SIT REP 7: MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 2023, 0900 HOURS PDT

SCFD8’s Brush 85 battling fire during night ops on August 19, 2023.

Photo Credit: SCFD 8 Firefighters Local 3711

Level 1 and 2 Evacuations are in effect: https://www.facebook.com/GEGEmergencyMgt

(Source(s): Spokane County Emergency Management)

INCIDENT SUMMARY

(Sources: Inciweb, NIFC)

The GRAY FIRE broke out on August 18, 2023, at 1227 hours, and due to the dry, low humidity, and windy conditions, it soon became not just your run-of-the-mill wildfire but more or less, a firestorm burning everything in its path.

Photo Credit: Puget Sound Firefighters

The fire is located in Medical Lake and it has burned about 10,014 acres. Through difficult and long grueling hours, fire crews are starting to make an impact on the firestorm currently reaching a 10% containment status.

Fire Command transitioned to Northwest Team 7 at 0600 hours this morning.

FIRE OPERATIONS

Medical Lake, Silver Lake, and Four Lakes areas:

The areas have been impacted by moderate fire behavior but crews have been working by creating containment lines, mitigating heavy fire fuels around structures along the line. Avista is working on downed power lines and replacing power poles in the area to restore utilities once again.

I-90:

USFS Falling Modules arrived last night and will evaluate and remove fire-weakened trees and ones that have fallen onto the roadway. They will work on hot spots within the fire perimeter.

South of I-90:

Fire crews worked throughout the night to build dozer and handlines around the fire’s edge. The fire was secured and the line held overnight. They will work today to strengthen the line and work to hold it throughout the day.

Clear Lake and Blue Heron areas:

Active fire was reported last night and crews were tasked with structure protection and building a dozer and handline.

TRAFFIC UPDATES

(Source(s): WSDOT East)

SR 231: Southbound lanes have been reopened to normal traffic. Detours have been removed. (0616 -WSDOT East)

SR 902: CLOSED.

SR 904: Open lanes have been reopened around the Gray Fire. (0616 WSDOT East)

I-90: CLOSED between MP 257 (Tyler) and MP 270 (Four Lakes)

WASHINGTON STATE COUNCIL OF FIRE FIGHTERS

(Statement released on August 19, 2023)

WSCFF Statement on Statewide Wildfire Situation

The leadership of the Washington State Council of Fire Fighters continues to monitor the fast-evolving situation that is occurring in Spokane County for our affiliated members battling the Gray Fire and the Oregon Rd Fire.

Our hearts and love go out to all the affected people, property owners, and businesses who have lost or are currently evacuated due to the continuing threats. The current and predicted ongoing weather including low relative humidity, increased winds, and above-normal temperatures have created additional hazards for citizens and firefighters who are overworked, lacking enough firefighters, and continue to work to protect life and property despite reports of many of those same firefighters losing their own homes. Firefighters are currently in or moving into the area from across the state to provide assistance and get into the fight.

As reported by the US National Weather Service, conditions are still ripe for numerous areas of our state to have high possibilities of fast-growing, destructive fires. We ask that the public please continue to respect the safety precautions as delivered by their local fire response agency. Consider signing up for your local County/City Emergency Alerts, and as always, make plans for evacuations before you are asked.

The WSCFF will continue to work with and provide assistance to our communities where necessary.

HOW TO HELP

(Sources: SCEMA)

American Red Cross:

AFSCME Council 28 WFSE:

WFSE members have had a harrowing 24 hrs escaping #GrayFire. We are overjoyed to share that all staff, residents and patients are safe & accounted for. But members have lost homes. Seek assistance or donate here: https://www.wfse.org/…/spokane-county-fires-resources…

SOURCES

Inciweb, NIFC, GACC, Spokane County Emergency Management, WSDOT East, Puget Sound Firefighters/Kent Firefighters.

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Unfortunately, it looks like around 80% of homes did not make it. All homes directly on the lake on the west side including ours are fine but up above them, there were several that are gone. All of the Strathview neighborhood survived. Second hand report that 3 alleged looters were in our neighborhood today and escorted out of the evac zone by police so I will be staying the night here despite still being in level 3 evacuations. – Medical Lake Community Posts/Resident Facebook post. (8/20/2023 1646)

“A heartfelt thanks to Jack Fallis and Global Credit Union, who IMMEDIATELY donated $5,000 to the Fairchild Food Pantry and Airmens Attic to support our families in need.” – Operation Warmheart

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog