InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Effective on Saturday morning, August 20th, 2016, the Hayden Pass Trail is closed from Dose Meadows at the east to the junction with the Elwha River Trail at the west. Fire managers and wilderness rangers worked together to determine the fire is within a quarter-mile of the trail. This was a pre-determined location for when a closure would be issued for the trail. Fire crews will post the Hayden Pass Trail closed at both ends, then walk through the area to escort any hikers in that section to the open areas. Staff at the wilderness information center will contact anyone with backcountry permits that included that portion of trail, to inform them of the closure.This decision supports the commitment to firefighter and public safety in the management of the

Fire growth is expected on Friday and Saturday on the fires in the Olympic National Park wilderness. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until midnight Friday. Friday’s forecast is for temperatures in the high 80’s, relative humidity 15% to 20%, and northeast to easts winds 6 to 12 mph, with a moderate level of atmospheric instability. These conditions indicate of the potential for rapid fire growth, especially in the afternoon to late evening.Water drops by helicopters may be strategically directed on the Cox Valley Fire to help confine the fire to the north of Obstruction Point Road. Fire crews in the wilderness are closely monitoring the Godkin Fire and will share fire status information with hikers along the Elwha River trail who may be concerned about the smell of smoke. Fire activity increased Thursday The Cox Valley Fire grew Thursday afternoon as temperatures climbed and relative humidity dropped sharply. The combination of weather conditions and steep slopes contributed to...

Fire activity increased on the Cox Valley Fire today. At 3:45pm, fire managers and park rangers decided to temporarily close the Obstruction Point Road due to smoke affecting visibility. Travelers are restricted from heading into Obstruction Point Road. Visitors who are parked at the trailhead will be escorted out the road by park rangers and fire crews. The Incident Commander is conducting aerial observations of the fires within Olympic National Park, including the Cox Valley Fire. Safety for personnel and visitors is the top priority for park and incident managers. The National Weather Service upgraded the Fire Weather Watch to a Red Flag Warning for all of the Olympic National Park through Friday night at midnight. When fire activity changes, updates are posted to the Olympic National Park and Olympic National Forest Fire Information Facebook page first. You do not need a Facebook account to view this page. Photos, maps, and updates are also available on the Inciweb page. ...

Cox Valley Fire smoke remains visible from Hurricane Ridge Road Fire activity moderated Wednesday afternoon, and much less smoke was visible to visitors traveling Hurricane Ridge Road. The Godkin Fire was active only along the southern perimeter with little smoke being produced Wednesday, and little to no smoke visible from the Hayes or Ignar Creek Fires based upon aerial observations from park fire managers. Fire activity is expected to increase the next few days as hot and dry weather conditions continue over the area. This morning a fire manager flew over the Cox Valley Fire to assess conditions and reported a noticeable increase in smoke. He verified that the current portion burning is still a small area at the bottom of the fire. The amount of smoke produced by these fires is not necessarily an indication of rapid fire growth. Even small fires within the park produce larger amounts of smoke due to the extreme quantities of burnable material such as logs, sticks, and deep...

Cox Valley Fire smoke visible from Hurricane Ridge Road again Fire activity increased Tuesday afternoon, and wildfire smoke was obvious to visitors traveling Hurricane Ridge Road. Although there was significantly more smoke than the last two weeks, only a small area was actively burning as shown in the photo to the right. The burning trees are surrounded by moist meadows, which naturally slow or can stop fire movement. The Godkin Fire also burned actively in two locations, based on observations from park staff. Very little smoke was visible from the Hayes or Ignar Creek Fires.Fire monitoring personnel heading into wilderness today Six fire personnel were briefed this morning on monitoring protocols for the Godkin and Hayes Fires. They will be transported to the Hayes River ranger station and will establish lookout points to monitor the Hayes and Godkin Fires. Their role is to provide fire activity updates and take hourly weather readings. If fire activity escalates in the next few...

Wilderness fires still quiet Monday afternoon On Monday afternoon, an Olympic National Park fire manager flew over the park to check the status of the four lightning-caused fires in the Olympic National Park wilderness. On each fire, only one source of smoke was observed. None of the fires have grown since July 31. Smoke from the Cox Valley Fire is intermittently visible from portions of Hurricane Ridge Road. Photos from the observation flight are on the photos tab on this Inciweb site, as well as on the Olympic National Park - Olympic National Forest Fire Information Facebook page. Preparing for increased smoke and fire activity The National Weather Service forecast indicates that increased fire activity is likely on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday due to the combination of dry fuels, hot temperatures, low relative humidity, and moderate breezes.In preparation, fire managers have ordered more resources. Additional staff and equipment will arrive today and transition to more...

Olympic National Park Fire Update Friday, August 12, 2016 Only a few smokes visible on Thursday from four wilderness fires On the afternoon of Thursday, August 11, an Olympic National Park fire manager flew over the four wilderness fires to monitor their condition after nearly a week of cloud-covered skies. During the flight, no smoke was observed from the Cox Valley Fire or the Ignar Creek Fire. Only two sources of smoke were visible on the Godkin Fire. On the Hayes Fire, four isolated sources of smoke were identified. All four fires were ignited by lightning on July 21, and have had limited growth since July 31. They are all located in remote, steep, and very rugged terrain. Fire activity expected to increase with warmer weather aheadWarm, dry weather is forecast for the region through August 18, with above normal temperatures predicted through August 25. With these conditions, the vegetation will dry out from the recent rain, and increased fire activity is anticipated....

Kewa Fire Information: August 11, 2016, 10am NW Incident Management Team 9, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,889 acres Percent Containment: 75% Location: 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation This will be the last Daily Update from NW Incident Management Team 9. Management of the fire will transfer Friday, August 12, 2016 at 6am from NW Team 9 (Type 2) to a local Type 3 organization, led by incident commander Brandon Sutton. Road Closures Lifted All Road closures in the Kewa Fire area have been lifted as of today. Today’s plan Crews will continue to mop up from firelines toward the fire’s interior on all sides today. Burned area safety Please use extra caution if traveling through burned areas. Even after heat and flames are gone, burned areas can be hazardous to firefighters and the public. Hazards include snags, stump holes and rolling material. Snags, standing...

Kewa Fire Information: August 10, 2016, 10am NW 9 Incident Management Team, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,889 acres Percent Containment: 65% Location: 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation Yesterday’s actions and today’s plan Until yesterday, a few rugged areas of the fire remained unlined, but the cooler temperatures and moisture provided optimal conditions for finishing these sections. Efforts to widen these lines will continue today by extinguishing any remaining heat near the edge. Total resources on the fire: 497, including 16 crews, 11 engines, 16 water tenders, 3 skidgens, one dozer, and one helicopter. Today’s forecast is cloudy with a slight chance of showers. A warming trend will develop over the next few days. Mopping up with specialized equipment Following fire’s movement through an area, much of the vegetation and fuels above ground are consumed and flames...

NOTICE: Kewa Fire evacuation levels are reduced to a level 1, effective August 9, 2016.

Kewa Fire Information: August 9, 2016, 10am NW 9 Incident Management Team, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,912 acres Percent Containment: 65% Location: 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation Evacuation Levels Reduced Evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1 throughout the fire area. Today’s plan Fire crews are making good progress on the fire and will continue to mop up along firelines. Total resources on the fire: 581, including 16 crews; 20 engines; 17 water tenders; five skidgens, and four dozers; two helicopters, an air attack, and four FireBosses, available, if needed. Today’s forecast is cloudy with a chance of showers; the fire could experience heavy rain and strong winds if a thunderstorm passes over the area. A warming trend will develop over the next few days. Determining Fire Behavior Fire behavior is influenced by many factors, primarily weather, fuel...

Kewa Fire Information: August 8, 2016, 10am NW 9 Incident Management Team, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,951 acres Percent Containment: 55% Location: 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation Today’s plan Resources will increase mop up distance from the firelilne toward the interior. Cooler, wetter weather will help this effort. Forecasted thunderstorms and gusty, erratic winds can create hazards on the fireline, including fire-weakened trees. Crews will post lookouts to reduce this risk. Fire crews will grid an aspen stand near a residence. Gridding consists of searching for smoldering fire by travelling through an area on parallel lines. Total resources on the fire: 573, including 16 crews; 20 engines; 14 water tenders; five skidgens, and four dozers; three helicopters, an air attack, and four FireBosses, available, if needed. Fire planning and the PACE Model ...

SNAKE RIVER FIREAUGUST 7, 2016 10:30PMNews from the fire line:Firefighters have completed fire line construction and mop up of the Snake River Fire. Crews have all demobilized and the incident will be turned back to Garfield County Fire District 1 and Whitman County Fire District 14. The Southeast Washington Incident Management Team would like the thank everyone who supported firefighters during this incident.The Snake River Fire started on August 2nd at 12:50pm and quickly grew due to high winds and dry conditions. It started in Garfield county across from Granite Point on the Snake River. The fire jumped the river to Whitman County at about 4:30pm. The initial efforts of the local firefighters and residents stopped many homes and crops from burning, and the state mobilization resources came in on August 3rd to help give the initial attack crews a rest. The Southeast Incident Management Team managed the incident through August 7th.CONTAINMENT: 100%SIZE: 11,452 acresLOCATION: 12 miles...

NEWS RELEASE Update on Fletcher Road Fire burning south of Lyons FerryA fire burning in Columbia and Walla Walla County is now estimated at 2,000 acres. The fire is south of Lyons Ferry and state mobilization has been approved for resources.The fire was started by lightning. DNR heavy and light air tankers are on scene, along with state mobilization resources that responded after being demobilized from the Snake River Fire, and local resources.Lyons Ferry Rd is closed from Highway 261 south to TOMCO seed. Please avoid the area while firefighters are at work. In addition, Highway 261 is closed from Lyons Ferry to Powers. No evacuations are in place. For any media requests, please contact PIOs Megan Hill, at 509-939-5216 or Michael Krueger, at 509-290-9918.LOCATION: Near Fletcher Rd and Lyons Ferry/Highway 261ACREAGE: 2,000 (approximately)CONTAINMENT: 0%# OF PERSONNEL ON SCENE: 180 (approximately)RESOURCES: Brush engines, hand crew, heavy air tanker, single engine air tanker,

There is a new fire burning in the Fletcher Rd area near Lyons Ferry in Columbia County, WA. At 10:45AM, State Mobilization was authorized to assist with this fire. 7 strike teams of engines, one hand crew and one dozer that were demobilized from the Snake River Fire near Pomeroy responded to help the local resources fight that fire, and are on scene now. Air resources have been ordered and are enroute from Deer Park, WA. The incident management team that is managing the Snake River fire will help with management of this new fire. More updates will be sent out as information comes in. For information on this new fire, please contact: Public Information Officer Megan Hill – 509-939-5216 Public Information Officer Michael Krueger – 509-290-9918 ###

Wilderness fires are quiet, and likely to stay that way for several days. Temperatures in Olympic National Park were cooler than normal the past four days, and overnight humidity recovery has been excellent. The four fires in the wilderness continue smoldering, and almost no smoke was visible Saturday. On Saturday, fire managers released the additional resources who helped with monitoring and long term planning while the fires were active. Olympic National Park’s fire personnel will continue to monitor the fires. “Keep informed on fire weather conditions and forecasts” is the first rule all wildland fire personnel follow when deciding what fire management actions are appropriate. The National Weather Service’s “Fire Weather Forecast” for the fire areas Sunday through Tuesday calls for continued cool and cloudy conditions, and light winds. Existing fires will continue smoldering, without growing. There is some possibility of lightning late Sunday, yet that is...

Kewa Fire Information: August 7, 2016, 10am NW 9 Incident Management Team, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,966 acres Percent Containment: 45% Location: 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation Today’s plan · On the west side of the fire hand crews are using extended hose lays to continue mop up from the line toward the interior. Engine crews continue to do the same along the east side of the fire. · Mop up operations have been completed on the south end of the fire, which is now in a patrol status. Firefighters are using an infared camera to locate isolated pockets of heat. Unlike common cameras that use visible light to capture images, infared cameras detect radiant heat. · Resources on the fire today include 20 engines; 10 water tenders; 14 crews; four FireBosses; two Type1, one Type2 and one Type3 helicopters, an air attack, two skidgens, and three dozers. A burnout is possible if conditions...

Kewa Fire Information: August 6, 2016, 10am NW 9 Incident Management Team, Brian Goff, Incident Commander Start date: Aug. 2, 2016 Current Size: 1,946 acres Percent Containment: 35% Location: The Kewa Fire is 15 miles south of Inchelium, WA on the Colville Indian Reservation Today’s plan Crews will continue securing lines and mopping up. Resources on the fire today include 31 engines; 13 crews; four FireBosses; two Type1, one Type2 and one Type3 helicopters, an air attack, two skidgens, three water tenders and five dozers. A burnout is possible if conditions are favorable On the fire’s west side, firefighters have identified a challenging area: a bowl. This broad draw between ridges is steep, rugged and contains tall brush and trees. Fire is active at lower levels of the bowl with torching, crowning and up-slope runs. Fireline construction through the bowl could present a safety hazard. To prevent fire from spreading out of the bowl, fire...

News from the fire line:The Snake River fire remains at 11,452 acres and 85% contained this morning as the crews head out to the line. Firefighters will continue to patrol the perimeter and search for hot spots.Weather in the area continues to be a concern. There is a red flag warning in effect until 8:00pm Sunday, with the possibility of thunderstorms and dry lightning.Many of the firefighters demobilized and are headed home to all parts of the state today. Citizens can expect to see a marked decrease in the presence of out of town firefighters as the team prepares to turn the fire back to the local officials.Wawawai River Road opened up for public traffic at 8:00pm Saturday. Citizens are reminded that there will still be firefighters and trucks patrolling that area of the fire on Sunday.The Snake River fire started on August 2 at 12:50pm and quickly grew due to high winds and dry conditions. It started in Garfield County across from Granite Point on the Snake River. The fire jumped...

Wawawai River Road will open for traffic at 8:00pm on Saturday, August 6th, 2016. Be aware that there will still be fire vehicles patrolling the edges of the burned area. Use