InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

JOSEPH, Ore.—Today, the Granite Gulch Fire made a highly-visible run up the Wild Sheep Creek drainage, as wind and fuel conditions aligned to produce active fire behavior. Exhibiting a pair of large smoke columns, the estimated 3,400-acre fire will continue to be active during this period of hot, dry weather. The Granite Gulch Fire remains well inside the Eagle Cap Wilderness, poses no threat to private property and continues to be managed by the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest for resource benefits, including fuels

Smoke from the Granite Gulch Fire is causing reduced visibility in the Grande Ronde Valley today. Fire behavior has not significantly changed and the fire has not significantly grown; rather, weather and wind patterns have caused smoke to pool in the valley. The Environmental Protection Agency continues to report Good air quality in La Grande, so the smoke is not causing any health risks. A frontal system will move through Northeastern Oregon tomorrow, which is expected to disperse the

News Release August 20th, 2019 Keller, WA –Firefighters have made great progress in line production on the Williams Flats fire. They will be back on the line today and will continue to focus on line construction in the far northeast section of the fire where terrain is difficult. The western section of the fire is in patrol status while the southern section is in mop-up. Suppression repair in the western and southern sections is continuing. Fire managers are paying close attention to weather conditions over the fire. Tomorrow weather is expected to change with a chance of showers and an increase in winds. It is expected that interior areas of the fire that have not burned will become active. While these interior areas do not pose a threat to the fire perimeter, they are expected to throw off more visible smoke. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509)...

Joseph, Oregon — On Sunday, the western flank of the Granite Gulch Fire released a plume of smoke that was clearly visible above the Wallowa Mountains. This was a result of shifting winds that pushed the fire from mid-slope up into heavier stands of subalpine fire. The fire then slowed as it reached lighter fuels a half-mile from the ridgeline south of Cheval Lake, which separates the main Minam River valley from the Last Chance Creek drainage to the north. With warmer and drier conditions this week, the fire will continue to be active, and smoke will periodically be visible from surrounding communities. On its west side, the fire is expected to move into sparse fuels as it continues to climb the ridgeline south of Cheval Lake. At lower elevations along its southern perimeter, the fire remains north of the Minam River. In the east, the fire is burning within the lower portion of the Wild Sheep Creek drainage. Active fire spread, along with a highly visible smoke column, is expected...

Williams Flats Fire Update News Release August 19th, 2019 Keller, WA – Given that the footprint of the fire is large and covers very rugged terrain, we continue to emphasize firefighter safety. Today’s activities will continue to focus on line construction in the far northeast section of the fire. The western section of the fire is in patrol status while the southern section is in mop-up. Suppression repair in the western and southern sections is continuing. There are still several areas of unburned fuel within the interior of the fire. They are not a threat, but as the weather warms, they will continue to burn and more prominent smoke will be visible. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509) 634-7341. The Williams Flats Fire started on August 2, 2019 after a band of early morning thunderstorms with lightning moved across the eastern portion of the Colville...

Yesterday crews with the Williams Flats Fire were requested by local fire dispatch at Mt. Tolman for a medical emergency approximately one mile south of Keller on State Route 21. The request was in response to a report of a citizen who was having difficulty breathing. An ambulance and safety officer assigned to the Williams Flats Fire who were at our incident command post nearby found the citizen and began to provide treatment. They were assisted by a Kalispel Tribe Firefighting crew and Colville Ambulance. Lifeflight helicopter was ordered and responded from Brewster, WA. Once the patient was stabilized they were transported by ambulance to the Mt. Tolman Dispatch Center were they met the helicopter. Lifeflight flew the patient to Spokane for treatment.

News Release August 18th, 2019 Keller, WA – Today’s activities will focus on holding and mop-up operations in all divisions, with particular emphasis on improving the line and isolating green unburned fingers in the northern section of the fire. Suppression repair in the western and southern sections is continuing. As warmer weather continues, it is likely that smoke will continue to rise from unburned fuels in the interior of the fire. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509) 634-7341. The Williams Flats Fire started on August 2, 2019 after a band of early morning thunderstorms with lightning moved across the eastern portion of the Colville Indian Reservation. Weather: Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy early, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs will range around 85 at the lower elevations with 80° at elevations above 3500 feet. Humidity...

News Release August 17th, 2019 Keller, WA – Yesterday’s burn-out operations went very well in addressing unburned fuels between the fire’s edge and established lines. No burn-out operations are planned for today. Firefighters will continue direct line construction and securing and mopping up the fire’s edge as necessary. Acreage was reduced slightly due to more accurate mapping. It is likely that smoke will continue to rise from unburned fuels in the interior of the fire. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509) 634-7341. Weather: Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy early, then partly sunny in the afternoon. Highs will range around 85 at the lower elevations with 78° at elevations above 3500 feet. Humidity will be 20% in the valleys and 28% at elevations above 3500 feet. Winds will be up-slope 1-4 mph in the morning shifting to the southwest at...

As expected, the Granite Gulch Fire is becoming more active now that fuels have dried following last week’s rain. Smoke will likely be visible above the western Wallowa Mountains as the fire progresses, primarily to the west. Firefighters are actively managing the 2,000-acre fire with a confinement strategy – limiting it to the upper reaches of the Minam River valley, well within the Eagle Cap

PENDLETON, Ore. - Fire management officials on the Umatilla National Forest are preparing to implement the forest’s fall prescribed burn plan, which could impact camping and hunting opportunities in several hunting units across the forest. Any associated road and trail closures will go into effect prior to and during burn operations, which typically take 2-5 days to complete. Hunters are advised to plan ahead and avoid camping in the designated prescribed burn areas during the upcoming 2019 hunting season. Frequent, low-intensity fire is essential for healthy forests and reducing the risk of uncharacteristic wildfire caused by excessive fuel buildup. Prescribed burning is an effective tool for removing excessive amounts of brush, shrubs, and trees, while also encouraging the growth of native vegetation. Prescribed burning is also highly dependent on weather conditions, which have to be within a narrow criteria window in order to use prescribed fire. Factors such as wind speed and...

