ugust 3, 2013 – 9:00 AM

WEBSITE: Inciweb.org/incident/3557 INFO CENTER: (509) 773-7136 or 7059

EMAIL: MileMarker28Fire@gmail.com

ACRES

CONTAINMENT

TOTAL PERSONNEL

27,102

82%

1,064

The Mile Marker 28 Fire is located 15 miles northeast of Goldendale, Washington along Highway 97. The fuels on this fire include grasslands, shrub brush, timber, and timber litter. Minor acreage changes are common as more precise information is gathered.

FIRE SITUATION: Yesterday, fire crews spent the day continuing mop-up operations, extinguishing and removing burning material 150-200 feet from the fire perimeter. Some burnout took place on the furthest northwest edge of the fire. Firefighters also focused on the west side outside the fire boundary where a small fire occurred from a lightning strike. A fireline was completed around the 10×10 foot area, cooling down and extinguishing any possible fire. Some islands of unburned fuel remain within the fire perimeter and fire officials have indicated that smoke will likely continue to be present over the summer months.

Fire behavior is expected to be moderate today. Approximately 20 acres are scheduled for burnout on the northwest corner of the fire. Smoke may be visible to the public. Crews will also be working on infrared sweeps using handheld devices while walking the perimeter of the fire identifying hot spots and directing mop-up crews to extinguish those areas. Resource advisors continue to work extensively with fire operations personnel as the mosaic pattern that burned through much of the Mile Marker 28 Fire is being evaluated in preparation for rehabilitation efforts. Rehabilitation of the burn area is designed to protect human life and safety, and reduce flood severity, soil erosion and prevent the establishment of non-native plants.

Although much of the fire danger has passed, many areas of concern to the public remain. Fire officials recommend anyone driving through US Highway 97 only stop if you are experiencing an emergency situation. Some members of the public have been observed walking through the recent burn area and many hidden dangers remain. Rolling debris, dangerous and unstable trees, and underground burning stumps continue to create hazards for anyone in the burn area.

US Highway 97 is now open and due to safety concerns, the speed limit has been reduced to 40 mph. Motorists are cautioned to drive carefully as fire suppression vehicles continue to work on the Mile Marker 28 Fire. For additional information call the WSDOT closure hotline: (509) 577-1617.

Regard for human safety and management of risks guides all fire management decisions and actions on the Mile Marker 28 Fire. Only minor injuries related to the heat have occurred at this time. The Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 would like to thank the public for their support during the fire situation.

A Burn Ban is in effect on all Department of Natural Resources administered lands. No campfires are permitted on state protected lands, even in developed campgrounds: www.dnr.wa.gov . Most wildfires are caused by people. Fire officials urge the public to be cautious during the summer season and help us prevent wildfires.

EVACUATIONS: (Information from the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office). Level 2 (Precautionary)emergency notices on the east end of the county have been reduced to a Level 1 (Advisory). All other areas remain at Level 1. The Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office urges the public to be cautious and aware of emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, supporting vehicles and personnel which will remain in the area.

SHELTER: The Red Cross Shelter located at Fathers House Fellowship has been closed. For information please call the National Red Cross at 888-610-1455.

RESOURCES: 33 Crews, 4 Helicopters, 75 Engines, 7 Dozers, 23 Water Tenders, 234 Overhead, 4 Camp Crew = Total Personnel 1,064.

Source:  inciweb

 

2013 The NW Fire Blog