Kittitas County Emergency Response Information
Taylor Bridge Wildfire 13 August 2012
The Board of County Commissioners approved Resolution 2012-099 – Declaration of Emergency, August 13, 2012, due to a wildfire in Kittitas County.
11:40pm, 08/13/12 – UPDATE
Priorities:
- Provide Human Services effective to the fire
- Establish reporting system for those with loss to the fire
- Physically inspect the remote areas to assist anyone who has been cut off from the fire (stranded)
- Support the fire investigation
- Support the domestic animal and livestock rescue services
For information on what to do after the fire please see the Kittitas County Fire Marshal’s brochure after the fire is out
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Public Service Announcement – Taylor Bridge Wildfire
Cle Elum/Thorp, WA
| Acres | Containment | Total Personnel |
|---|---|---|
| 28,007 | 10% | 800 aprox. |
2:40 pm, 08/16/12 – Update
Reports from the Sunlight Water’s Water District, the water systems are currently down and there is no fresh water available. Crews are currently working on the system and will keep the public updated.
Along the east portion of the fire: Cricklewood Lane (off of SR97), Ellensburg Ranches Road (off of SR97), Hayward Road (off of SR10 and Ellensburg Ranches Road). SR10 is accessible to residents from Hayward Road east to the SR97 junction.
Attached is an Evacuation Notification summary 64 KB describing the differences in Levels of Evacuation.
An updated list of donation information 22 KB is also attached.
Monetary Donations can be sent to our local American Red Cross:
American Red Cross
312 North Pearl St.
Ellensburg, WA 98926
Contact: 509-925-5866
7:21 pm, 08/15/12 – Update
Fire mapping information including confirmed evacuation areas may be found on our targeted web application hosted by ArcGIS.
Information provided by Kittitas County Information Technology.
7:00 pm, 08/15/12 – Update
The following information is regarding donations for animals at the fairgrounds/ event center.
Donations for the assistance of animals at the Kittitas County Fair/Event Center may be made at:
| Where | To | Notation for | Drop Sites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashmere Valley Bank | Friends of the Kittitas County Fair | Taylor Bridge Fire Animals |
|
Checks are preferable.
Attached is a Taylor Bridge Fire Response: Puget Sound Energy Safety Information 67 KB
5:50 pm, 08/15/12 – Update
EOC Incident Commander advised a Level 3 Evacuation located in the Lauderdale Junction area; Burke rd, Ranch rd, Mountain Creek, and Fir Tree. There is a heavy smoke advisory.
3:00 pm, 08/15/12 – Update
Just to clarify to those that are concerned, the fairgrounds are not full. They are still accepting livestock.
The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office is meeting with the Fire Management Team at 1700 this evening to discuss the status of current closure and evacuation sites. Results of the discussion will be presented at 1900 at the town hall meeting at Central Washington University.
1:00 pm, 08/15/12 – Update
As of 1300, residents in the Wilson Creek, Alford Road, Look Road, Rustic Acres, and east of that area are allowed to return to their homes. Evaluation of the wild fire is ongoing. Will be revisiting other areas and will have more information on other closures being opened after 1700.
7:00 pm, 08/14/12 – Update
Two community meetings have been planned for Wednesday, August 15:
| Time | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 PM | Cle Elum/Roslyn High School Gynasium 2692 SR 903 Cle Elum, WA 98922 |
|
| 7:00 PM | Central Washington University Student Union Recreation Room 400 E University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926 |
11:15am, 08/14/12 – Update
If you have been affected by the Taylor Bridge Fire and need assistance, please call 211. 211 is a resource network funded by the United Way and is ready to help.
5:20am, 08/14/12 – Update
Fire at 27,000 acres
4:20am, 08/14/12 – Update
Fire has jumped across Reecer Creek; 1/2 way to Smithson Road and Pheasant Lane. Law Enforcement evacuating Pheasant Lane.
2:00am, 08/14/12 – Update
26, 500 Acres and 41 square miles
60 plus structures are lost
No reported injures
1:56am, 08/14/12 – Update
Cpl. Nale requested to evacuate the area of Faust Road and HWY 97.
1:50am, 08/14/12 – Update
Evacuating at this time in the Sunlight Waters has HEAVY smoke and fire is coming up the backside of the hill.
12:07am, 08/14/12 – UPDATE
16,000 ACRES
26 SQUARES MILE
60 HOMES, effecting and impacting Clarke Flats now to Hwy 97
10:40pm, 08/13/12 – Update – EOC contact phone number
509-933-8305 for citizens to call with evacuation questions
7:45pm, 08/13/12 – Update – Safety PSA
- Citizens are strongly encouraged to adhere to evacuation protocols as they are explained to them.
- Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildfire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Make sure all residents residing within the home are on the same page, and know planned escape routes.
- Get your family and home prepared at the onset of fire in your area. Gather family and pets and have them prepared to evacuate. Pack your vehicle with your emergency items including medication and personal identification. Stay aware of the latest news from local media and your local fire department for updated information on the fire. Be prepared to evacuate your home if called to do so.
- Do not linger once evacuation orders have been given. Leave early and stay away until your area has been cleared for return by local officials. Promptly leaving your home and neighborhood clears roads for firefighters to get equipment in place to best maneuver the wildfire and ensures you and your family’s safety
7pm, 08/13/12 – Update
Ellensburg Evacuation Shelter – Central WA University – Munson Dorms, check in at Conference Center, C9 Parking lot, on University Way, across from Sue Lombard.
August 13, 2012 – Public Service Announcement
At 1319 hours, a brush fire was started at MP 90 on SR10, at Taylor Road and Hart Road, between Cle Elum and Thorp. Fire units on are scene and attempting to contain the fire. At this time, the fire is approximately 100-150 acres and the area is under evacuation. The public is advised to avoid SR10 from the SR10-SR970 junction near Cle Elum; Taylor Road; Hart Road; Emerick Road; and SR10 southeast of MP 94, as the fire is spreading southeast. Residents downwind of the fire should expect smoky conditions and poor air quality.
At 1530 hours, the Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency. The fire has been declared a State Mobilization fire. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at the Sheriff’s Office.
As of 1615 hours, the EOC has ordered evacuations for the following areas: Bettas Valley, Swauk Valley, Teanaway, and homes on the westside of SR97 between SR97 and Swauk. An emergency shelter has been opened at the Cle Elum Centennial Senior Center, 719 East Third Street, Cle Elum, 509-674-7530. An emergency animal shelter has been set up at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.
Update as of 1700 — Sheriff’s Office has advised of a Stage 3 evacuation – Current conditions present specific and immediate threat(s) to the life and safety of persons within this area. People in the affected areas are advised to evacuate immediately. Air assets are available to evacuate persons who are unable to leave via roads.
The fire has now jumped SR97 just below Elk Horn Road, headed east towards Green Canyon and Reecer Creek. Residents in the Sun East area should consider evacuating immediately.
Public Service Announcement in PDF file format.
Press Release – Taylor Bridge Wildfire
Cle Elum/Thorp, WA
10:15pm, 08/13/12 – Update
Fire still 0% contained
Fire perimeter at this time:
North side – SR97
East – Lower Green Canyon area
West – Taylor Road area
South – Yakima River
Estimate 25 structures lost
Fire size in excess of 10,000 acres
No injuries reported
A few citizens have utilized emergency shelters
54 horses were evacuated to the Kittitas County Fairgrounds
Horizon Wind Farm has shut down operations for safety purposes
6:26pm, 08/13/12 Press Release
At 1319 hours, a brush fire started at MP 90 on SR10, at Taylor Road and Hart Road, between Cle Elum and Thorp. Fire units are on scene and attempting to contain the fire, which is spreading rapidly east and the area is under evacuation. The first is estimated to be 2800 acres as of 1745 hours.
As of 1700, Sheriff’s Office has advised of a Stage 3 evacuation – Current conditions present specific and immediate threat(s) to the life and safety of persons within this area. People in the affected areas are advised to evacuate immediately. Air assets are available to evacuate persons who are unable to leave via roads.
As of 1700 hours, the fire jumped SR97 just below Elk Horn Road, headed east towards Green Canyon and Reecer Creek. The Emergency Operations Center has ordered evacuations for the following areas: Bettas Valley, Swauk Valley, Teanaway, and homes on the westside of SR97 between SR97 and Swauk, SunEast, Upper Reecer Creek, Green Canyon, areas northeast of Ellensburg (specifically homes with no green/defendable space around them).
Fire has been reported to be 1/2 mile to 1/4 mile wide and has jumped Reecer Creek Road, above Smithson Road.
An emergency shelter has been opened at the Cle Elum Centennial Senior Center, 719 East Third Street, Cle Elum, 509-674-7530. An emergency animal shelter has been set up at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds.
Residents downwind of the fire should expect smoky conditions and poor air quality.
At 1530 hours, the Board of County Commissioners declared a State of Emergency. The fire has been declared a State Mobilization fire. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has been activated at the Sheriff’s Office.
SR97 is closed from Smithson Road to SR970; SR97 closed at SR10, local traffic only. SR970 is currently open.
In response to the State Mobilization request, Type 2 Incident Management team will be on site at 0600 Tuesday to assume control of the fire.
Updates will follow as available; EOC command requests media to not call KITTCOM for updates, as the Dispatch Center is inundated with phone calls.
Report Damages to Primary Residences and Businesses Caused by the Taylor Bridge Wildfire
Home and business owners who have incurred damages from the Taylor Bridge Wildfire are encouraged to file a report with the Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) immediately. This data will be used in determining if damages are significant enough to warrant a request for federal disaster assistance and various other forms of assistance.
For more information, please contact the EOC at 509-933-8305.
Source(s): Kittitas County Government; Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center.
URL: http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/response/20120813-fire/default.asp#PR<!–The reporting forms will be available shortly. Please check back later today.
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