Firefighters will continue direct line construction using heavy equipment to provide better access for crews to access difficult areas of the fire. Burn-out operations will be occurring on the northeastern section of the fire this morning. Burn outs are used to consume unburned fuels between the fire’s edge and lines that have been constructed. Yesterday, crews used helicopters to cool hot spots within the perimeter of the fire. These resources will be available again today. It is likely that smoke will be visible from the surrounding area. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509) 634-7341. Today’s weather will see increasing clouds with a small chance of showers and thunderstorms north and east of the fire. Highs will range around 83-89° with the highest temperatures below 2000 ft. Humidity will be from 24 -28% in the valleys. Winds will be up-slope and up-valley...

This is the last update for this incident and command has been transferred from ODF IMT2 to a Type 3 team as of 6 a.m. 8/16/19.

Fire crews are utilizing helicopters this afternoon to cool hot spots on the Williams Flats Fire today. Smoke is visible from around the area. This activity will continue as mop-up operations are

News Release August 15th, 2019 10:00 AM Keller, WA – The Williams Flats Fire started on August 2, 2019. The NWIMT8 assumed command of the fire on August 3, 2019. Command of the fire was transferred this morning at 6:00 a.m. to the Type 3 Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2. Firefighters will be working today to strengthen and secure lines around the fire. It has been several days since there’s been any rain in the area, unburned fuels and islands have been drying out and may start burning within the interior of the fire. It is likely that smoke will be visible from the surrounding area. Members of the public are advised that any concerns about smoke in the area of the Williams Flats Fire may be reported to the Fire Information Center at (509) 634-7341. Weather: Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy with a slight chance of a morning shower or thunderstorm in the morning, changing to partly cloudy in the afternoon. Highs will range around 81-86°...

Today is the final daily update. Future updates will only be released if the situation changes significantly. Fire managers are pleased with the progress so far. The fire is currently in mop up stage and containment has risen to 63%. This success shows that the hard work is paying off. Minimal fire activity is expected today and unburned islands of fuel in the interior will continue to smolder and produce light smoke periodically. Firefighters will continue to focus on mop up operations along the perimeter and will begin removing excess equipment and supplies from secure portions of the fireline. Air resources are available to assist with bucket drops, should that be necessary. Warm and dry conditions will continue for the next several days, with a slight cooling on Thursday and Friday as an upper level trough passes nearby. As the front passes, northwest winds of 12-17 mph are expected with gusts as high as 25 mph Thursday evening. During his description of the weather forecast at...

The Williams Flats Fire became active this afternoon sending visible smoke columns into the air. Helicopters responded to the area and dropped water to cool the sites. The Fire is 80% contained with 679 firefighting resources working to secure established containment lines.The public will continue to see visible smoke rising from the fire area. Please to do not be alarmed or call 911 to report. If you have questions or concerns please call the Williams Flats Fire Information Center at (509)

This will be the last update from the Northwest Incident Management Team 8 (NWIMT8), Incident Commander Doug Johnson. NE Washington Team 2, Incident Commander Tim Love, will assume management of the fire tomorrow at 6:00 am. NWIMT8 would like to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to the Colville Confederated Tribes, communities, cooperators, agency staff, and firefighters for the unwavering support during our management of the Williams Flats Fire. Williams Flats Fire Acreage: 45,359 Containment: 65% Current Fire Information: A containment line has been constructed completely around the fire perimeter. Firefighting resources will work to improve and secure the lines. A containment line is considered secure when, i.e., a large wind event blew over the fire area, no embers would blow across the line and start a fire. Patrol of secured lines will be ongoing. Back hauling of firefighting equipment to the command post is underway. Equipment will be packed and returned to the...

Warmer and drier conditions continue to play a role in the Ward fire. Predicted flare up activity during the day kept firefighters busy on Tuesday. Crews achieved good successes on some sections, reinforcing control lines. As a result, several engines and crews will be reassigned today from more secure parts of the line to some of the more challenging areas. In the eastern section, there are still many islands of green, unburned areas inside the fire perimeter, which take longer to secure.Today, crews will concentrate on meticulously checking for and extinguishing hot spots, flagging areas of concern, and meeting mop up standards, which vary from a minimum of 200 feet from the hard black (areas where there is no fuel) to 300 feet in incompletely burned and areas of higher fuel concentrations. With a front coming through Thursday morning, this work is critically important.“The biggest variable on fire behavior is weather,” says Chris Cline, Incident Commander. “The fuels and the...

Transfer of command for the HK Complex Fire from Northwest Incident Management Team 6 to a local Type 4 Team occurs at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 14th, 2019. Information about these fires will be provided periodically and as

With the warmer, drier weather yesterday, there were a several flare-ups during the day and overnight inside of the perimeter of the Ward Fire, where residual hot spots ignited drying grass and brush. Flare-ups such as these are common with the current weather conditions and are a vivid reminder that work on this fire is not yet finished. “We are still dealing with a fire,” said Mitch Williams, Field Night Operations.Conditions also gave rise to a couple of new fires ignited by the last storm in areas close to the Ward fire yesterday. These fires were quickly controlled by Initial Attack crews. Firefighters spent much of the last 24 hours continuing to secure firelines and mop up along the perimeter of the burned area. During mop up operations, firefighters extinguish any smoking or burning materials with soil or water, helping to ensure that there are no remaining embers that could reignite a fire. They also remove standing dead trees (snags), dig up and smother smoldering...