InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Schneider Springs Fire Update August 28, 2021: Start Date: August 3, 2021 Cause: Lightning Size: 76,764 acres Percent Contained: 8%Resources Assigned: 695 resources Crews (16); Engines (53); Dozers (7); Air Resources (6); Other heavy equipment (24) Yesterday: Gusty winds prevented firefighters from continuing the firing operation on Bethel Ridge in the heat of the day, but Hotshot crews were able to continue lighting in the afternoon and through the evening hours to get from Malloy Road down to Bethel Ridge Road. Crews monitored the fire line in Gold Creek and helicopters were called in for several water drops to cool hot spots in the area. In general, fire behavior around the northern portion of the fire remains the same, rolling and back down steep slopes. Firefighters also continued structure protection efforts along Bumping River Road and indirect line construction around cabins and private property north of the fire perimeter.Today: Crews will spend the day holding and securing...

WALKER CREEK AND CHICKADEE CREEK FIRESDAILY FIRE UPDATE AUGUST 28, 2021NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM 12Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby Shindelar The Chickadee Creek Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Tonasket, Washington. The Walker Creek Fire is located approximately 13 miles east/northeast of Tonasket, Washington, surrounding Lake Bonaparte. The Incident Command Post at the Omak Stampede Grounds is closed to all but essential personnel to help ensure the health and safety of community members and firefighters. There will be a warming and drying trend over the weekend, with temperatures today ranging from 70 to 80 degrees. Operations - Fire crews and equipment are being shifted around both fires internally as assignments are completed to allow the most efficient use of resources: Chickadee Creek FireFire crews are continuing mop-up on the western fire perimeter. Firefighters completed additional dozer line on the northern fire edge yesterday and prepared...

 Twenty-Five Mile Fire Update August 28, 2021Size: 11,257 acresTotal Personnel: 516                                                               Containment: 31%Cause: Under investigationStructures Threatened: 772Structures Lost: 1Early yesterday morning crews enroute to the morning briefing noticed a grass fire adjacent to South Lakeshore Road near Twentyfive Mile Creek State Park where a tree had fallen on a power line. Local Fire department was dispatched and initial attack was carried out by wildland engines using powerline fire safety protocol. Suppression and mop up was transferred to Chelan County Fire Department resources upon their arrival. Smoke seen in Chelan and Manson was from interior pockets of fuel burning within the perimeter. Active fire behavior was observed to the west of Darby Draw with Scooper Aircraft dropping water to slow the westward spread. Dozers will be deployed to this area today....

 Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #4  Bull Complex Fire UpdateSaturday, 28 August 2021 Contact Fire Information:  971.277.5075 or 2021.Bull@firenet.gov https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7773/ #BullComplex https://www.facebook.com/mthoodnf or https://twitter.com/mthoodnf Fire activity picked up yesterday afternoon as temperatures warmed under the afternoon sun.  The Bull Complex grew approximately 350 acres; it continues to grow steadily around the fire perimeter.  Firefighters have successfully achieved some containment on the northern edge, where Elk Lake Creek meets the Collawash River.  They will continue taking fireline directly along the fire’s edge to both the west and the east, utilizing natural terrain features (such as ridges or meadows) to assist them in building containment lines. Firefighters are putting their main focus on the southern edge of the fire, where the fire is closest to communities.  Managers are in close coordination with Marion Country...

WESTFIR, Ore. – Warmer weather and low humidities will test fire lines and challenge firefighters this weekend.    For the past ten days, the fire has stayed on the ground and burned at relatively low intensities, according to Northwest Incident Management Team 13 Fire Behavior Analyst Dean Warner, but the change in weather will likely cause extreme fire behavior later today and tomorrow.     Lichen have become extremely dry and higher flame lengths could ignite them, carrying fire into the forest canopy. There is also potential for column development, torching and spotting across fire lines.     Line construction is progressing steadily around the Gales Fire footprint, especially along the western edge. Crews and heavy equipment are still building contingency and alternate lines around the northeast edge of the fire and laying hose in preparation for strategic ignitions. A total of five helicopters supported on-the-ground efforts Friday by...

 Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy FiresDaily UpdateAugust 28, 2021Winthrop, WA – The Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and public and private lands within Okanogan County.Fire Information Line: (509) 557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily)Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is 55,187 acres and 80% contained. On Friday, several small pockets of smoke were observed in the drainages along the north side of the fire, but there was no threat to any of the containment lines. Drainages and ridges will continue to be monitored by air. As mop up continues in the burned area, crews will be focused on removing any heat near structures utilizing an infrared camera to aid in this work. Hand lines that were put in to contain the fire near Early Winters Creek are being repaired, and excavators will work to repair dozer lines along other sections of the fire.Cub Creek 2 Fire: The Cub Creek 2 Fire is 70,186 acres and 70% contained. Smoke...

Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy FiresDaily UpdateAugust 28, 2021Winthrop, WA – The Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and public and private lands within Okanogan County. Fire Information Line: (509) 557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm daily) Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is 55,187 acres and 80% contained. On Friday, several small pockets of smoke were observed in the drainages along the north side of the fire, but there was no threat to any of the containment lines. Drainages and ridges will continue to be monitored by air. As mop up continues in the burned area, crews will be focused on removing any heat near structures utilizing an infrared camera to aid in this work. Hand lines that were put in to contain the fire near Early Winters Creek are being repaired, and excavators will work to repair dozer lines along other sections of the fire. Cub Creek 2 Fire: The Cub Creek 2 Fire is 70,186 acres and 70% contained. Smoke seen...

    Pacific Northwest RegionUmatilla National Forest72510 Coyote Rd.Pendleton, OR  97801 NEWS RELEASE Umatilla National Forest to Further Reduce Area Closure Contact: Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722 August 27, 2021 With continued reduced large fire activity across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Saturday, Aug. 28, reopening access to more lands on the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts. The modified closure prohibits access to Umatilla National Forest lands surrounding the Lick Creek and Green Ridge fires on the Pomeroy Ranger District and lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Public entry is prohibited within the areas identified in the closure, which includes lands, roads, trails and recreational facilities, as described below. Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires closure area boundaries include all lands east of: Forest Service Trail (FST) 3103, the western edge of the...

 Devil’s Knob Complex Update – August 28, 2021 Community Meeting Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at Tiller Volunteer Fire Department 27598 Tiller Trail Hwy, Tiller, OR  Email: 2021.DevilsKnob@Firenet.gov Information line: 541.900.6133 - 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Facebook: Facebook.com/2021DevilsKnobComplex  Total Acreage: 31,224 Complex Total Containment: 25%  Personnel assigned: 739  The Devil's Knob Complex is a group of lightning-caused fires on the Tiller Ranger District of the Umpqua National Forest and private lands protected by Douglas Forest Protective Association and the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians.   Smith Fire (16,158 acres): Firefighters continue working to expand control lines on all sides with air resources providing support where feasible and as weather allows. In Ash Valley, two engine task forces from Douglas and Linn counties through the Office of Oregon State Fire Marshall and resources from Douglas Forest Protective...

There will be a public meeting Sunday, August 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Tiller Volunteer Fire Department. Members of the Florida Red Team and partner agencies will be on hand to discuss the #DevilsKnobComplex and answer questions. The meeting will be recorded and posted to Facebook afterward but we cannot live stream it because of

National Forest System Lands North of Highway 410 are now open. FIRE CLOSURE AREA DESCRIPTION: Beginning at the point where Highway 12 intersects the OWNF boundary on the east section line of T14R15S13, the closure boundary proceeds along the OWNF boundary in a northerly direction until it intersects Highway 410. The closure boundary follows Highway 410 north and then west until it intersects the most northeast corner of the William O. Douglas Wilderness boundary at T17NR13ES11. The closure boundary crosses the east section line of T17NR13ES11 and then turns southwesternly to follow the wilderness boundary until it intersects with the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The closure boundary continues south on the PCT until the OWNF boundary and the PCT diverge at T12R11S16. At points where the PCT crosses into the Gifford Pinchot National Forest (GPNF) to the west the closure boundary remains aligned with the OWNF boundary. This closure does not include the GPNF. The closure boundary...

The evacuation levels have been lowered on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the Garfield County Sheriff's Office have lowered all level 2 evacuation notices to a level

The evacuation levels have been lowered on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires.The Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the Garfield County Sheriff's Office have lowered all level 2 evacuation notices to a level 1.

Umatilla National Forest to further reduce area closure PENDLETON, Ore. (August 27, 2021) — With continued reduced large fire activity across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Saturday, Aug. 28, reopening access to more lands on the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts. The modified closure prohibits access to Umatilla National Forest lands surrounding the Lick Creek and Green Ridge fires on the Pomeroy Ranger District and lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Public entry is prohibited within the areas identified in the closure, which includes lands, roads, trails and recreational facilities, as described below. Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires closure area boundaries include all lands east of: Forest Service Trail (FST) 3103, the western edge of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness boundary near Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 and east of FSR 4713; lands south of FSR 4022 to the junction of FSR...

