InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

August 22, 2018 @ 8:00 a.m. Crescent Mountain Fire: 31,091 acres; 34 percent contained Personnel: 342 Point of Origin: Approximately 21 miles west of Twisp Start Date: July 29, 2018 Cause: Lightning McLeod Fire: 16,278 acres; five percent contained Personnel: 474 Point of Origin: Approximately eight miles north of Mazama Start Date: August 11, 2018 Cause: Lightning Holman Fire: 120 acres, no containment Point of Origin: Holman Peak Start Date: August 17, 2018 Cause: Unknown Current Activity: Crescent Mountain Fire: Yesterday, helicopters were able to use bucket drops to slow the fire progression toward Scaffold Ridge on the east and the Lake Chelan National Recreation Area on the southwest sides of the fire. With the fire progression slowed, operations will use these helicopters to drop retardant along Scaffold Ridge. A division supervisor is working with the National Park Service to develop a strategy for managing...

SOUTHWEST AREA IMT #3 ASSUMES COMMAND TODAY Summary: Southwest Area Incident Management Team #3 assumed command of the Terwilliger Fire at 6:oo a.m. this morning and will continue using full suppression strategy. The Terwilliger fire is burning on both the west and east side of Cougar Reservoir. Yesterday, crews continued to hold the fire south of Boone Creek. Heavy equipment was used to open existing roads and lines used last year on the east side of the reservoir. Aviation resources were used to hold line to the north as weather and smoke conditions allowed. Firefighters will continue their work to hold the fire south of Boone Creek. They completed line from Forest Road 19 to the Forest Road 115 and will implement a burn out operation to strengthen the control line. Heavy equipment will continue to open existing roads and fire managers will scout out areas with the most probability of success to hold the fire on the northeast side of the fire. Closures: Willamette...

Special Statement This air quality forecast predicts potential particulate matter levels, not ozone. Forecast is based on 24 hour average. Fire There has been a small growth from the firing operation between Miller Fire and Columbus Fire. Miles and Columbus fires will continue to burn towards each other burning out the fuel in between. Fuel burning is mostly dead/down fuel and live fuel that has been cured. Widespread smoke from other fires including Watson Creek Fire has contributed more smoke in these communities than forecasted yesterday. Smoke There may be some air quality improvement today but currently the forecast still indicates that smoky conditions will prevail over many of these communities south of Miller/Columbus fires due to little air movement and possible more firing operation to help clean up the fuel. With the wind shifting back to northwest, there may not be enough push to help clear out the smoke until later today. We should see an improvement to the air quality by...

Miriam Fire Update Fire Information Line: 360-481-0031August 22, 2018 – 9 a.m. Acres: Miriam Fire – 3,653; Clear Fork Fire - 20 Percent Containment: 30% Start Date: 07/30/18Personnel/Resources: 2-Type 2 IA hand crews, 1-camp crew, 1-heavy lift helicopter, 1-medium lift helicopter, 1-light lift helicopter, 12-engines, 1-dozer, 6-water tenders, 2-mastacators and 1-forwarder processor for 272 total personnel.Location: Two miles east of White Pass Ski Area, within the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the Naches Ranger District, 13 miles east of Packwood, WA. Cause: Lightning Values at Risk: White Pass area and ski resort; homes and organizational camps at Clear and Rimrock Lakes; Wilderness; late successional reserve; northern spotted owl and other wildlife habitat; bull trout habitat; and state highway 12. Estimated Incident Containment or completion: 9/30/2018 Smoke Information: Smoke concentrations in the area have lifted with increased winds and instability. The smoke is forecasted to...

Weather Temperatures will cool today as a storm system pushes in from the west and carries moisture with it, helping to moderate fire behavior. A high temperature around 80 degrees is expected today with relative humidity in the mid-20 percent range. Winds will turn from the west to northwest and will be lighter than previous days. Taylor Creek Fire and Klondike Fire East The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team is managing the Taylor Creek Fire and Klondike Fire East. A smoke inversion subdued fire behavior on Tuesday. The smoke shaded the fire, keeping temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than forecast. The lower temperatures, combined with lighter winds, helped firefighters hold key control lines on the south end of the Klondike Fire East along Babyfoot Road. That control line is now connected to the burn scar of the 2017 Chetco Bar Fire, which serves as a natural control line due to the lack of available fuels. Firefighters are working diligently to widen the southern...

Weather Temperatures will cool today as a storm system pushes in from the west and carries moisture with it, helping to moderate fire behavior. A high temperature around 80 degrees is expected today with relative humidity in the mid-20 percent range. Winds will turn from the west to northwest and will be lighter than previous days. Taylor Creek Fire and Klondike Fire East The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team is managing the Taylor Creek Fire and Klondike Fire East. A smoke inversion subdued fire behavior on Tuesday. The smoke shaded the fire, keeping temperatures 5-10 degrees cooler than forecast. The lower temperatures, combined with lighter winds, helped firefighters hold key control lines on the south end of the Klondike Fire East along Babyfoot Road. That control line is now connected to the burn scar of the 2017 Chetco Bar Fire, which serves as a natural control line due to the lack of available fuels. Firefighters are working diligently to widen the southern...

Pacific Northwest Team 2 fire managers will be hosting a community meeting to inform the public about efforts to protect local communities and safely manage the Miles and Columbus Fires. Fire commanders and local officials will be on hand to answer questions regarding the fires. The meeting will start at 6:00 PM on Thursday, August 23rd and will be held at the Tiller RFPD fire station, 27598 Tiller-Trail Highway, Tiller,

Fire crews will finalize gridding and mop up operations today and will continue to disassemble and remove equipment from the lines. Tenders and a grader will be operating on N. Fork Trout Creek Road and Rose Valley Road. Yield to tenders and the grader on the road, use caution while driving in the area and respect the closed road sign at the Empire Sno-Park. The Incident Management Type 3 team will transfer operations back to the USFS Republic District tomorrow at 9:00am. A huge thank you to the community, fire crews, supporting agencies and contractors for the success of this mission. The Kelly Mountain Fire started at approximately 11:00am on August 11th and was a part of eleven lightning and storm related fires reported in the Republic/Curlew/Toroda area. Local resources from US Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources along with private contractors responded to the Kelly Mountain fire that grew rapidly due to strong winds and extremely dry conditions....

The burn operation yesterday afternoon was successful along the 6640 Road on the eastern edge of the fire. Firefighters took advantage of winds blowing from the east and ignited a small test burn that displayed desirable results. Crews moved forward with the burn operation and brought fire along the 6640 Road to secure black line on the eastern flank. Patrol and mop up operations continued on the southern and western sides of the fire. Firefighters continued to support neighboring fires and resources remain available for initial attack. Firefighters worked through the night and successfully completed the three mile burn operation along the 6640 Road. Crews were supported by an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS or “drone”) with infrared capabilities that was able to fly through smoke and detect the heat perimeter and areas of unburned fuels. Today’s Activities: Firefighters will remain on the 6640 Road continuing work to secure the eastern flank by removing any green fuels and...

News Release Media Contact: (509) 664-9200, Public Affairs Officer, Holly Krake Extreme fire danger across Forest; additional fire restrictions in effect Wenatchee, WA (August 21, 2018)- Due to extreme fire danger the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, will implement Stage II Fire Restrictions effective Wednesday August 22, 2018. These new restrictions limit the number of activities that are typically allowed on the Forest and will remain in effect until significant moisture arrives. “Extreme fire danger with numerous large wildfires is very serious to the forest and our communities,” said Deputy Forest Supervisor, Erick Walker. “These fire restrictions will help us prevent unwanted, human-caused wildfires and limit the exposure of area residents and visitors during dangerous fire conditions.” Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of carefully considered factors including current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire...

At 8:00 p.m. this evening, we placed the fire in patrol status and turned the incident over to the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. All resources that were committed to the Kettle River Fire are off the fire line and have been reassigned to support other fires. Employing a full suppression strategy to address this fire proved highly effective despite the hazards of steep terrain. A critical factor contributing to our success was the partnerships that were established at the local, regional, and national levels. Our experience at this incident has demonstrated that agencies working in cooperation with one another can be far more effective than working in isolation of one another. We wish to thank the Curlew School District, cooperating agencies, and particularly the citizens of Curlew, WA, for their patience and support during the fire. Fire information contact is John Nicholas, 509-570-8811. Details, including maps and photos can be found at...

Blue River, OR (Aug. 21, 2018) Fire officials are implementing an area closure order for the Terwilliger Fire for public and firefighter safety due to a combination of high fire danger, exceptionally dry conditions and unpredictable fire behavior. The area closure includes a section of Forest Service Road 19 (Aufederheide Scenic Highway) and recreation sites. “We understand this is a disappointment to residents and visitors who patiently waited for the road to reopen after the December 2017 landslide, but unfortunately, the risk is too great," said Forest Supervisor Tracy Beck. "Our highest responsibility must be visitor and firefighter safety.” The size of the closure allows for safe access and work by firefighters, and reflects the rapid growth that fire managers have witnessed since the fire was initially reported on August 19. Given the weather forecast and already dry forest conditions, the fire could continue to grow and additional closures could take place. From...

