August 23, 2023, Wednesday

Photo Credit: NW Coordination Center

COMMUNITY MEETING!

8/24/2023, 1000 HOURS-RIVERSIDE H.S., MPR, 4120 E. DEER PARK MILAN RD, CHATTAROY, WA 99003

The Oregon Road Fire started on August 18, 2023, the same that the Gray Fire broke out becoming some of Spokane County’s biggest firestorms and the most destructive the area has seen in many years.

Photo (below) SE Thurston Fire Authority

It is located near Elk, Washington.

The fire has burned about 11,036 acres of timber with a 0% containment status.

It is still considered an out-of-control firestorm, which caused the following structural impacts:

  • 92 homes and 80 other types of structures were destroyed.
  • 12 homes and 15 other structures were damaged.
  • 1000 single homes and 1000 minor structures are currently being threatened.

Evacuations Info: https://arcg.is/1z98v10

Fire behavior has been reduced to a minimal with creeping and smoldering. Rain did fall over the fireline on Tuesday, August 22, 2023.

(L) Photo Credit: WA DNR (taken on August 18th when the fire was only at 100 acres at 1824 hours PDT

There is a total of 876 personnel along with 43 engines, 9, bulldozers, 38 water tenders, 29 crews, and six copters.

“The strategy continues to be full suppression with direct attack efforts where possible and
24-hour staffing. Firefighting resources are still expected to arrive throughout the day as they are released from other incidents in the area. Activities in the previous 24 hours included structure protection, line construction, and direct suppression utilizing engines, hand crews, bulldozers, helicopters, and airplanes.” – Fire Officials

One hundred sixty structures have been lost and there is a total cost-to-date that has been reached at a minimum amount of $2.6 Million Dollars.

Through the Eyes of Social Media

(L) Photo Credit

“Very, very thankful that my sweet daughter-in-law’s family is safe. These pics are from the #OregonRoadFire that destroyed their garage and shop. Thankfully, NOT, their home. Her sister and nephew have been evacuated from the #GrayFire. One family hit by two devastating fires!” – Mayor Nadine Woodward.

“As you may be aware, the Oregon Road Fire has prompted Level 3 evacuations of the areas surrounding Mt. Spokane State Park. This includes Mt Spokane Park Drive and Highway 206 leading to the hill. Mount Spokane State Park is closed. Please do not attempt to drive up to the State Park at this time. Doing so can put you and public safety workers in danger. For more information see our stories.” – MT. Spokane Ski Patrol.

“Last Friday we approved two Fire Management Assistance Grants (FMAG) to authorize the use of federal funds in fighting the #OregonRoadFire and #GrayFire burning in #Washington.” – FEMA

“Our hearts go out to the many people impacted by the devastating Gray Fire in Medical Lake and the Oregon Road fire near Elk.” – EWU Police.

“We know that people are generous and want to do everything they can to help after a disaster. Our first priority is to provide shelter and support to those affected — and financial donations are the quickest and best way to help those who need it most.” – the City of Spokane.

“Here on Highway 2 just west of Oregon Rd. The Spokane Livestock Emergency Evacuation team is here with several volunteers working to save animals.” – News Media

We are not accepting donations of clothing or household items, as these types of donations divert resources away from our mission — whereas financial donations can be used right away to directly help those affected, such as replacing lost items like prescription medications or reading glasses. Visit redcross.org/northwest, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation to our disaster relief efforts.” – City of Spokane

“If you are sensitive to smoke, please try to stay home Walmarts currently have smoke inside due to lack of filtration.” posted on 8/20/2023. Blogger.

“Watched the [Fire] from Blanchard Rd in Spokane Co. Had brief pyrocumulus showing. Bailed from thick smoke and north wind shift.” – Weather Watcher

“I watched this story in our control room and was in tears. The wildfire devastation reaches throughout the community.” – News Director. She continued, “We never take for granted the people who share with us their stories on their hardest days. Acreage and damage estimates make headlines, but the people are the story.” (posted on 8/20/2023 and 8/21/2023)

“Every dollar donated to the Red Cross helps. Your gift will make a difference in the lives of those who have been affected by this disaster.” – Coldwell Banker Tomlinson Spokane.

“The state is committed to providing the necessary resources, and we’ll continue to collaborate with local authorities to evaluate the extent of the damage and determine the path toward recovery.” – WA State Gov. Jay Inslee.

(c) 2023 NW Fire Blog