we would have seen more fire activity within our containment lines.” Much of yesterday’s work focused on mopping up (searching for hotspots and extinguishing them) in the northern portion of the fire where it has been smoldering and creeping around in the heavy litter under pine and shrub dominated upper slopes. There was noticeably less smoke in these areas yesterday afternoon. Crews and engines will continue to focus mop up efforts on these areas again today. Firefighters found few hotspots on the southern portion of the fire yesterday. Colville...

 Tonasket, WA – The Anglin Fire - Firefighting efforts today will focus on keeping the fire contained within the established footprint, mopping up 50’ in from perimeter, and 300’ around structures. Aircraft will continue to work over the fire today to help extinguish hot spots and hard to reach areas.  The Anglin fire is currently 50% contained.  Level 3 evacuation orders have been removed. A level 2 evacuation order will remain in place for Rehmke Rd. south of Siwash Rd. and all roads connecting to Rehmke Rd. Level 1 evacuations are still in place for the Cayuse and Island Mtn. areas. All power has been restored. The fire started on Monday afternoon and quickly spread due to high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity.  Firefighters from Okanogan County, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and numerous federal, state and local agencies responded to this fast-moving fire.   The Green Fire - Firefighters from across the region continue to make progress on...

Tonasket, WA – The Anglin Fire started yesterday afternoon and quickly spread due to high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity.  Firefighters from Okanogan County, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and numerous federal, state and local agencies continue to assist with fire suppression.  Firefighting efforts today focused on line construction as well as reinforcing containment lines from the previous shift. Aircraft also worked the north end of the fire today to help extinguish hot spots and hard to reach areas of the fire.  Crews will continue to work overnight and expect to make additional progress.  The Anglin fire is currently 0% contained.     The Green Fire started yesterday afternoon and quickly spread due to high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity. The crews today were able to work hot spots and reinforce established containment lines. Firefighters from across the region continue to make progress on the fire. The Green fire is...

Tonasket, WA – The Anglin Fire started yesterday afternoon and quickly spread due to high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity.  Firefighters from Okanogan County, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and numerous federal, state and local agencies assisted with fire suppression well into the evening.  Fire managers also called in multiple aircraft to help with firefighting efforts.  The fire is currently 0% contained.  One residence and two out buildings were lost.    The Green Fire started yesterday afternoon and quickly spread due to high temperatures, winds and low relative humidity. Overnight crews were able to get an established containment line around the fire and are moving into mop up today. Firefighters from Okanogan County, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and numerous federal, state and local agencies assisted with fire suppression well into the evening.    Firefighters are on the fire line again today working to establish...

Greenhouse Daily Update 7/28/2020 Firefighters made excellent progress on all sides of the fire yesterday. Crews and engines performing mop up (searching for hotspots to extinguish) in the southern portion of the fire found numerous small hotspots which they extinguished. They reported that the only significant amount of smoke in the area was coming for the recycling center. Today, Colville Tribes EMS Fire and Rescue (CCT EMS) firefighters plan to work throughout the day, applying water to the large mounds of smoldering cardboard at the site. Firefighters will be patrolling and monitoring the area.  The fire continues to smolder and creep around in the heavy litter under pine and shrub dominated upper slopes on the northern portion of the fire. Crews and engines are focusing mop up efforts on these areas now.  A weak cold front moved in from the south this morning bringing warm, dry, windy conditions to the area for the next few days. Temperatures are expected to reach 100...

Today is the final daily update. Future updates will only be released if the situation changes significantly. Northwest Incident Management Team (IMT) 7 transitioned command of the Ben Young Fire to a local Type 4 IMT at 6 a.m. today.  NWIMT 7 would like to express its gratitude to the Fremont-Winema National Forest, the Klamath-Lake Unit of Oregon Department of Forestry, the Lakeview District Bureau of Land Management, the contractors that supported the effort, and the affected communities here in Lake County for their cooperation and support.   Yesterday’s Activity – There was a very light rain on portions of the fire area as crews focused on patrolling the fire’s perimeter and removing and returning unneeded equipment and supplies from the fire line.  Today’s Operations – Firefighters will continue to focus on mopping up the fire line and spot fires on the eastern flank on the ridge, just south of Myers Butte.   Repair of the effects of the suppression...

Evacuation Levels Reduced All homes and businesses that were in Evacuation Level 2 and Level 3 having been recommended to go to Evacuation Level 1. Basically, there are three evacuation levels, generally described as: Level 1 - “Get Ready,” Level 2 – “Get Set,” and Level 3 - “Go” immediately. Evacuation Level 1 means “Get Ready” – You should be prepared for wildfire impacts by creating defensible space around all buildings - clean up or relocate combustible materials, keep grass mowed short, and trim trees and shrubs to allow ample space between buildings and landscape vegetation. Additionally, stay alert to local wildfire conditions and consult local county and tribal emergency programs to ensure that you can receive alerts when emergencies occur within your area. In Okanogan County, including Colville Tribes, sign up for alerts at www.okanogandem.org or call (509) 422-7206. Road Closures ExpandedThe following roads are closed except for essential travel by...

 Greenhouse Fire Daily Update 7/27/2020Yesterday afternoon an unburned island along the southeastern edge of the fire, just west of the Nespelem Transfer Station, burned, putting up a lot of smoke for a short period of time. Crews and engines performing mop up near the area responded quickly and contained the flare-up. Otherwise, the fire continues to smolder and creep around in the heavy litter under pine and shrub dominated upper slopes on the northern portion of the fire. Winds are expected to be light and variable out of the northeast this morning. By early afternoon they will begin shifting to come out of the south with gusts possible to fifteen miles per hour (mph) today, increasing to twenty mph tomorrow. Temperatures are expected to reach the upper-90s today and become even a few degrees warmer tomorrow. Increased temperatures and winds are expected to increase fire behavior tomorrow, testing fire lines.  Today crews are working to complete fire lines on the north and east...

Firefighters continue to make progress toward full containment of the Ben Young Fire which is now 75% contained.  Yesterday’s Activity – Firefighters put in another solid day of work on Sunday patrolling and securing the fire’s perimeter.  Today’s Operations – Fire resources will continue to patrol and begin fire suppression repairs today.  Crews will also begin back hauling unneeded equipment and supplies from the fire. Helicopter support is available for today’s operations, if needed. Excess resources are being made available for other fires. Resources from multiple agencies are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Weather and Fire Behavior:  The weather is forecast to be cloudy and hot with potential thunderstorms projected through the day. There is a Red Flag Warning issued for abundant lightning on dry fuels from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. The fire will continue to smolder and...

 Road Closures ExpandedThe following roads are closed except for essential travel by local residents and businesses, due to heavy fire traffic:-  The Columbia River Road from Omak, WA, to Nespelem, WA, (Hwy 155).-  All of Schoolhouse Loop Road.Closed Businesses/FacilitiesNespelem Transfer Station and the Recycling Center have been severely damaged by the Greenhouse Fire and are closed until further

 NEWS RELEASE (for immediate release) Evacuation Levels ReducedAll homes and businesses that were in Evacuation Level 2 and Level 3 having been recommended to go to Evacuation Level 1. Basically, there are three evacuation levels, generally described as: Level 1 - “Get Ready,” Level 2 – “Get Set,” and Level 3 - “Go” immediately.   Evacuation Level 1 means “Get Ready” – You should be prepared for wildfire impacts by creating defensible space around all buildings - clean up or relocate combustible materials, keep grass mowed short, and trim trees and shrubs to allow ample space between buildings and landscape vegetation. Additionally, stay alert to local wildfire conditions and consult local county and tribal emergency programs to ensure that you can receive alerts when emergencies occur within your area. In Okanogan County, including Colville Tribes, sign up for alerts at www.okanogandem.org or call (509) 422-7206.   Road Closures Expanded The following roads...

Greenhouse Fire Daily Update 7/26/2020Yesterday the west side of the fire was active on the upper portion of Mineral Ridge, burning down into Hudnut Canyon. Hotshot crews and helicopter rappelers constructed mid-slope fire lines where terrain allowed and began mopping up (searching for hotspots and extinguishing them). Fireline has been completed along the southern edge of the fire. Bulldozers and crews continue to construct new fire line and strengthen existing lines on the north and east sides. Crews and engines are beginning mop up within established lines, especially focusing on areas close to homes and businesses. Winds are expected to be light and variable for the next couple of days. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-90s today and become five to ten degrees warmer over the next two days. The Columbia River Road continues to be closed from Omak, WA, to the junction of Columbia River Road and Schoolhouse Loop Road at the Colville Indian Agency, Nespelem, WA. Level 2...

Paisley, OR – Firefighters continue to hold the Ben Young Fire in place bringing containment up to 65%. Resources from multiple agencies and contractors are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Yesterday’s Activity – Minimal fire activity occurred throughout the day and crews were able to make excellent progress reinforcing the entire fireline with occasional helicopter use. Today’s Operations – Firefighters will continue with patrol and mopping up along the perimeter of the fire in all divisions. Crews are monitoring for remaining heat on steep slopes in smoldering heavy fuels within the interior on the NW corner. Crews are looking for opportunities for fire suppression repairs and bringing equipment off the fireline. Weather and Fire Behavior: Hot, dry weather with calm winds are expected with high temperature in the low 90s and 11% Relative Humidity. Smoldering heavy fuels will...

Greenhouse Fire Update, Saturday, July 25, 2020Northwest Incident Management Team 6 with Incident Commander Shawn Sheldon assumed control of the fire at 6:00 AM this morning. Bulldozers will continue working today on completing fire lines around the east and north sides of the fire. Hotshot crews began constructing fire lines on the west side of the fire where steep terrain prohibits bulldozer work.  Overall, winds are expected to be light and variable for the next couple of days. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-80s today and become ten to fifteen degrees warmer over the next two days.  Fire officials want to remind everyone that the current fire danger rating remains HIGH and recreational fires are only allowed in firepits maintained by the Colville Tribes.  Our highest priority is the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. To keep firefighters and communities healthy and safe during the Greenhouse Fire, all fire personnel are expected to follow...

A Level 2 Evacuation remains in place from the Catholic Cemetery to the Jackson Ranch west of Highway 155 and north from Nespelem, WA. A Level 2 Evacuation means “GET SET” – be ready to leave the minute that you receive notice to leave the

The success of yesterday’s operations has brought containment up to 55%.  Resources from multiple agencies and contractors are working on the fire, including Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Yesterday’s Activity – Minimal fire activity occurred throughout the day and hotshot crews were able to make progress on securing the fire perimeter. Helicopters supported ground crews with bucket drops over the eastern flank.  Today’s Operations – Firefighters will continue with direct suppression strategies focusing on the slopes with little vehicle access.   Air resources have been readily available and effective. Controlling the fire’s edge and mopping up will be today’s primary focus. Weather and Fire Behavior:  The weekend will bring warm and dry weather with calm winds. Smoldering heavy fuels within the interior continue to burn. Minimal smoke production is expected Saturday.  There is potential for isolated...

 Due to fire activity, Columbia River Road is closed from Omak to Colville Indian Agency in Nespelem until further

The Bertschi Road Fire, located south of the town of Glenwood, WA., started on July 16 and its cause remains under investigation.  The fire organization managing the fire is “right-sizing” and excess resources are being made available for other fires. Approximately 224 personnel are currently assigned to the incident, which is now 90% contained. Resources remaining include hand crews, engines, dozers, and water tenders, most of which will be demobbed by end of shift today.                                                                                                                           Northwest Incident Management Team 10 (NWT10) will be transitioning the Bertschi Road Fire to a Type 4 Incident Management Team (IMT) today at 4:00 pm. A small contingent of resources, including one task force leader, one strike team leader, one strike team of engines, and one twenty person crew will remain with the Type 4 IMT....

The emergency fire closure for the Ben Young Fire area on the Paisley Ranger District of the Fremont-Winema National Forest was modified this morning, reducing in size and opening some recreation areas. The closure area is now reduced, with the area bounded by Forest Road 33 in the west to the Forest Boundary to the east, and by the 33-122 and 3510-019 Roads on the northern end and the 3510 road on the southern end. Also closed are Forest Roads 3510-018 off Clover Flat Road, the 3510-019 and 33-122 roads in the northern part of the closure area, the 3510 Road between the Forest Boundary Forest Road 33, and Road 3509 between Forest Road 3510 and the 28 Road. Forest Road 33, also known as the River Road, remains open, but the area directly east of the road between Forest Roads 3510 and 33-122 is in the emergency fire closure area. This adjustment reopens recreation sites including Marster Spring Campground, Chewaucan Crossing Campground and Jones Crossing Forest Camp. Moss Meadow...