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE Forest Service Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Winthrop, WA Holman Fire Closure Order: 06-17-04-18-xx Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. This Order is effective until October 31, 2018, unless rescinded earlier. PROHIBITIONS: 1. Entering into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Fire Closure Area as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.53(e)]. 2. Being on any National Forest System closed trail, as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exibit A [36 CFR § 261.55(a)]. 3. Being on any National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on the attached map, Exibit A [36 CFR § 261.54(e)]. FIRE CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION: The fire closure area boundary begins at the gate on Forest...

A LEVEL 2 (BE READY) has been issued for persons living WEST of Newby Creek Road to Little Bridge Creek Road in the Twisp River Valley. Persons should prepare themselves, their home and vehicles for a possible immediate evacuation. Persons should think about making plans to relocate persons with disabilities/special needs and animals. Twisp River Road is CLOSED west of Newby Creek Road, including Newby Creek Road, except to Local Traffic (residents that live west of the closure). Persons should be aware of their surroundings and take action if needed. Do not wait for face to face notification. The road closures and Level 2 notice is being issued due to the Crescent Mountain Fire crossing Eagle Creek. The weather outlook is predicting very active fire behavior.For more information https://evbg.co/mkmqf

Fuego: Condiciones climatológicas similares a las de ayer se esperan nuevamente para el día de hoy, lo que significa que el comportamiento de los fuegos será de intensidad moderada a intensa. Los incendios de Crescent y McLeod, que son los dos más grandes en el área del valle de Methow, crecieron en combinación alrededor de 8,000 acres en el día de ayer. El fuego Cougar entre Plain y Entiat se estima está en 39,344 acres en total. Humo: El humo permanece en toda el área de pronóstico, por lo cual se espera que la pobre calidad del aire persista, sin embargo los vientos del este pueden producir algunos períodos de alivio durante el día de hoy (martes). Se espera que los vientos cambien desde el oeste mañana en el mañana, lo que provocaría que las condiciones de humo empeoren, especialmente en las áreas cercanas a los incendios. Otro: Una "Alerta de calidad del aire" permanece vigente para el área de pronóstico. Tentativamente, se...

The Cougar Creek Fire is burning up slope and east of Road 6104 towards Maverick Saddle. Firefighters are building a dozer line from the south and hand line from the north. Improved visibility this morning also allowed aircraft to be utilized in support of

Firefighters Working In Deadman Creek Area Contact: Boyds Fire Information (303) 921-5818 or (303) 921-5415 Email: Boydsfire2018@gmail.com August 20, 2018 - 8:30 PM Kettle Falls, WA – Part of the firefighting process is to plan for the unexpected. Fire officials develop contingency plans to minimize the impact from potential fire threats.In addition, part of our responsibilities while on assignment to the Boyds fire is to support local fire service agencies with initial attack. As an example, this morning crews supported the suppression actions in the Nancy Creek area.Fire crews will begin conducting assessments in the Deadman Creek area over the next few days to determine the needs and actions in stopping an unplanned fire if the situation occurs. ###

August 21, 2018 For Immediate Release Incident Commanders: Ian Yocum, Oregon State Fire Marshal Eric Knerr, Northwest Team 7 Contact: Rich Tyler/Jeanne Klein 541-239-3619 OSFM/NW Team 7 Public Information Officers Follow Fire Information on local Facebook Pages: Gilliam County Sheriff https://www.facebook.com/GilliamCountySheriff/ South Gilliam County Rural Fire Protection District https://www.facebook.com/South-Gilliam-County-Rural-Fire-Protection-District-783137915065669/?ref=br_rs [Condon, Oregon] NW Team 7 joined the Oregon State Fire Marshal's Office in Unified Command as of 6:00 am Tuesday morning. NW Team 7 will also assume command of Jennie's Peak Fire in Wheeler County and will be assigning resources to that fire. The Stubblefield, Seale, Lonerock, and Jennie's Peak fires now total 77,500 acres burned with 27% containment. There are currently 443 total firefighters on the incident. Last night's community meeting in the town of Lonerock was a success with...