WILDFIRES

There has been quite a bit of wildfire activity since we last checked the happenings a few weeks back. This is a look into a partial list of wildfire activity that has occurred in the State of Washington for the Month of April 2023.

Are you prepared if a wildfire was to impact your community? Here is what our friends with the NFRPA want you to know.

Photo Credit: NFPA

APRIL 29, 2023 – SATURDAY

BLUE FIELD FIRE

The Blue Field Fire is located in Eslick Canyon in Stevens County and this is an open and active incident.  At this time fire crews have the fire lined and report they have stopped the forward progression.  All resources will be returned back to service on Sunday, April 30th.  They were originally dispatched at 1726 hours PDT.  Incident #: NES-1153.  Dispatch Center:  WA – NES.

FAIRCHILD FIRE

Firefighters and resources were dispatched today at 1429 hours PDT to South Fairchild Street in Spokane County, where a grass fire was said to be burning.  They were able to quickly egress and get the fire contained at 1555 hours and under control at 1610 hours.  Incident #: NES-1155.  Dispatch Center:  WA – NEC.

LUPINE HILL FIRE

An active wildfire is burning in the area of Lupine Hill Road in Ferry County, where already 3.4 acres have been reported as destroyed.  Fire resources were dispatched early evening (1708) which include NC61, NC7301, and NC7304. Fire fuels include timber understory.  Incident #:  NES-1158 ANX.  Dispatch Center:  WA – NEC.

APRIL 28, 2023 – FRIDAY

CAMAS CREEK FIRE

Firefighters were dispatched on a State level to the area in Camas Creek in Chelan County at 1443 hours to a wildfire.  Fire crews on the scene for less than two brought the fire under control and contained at 1613 hours.  Fire fuels included: brush and slash.  Incident:  SES-78 221-CED.  Dispatch Center:  WA – CWC.

DABOB RD FIRE

A fire ignited in the area of Tarboo Lake Rd, where the grass was reportedly burning. Resources were dispatched at 1138 hours and were able to contain it at 1246 hours and later brought under control at 1323.  It was put into Patrol Status.  Incident #: OLS-7 221-DBD.  Dispatch Center:  WA-OLS.

PROUTY FIRE

Firefighters were dispatched to a wildfire off of Prouty Corner Road in Stevens County. It was estimated at 3.5 acres.

WATERSHED FIRE

Resources were dispatched to the 36900 block of SE Green River Headworks Rd in Ravensdale.  Crews successfully and quickly stopped the forward progression of the fire and kept it to less than one year. Fire fuels included grass and understory. It was contained and controlled at 1235 hours and listed in Patrol status. Incident #: SPS-18 FFE. Dispatch Center:  WA – SPS.

APRIL 27, 2023 – THURSDAY

BEAR MOUNTAIN FIRE

Less than one acre was burned when another wildfire ignited in the county of Chelan where multiple wildfires have occurred. This one was located in the area of Navarre Coulee, where grass and brush were notably on fire.  It was contained and controlled at 1440 hours.  Incident #: SES-73 221-CEA.  Dispatch Center:  WA – CWC.

MERRY CANYON FIRE

About one acre was destroyed, when a wildfire broke out in Merry Canyon, off of the Chumstick Hwy, south of Plain in Chelan County on April 27, 2023. State firefighters were dispatched at 1734 hours to assist local fire agencies.  Fire fuels included shrubs, grass and timber. It was contained and brought under control at 1954 hours. Incident #: SES-75 221-CEC. Dispatch Center:  WA – CWC.

TORNQUIST RD FIRE

Firefighters and resources were dispatched at 1508 PDT to the 170 block of Tornquist Road in McCleary.  Less than one acre of grass and shrubs were consumed.  It was quickly contained and brought under control at 1535 hours.  It was last in patrol status.  Incident #: SPS-17 FFD.  Dispatch Center:  WA – SPS.

APRIL 26, 2023 – WEDNESDAY

WHITE SALMON RIVER FIRE

In Klickitat County, in the area of Phelps Creek, a wildfire prompted the dispatch of fire personnel and equipment to respond at 1303 hours.  About 1.5 acres of grass, brush and timber were burned.  It was brought under control and contained at 1813 hours PT.  Incident #: SES-72 PN P7D5.  Dispatch Center:  WA – CWC.

APRIL 21, 2023 – FRIDAY

TULL ROAD FIRE

Earlier in the morning at 0818 hours, a wildfire was reported as burning in the area of the 4300 block of Tull Road.  Less than one acre was burned. The fire was quickly addressed and placed in Patrol Status.  Incident #: NWS-8 221-HEF

APRIL 19, 2023 – WEDNESDAY

There are no wildfires we are reporting on this day, but there was some activity for those who watch for wildfire activity and report it. On April 19th, it was discovered by those in attendance for a meeting at the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center, someone had kicked open an access gate and attempted to make it up the catwalk trap door to the top of the tower, but failed.

Photo Credit: Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center

This is the second time the center has been hit by criminals.

On April 10th, it was discovered that someone, possibly a homeless person from the way the interior of the tower looked to Officials after it was determined that they broke the padlock off of the catwalk trapdoor. Some equipment was reported missing. This is located in Entiat.

If you see anything suspicious, you are asked to call the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office business line at 509-663-9911 and/or Dave at 509-670-4875, and/or Nancy at 541-912-9739.

APRIL 4, 2023 – TUESDAY

LITTLE RIVER PIT FIRE

A wildfire ignited and caught trash on fire.  Fire resources were dispatched at 1600 hours to the area, they quickly contained the fire at 1640 hours and brought it under control at 1700 hours.  It was finally put out at 1702 hours PDT.  Less than one acre was burned.  Incident #: OLS=5 221-DBC.  Dispatch Center: WA – OLS.

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