Umatilla National Forest to further reduce area closurePENDLETON, Ore. (August 27, 2021) — With continued reduced large fire activity across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Saturday, Aug. 28, reopening access to more lands on the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts.The modified closure prohibits access to Umatilla National Forest lands surrounding the Lick Creek and Green Ridge fires on the Pomeroy Ranger District and lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District. Public entry is prohibited within the areas identified in the closure, which includes lands, roads, trails and recreational facilities, as described below. Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires closure area boundaries include all lands east of: Forest Service Trail (FST) 3103, the western edge of the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness boundary near Forest Service Road (FSR) 46 and east of FSR 4713; lands south of FSR 4022 to the junction of FSR 42;...

WALKER CREEK AND CHICKADEE CREEK FIRES  DAILY FIRE UPDATE AUGUST 27, 2021Northwest Incident Management Team 12Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby ShindelarThe Chickadee Creek Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Tonasket, Washington. The Walker Creek Fire is located approximately 13 miles east/northeast of Tonasket, Washington, surrounding Lake Bonaparte. The Incident Command Post is being established at the Omak Stampede Grounds and is closed to all but essential personnel to help ensure the health and safety of community members and firefighters. Both fires received limited precipitation last night, and temperatures will be 60 to 70 degrees today.Operations: Walker Creek FireFire Size: 23,412 AcresContainment: 20%Cause: UndeterminedResources: 599 personnel12 crews, 48 engines,  47 heavy equipment, 16 water tenders, 3 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, Air Attack Chickadee Creek FireFire Size: 5,199 AcresContainment: 15%Cause:...

WALKER CREEK AND CHICKADEE CREEK FIRES  DAILY FIRE UPDATE AUGUST 27, 2021Northwest Incident Management Team 12Incident Commanders: Jeff Dimke and Bobby ShindelarThe Chickadee Creek Fire is located approximately 15 miles west of Tonasket, Washington. The Walker Creek Fire is located approximately 13 miles east/northeast of Tonasket, Washington, surrounding Lake Bonaparte. The Incident Command Post is being established at the Omak Stampede Grounds and is closed to all but essential personnel to help ensure the health and safety of community members and firefighters. Both fires received limited precipitation last night, and temperatures will be 60 to 70 degrees today.Operations: Walker Creek FireFire Size: 23,412 AcresContainment: 20%Cause: UndeterminedResources: 599 personnel12 crews, 48 engines,  47 heavy equipment, 16 water tenders, 3 Type 1 Helicopters, 1 Type 2 Helicopter, 1 Type 3 Helicopter, Air Attack Chickadee Creek FireFire Size: 5,199 AcresContainment: 15%Cause:...

Inchelium, WA – Cloudy weather helped to moderate fire behavior yesterday, but pockets of unburned fuel exposed to wind and sun are becoming receptive to burning. Firefighters will use helicopters where necessary to drop water to slow the fire and keep it within containment lines. Yesterday firefighters successfully joined several sections of completed fire line and conducted small-scale burning operations to remove unburned fuels near fire lines on the northern and northeastern flanks. Firefighters continued to mop-up and patrol on the southeast, south and southwestern flanks, and to retrieve firefighting equipment from the Twin Lakes area. Crews will continue to work on direct and indirect fire line on the north flank of the fire. A national guard crew is working on gridding and mop up operations from the completed line that is on the northeast flank of the fire. A cold front passed over the area last night that brough slightly cooler and windier weather. Firefighters will...

Kettle Falls, WA – Yesterday on the Bulldog Mountain fire, chipping of fuels along the northeast edge continued. Firefighters patrolled and took actions to hold the remainder of the fire within containment lines. Work will continue today to chip woody material and remove dangerous snags along the South Boulder Road. Firefighters expect to complete chipping along the 800 Road on the east side of the Mack fire in the next two days. This work will prepare the road as a fire line in the event that the fire moves out of its current footprint. Cloudy weather helped to moderate fire behavior yesterday. Today, slightly cooler and windier weather is expected as a cold front passed over the area last night. Even with these conditions, smoke may be visible as the fire continues to back down to the South Boulder Creek road. Citizens should remain vigilant and are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts at  Ferry County Alerts.  Motorists traveling on Boulder Hwy and SR395 should watch for...

Kettle Falls, WA – Yesterday on the Bulldog Mountain fire, chipping of fuels along the northeast edge continued. Firefighters patrolled and took actions to hold the remainder of the fire within containment lines. Work will continue today to chip woody material and remove dangerous snags along the South Boulder Road. Firefighters expect to complete chipping along the 800 Road on the east side of the Mack fire in the next two days. This work will prepare the road as a fire line in the event that the fire moves out of its current footprint. Cloudy weather helped to moderate fire behavior yesterday. Today, slightly cooler and windier weather is expected as a cold front passed over the area last night. Even with these conditions, smoke may be visible as the fire continues to back down to the South Boulder Creek road. Citizens should remain vigilant and are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts at  Ferry County Alerts.  Motorists traveling on Boulder Hwy and SR395 should watch for...