SIT REP 2: August 19, 2023, Saturday, 1145 hours PT

We are tracking 11 northwest wildfires today, which include this one along with others (will be in separate posts): Gray Fire, Dome Fire, Lookout Fire, Bedrock Fire, Flat Fire, Winona Fire, Wiley Fire, Sourdough Fire, Salmon Fire, and the Blue Lake Fire.

Three wildfires Gray Fire, Winona Fire, and Oregon Road Fire all started on the same day with two of them being in the same Washington State county.

OREGON ROAD FIRE aka OREGON FIRE

The OREGON FIRE ignited from an unknown source on Friday, August 18, 2023, which is currently under investigation. Note: This is not in the State of Oregon as some have predicted.

It is located on E. Oregon Road and E. F Street, near Elk (Spokane), Washington State, where another wildfire is burning, GRAY FIRE is also located in the same County. The Incident #WANES-1979.

The wildfire has destroyed over 3,000 acres and taken along with it 30 structures. The fire continues to be active, even at night, and is said to be threatening 150 or more structures.

LEVEL 3: Spokane County has declined a State of Emergency at noon for the Gray Fire but we have reached out to the County to see if there are any new updates for this incident as well. (at 1140PT)

  • North to Milan Elk
  • South to Chattaroy
  • West to Newport Hwy
  • East to Elk Chattaroy

Photo Credit (R): Spokane County Emergency Communications

Incident Cooperators include:

Spokane Valley Fire Department: The SVFD has members who are staffing on OT their fire stations, as well as working on both the Gray Fire and the Oregon Road Fire.

Spokane County Emergency Management Agency: Providing updates, coordinating resources and logistics.

Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR): Firefighters and resources currently engaging in multiple wildfires including this wildfire.

Resources for Evacuees

Facebook Page: Gray and Oregon Fire Relief Community Help. This page is offering various assistance to evacuees and fire victims who have lost homes, vehicles, have needs, etc. (DISCLAIMER: We have not vetted this Facebook page, so please checked before offering to someone or taking assistance for your own personal safety).

Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU)

We are aware of folks needing assistance right away but we put this on the list because others can tap into it in the future as a viable resource.

This is a great Credit Union that normally caters to Washington State employees but they are an amazing Community partner, especially when disaster strikes in their service areas.

Sources: Spokane Co Emergency Management Agency, NIFC, GACC, Inciweb, Spokane County Fire Agencies, and WADNR.

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