WALLA WALLA COUNTY, WASHINGTON

INCIDENT SUMMARY

A 4th alarm wildfire was reported as occurring at a local orchard and would soon turn into a fast-moving fire heading toward Nine Mile Canyon.

Lots of fire resources on this incident from Yakima, Benton, Walla Walla Counties, and a WA State mobe approved by the State FMO. Aircraft from Yakima, Moses Lake, and other parts of the state were quickly moved into position dropping retardant over the fire, while dozers and ground resources worked extensively to stop the fire.

EVACUATIONS IN EFFECT:

~ Level 1 – Touchet North Road

~ Level 2 – Dodd Road starting at where the paved road ends and the gravel road begins (headed East from the end of the crop circles)

~ Level 2 Remains for Cameo Heights Mansion on Oasis Road

COMMAND

Command: Chief 351, Chief 392, Safety

Divisions: Uniform, Zulu, Mike.

Groups: Safety.

RESOURCES

Resources: WT3621, E3654, E3041, E3951, Chief 351, Chief 392, AA, Super Scoopers, Fish & Wildlife, Pasco, Benton County, Walla Walla Co, Type 4 and Type 6’s, as well as several aircraft, H319, Strike Team of Engines.

Aircraft/Air Operations: 2 Rotors, AA, Heavy ATs.

State Mobe: The State FMO-approved mobe. A quick sit rep indicated the fire is at 1500+ acres with a 0% containment. Field staff will report to the fire and the ESF-4 staff will be remote. The fire is near Touchet. – Approved (1851)

CLOSED: AIRSPACE

A TFR is now in effect. Definition: Temporary Flight Restriction.

CLOSED: ROADWAYS

Closed: Hwy 12 @ 9 Mile Canyon Rd.

FIRE TIMELINE

Here is a timeline of the fire so far:

1708: An orchard is on fire in Oasis (Walla Walla County), WA. Multiple mutual aid units are on the scene and/or responding. During scanner feed listening to, PD side walking on FD side. Unsure who is all there. Also limited PD/FD PIO coverage. We have it, as well as local news media.

1722: WA DNR ground and air resources are starting to arrive. Div Uniform has been established. ICP on Oasis Road. Engines 3342, 3343, 3352, and 3743 heard so far. Units are chasing fire. There’s a mention of Benton County.

1730: Benton County Fire 11-52 and 12-01; part of a Strike Team ready to be assigned to another Division.

1739: Fire jumped the Dozer line, heading towards Nine Mile. Nine Mile can see the fire. Trying to get more resources.

1751: Air tankers are held at the Moses Lake Tanker Base. Command to contact for possible assistance.

1756: AA, 2 super scoopers, 2 fire bosses, and 2 WA DNR air-to-ground are on order. Fire pushing hard north and east of Chief 392’s location. The objective is to keep the fire from moving further east.

1802: AA wants to have bigger tankers in the area to get this fire stopped. It’s fast-moving and burning in sage.

1807: Strike Team and Chief 342 repositioning.

1811: AA has approval by Command for whatever aircraft is at his discretion. Structure protection of orchards in place. Chief 342 and his strike team of engines are available to be deployed. May be going into Div Uniform

1813: R Flank-copters. S Flank-0 structures but talk of the fire pushing towards 9 Mile Canyon Rd and structures near Ash Hollow Rd. Fire has not pushed past 9 Mile Canyon Rd. A strike team of engines area on Hwy 12 @ 9 Mile Canyon Rd (bottom of) the road and will tie in with Pasco fire crews. Fire has NOT 9 Mile Canyon Rd yet.

1822: Fire requested barricades on Hwy 12 @ 9 Mile Canyon Road to keep traffic out of the area. AVOID THE AREA.

18:26: A TFR is now in effect. Definition: Temporary Flight Restriction.

1829: State Mobe approved by the State Fire Marshal’s Office: 1500+ acres. Field staff will report to the fire and the ESF-4 staff will be working remotely. States the fire is near Touchet.

1929: The fire is still burning but aircraft have made a big difference in knocking it done.

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