On Wildfire Wednesday, we get to talk about past wildfires which is similar to Throwback Thursday but today is starting a new topic of talking about former wildfires in the Pacific Northwest.

COW CANYON FIRE

Photo Credit | Selah FD

Incident Summary

The Cow Canyon Fire was first reported on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 1445 hours as a small five-acre fire from an unknown source.

On the day the incident started, the fire would later explode into a 1500-acre wildfire.

The following day on August 4th, the fire would be listed at 5,600 acres with a sustained 0% containment status.

The fire was determined to have ignited at the BBQ Flats Campground in Selah and quickly moved about 8-11 miles north of Naches and 12 miles southwest of Ellensburg. The fire would continue to have a fast rate of spread now burning through the Manastash border of both Yakima and Kittitas Counties in Washington State.

Initial local fire response units would see a large influx of State mobe resources which brought in about a total of 300 fire personnel along with six hand crews, six engines, five dozers, six water tenders, and one copter. During this time, some of the resources were being shared with another incident which was with the VANTAGE HWY FIRE.

Photo Credit | WA DNR

Photo Description | Hillary Franz engages local WA DNR firefighters

State Mobe Initiated by Fire Marshal’s Office

The Lead Agency was with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (WA DNR), under the leadership of the NW IMT Team 12, which assumed the leadership role on August 5, 2022, at 0700 hours PDT.

Burlington Fire Department deployed a fireline Medic. | Photo Credit

Yakima Valley Emergency Management kept the public up-to-date with current evacuation orders and notices.

Kittitas County and Yakima County Sheriff’s Offices assisted with evacuation notices and orders to their respective Counties.

Selah Fire Department dispatched many of their FD members are part of State Mobe resources.

Photo Credit | NWICC

Fire Behavior

With its fierce and high-intensity activity, the fire forced Officials to close the Wenas Wildlife Area to protect those from the fire and enable responding resources to enter the area safely.

On August 5, 2022, the fire behavior was said to be active with uphill and wind-driven runs as well as running.

Officials stated, “Fire crews will continue to secure the northwest flank of the fire, as well as watch for spot fires or flare-ups that may emerge as the temperatures warm through the day. Firefighters will be scouting for spotfires to further secure the perimeter. Multiple aircraft are available today for water bucket drops and retardant as needed.”

On August 12, 2022, Incident Command was transferred from a Type 2 IMT (NW Team 12) back to the local unit.

Size Up

At this time, it had already burned 5,600 acres of timber and grass. It still had a 0% containment status.

Two primary homes along with a single cabin and 11 outbuildings were destroyed on August 3, 2022, with 50 still threatened on August 6, 2022.

On August 12, 2022, Incident Command was transferred from a Type 2 IMT (NW Team 12) back to the local unit.

Fire Prompts Evacuations

Not only were area closures, but the incident also prompted Level 2 and 3 evacuation orders impacting folks in both Yakima and Kittitas Counties.

An evacuation shelter was opened by the American Red Cross at the Selah Civic Center.

A Virtual Community Meeting is Held

A Virtual Community Meeting was held the following day on August 6, 2022, on Social Media to give the opportunity for Fire Officials to give fire updates and answer questions from the community.

Photo Credit | Burlington FD

One Eyewitness Account Stands Out With Quote of the Day

“The [fire] is about 2.5 miles south of our camp and we are under a Level 2 evacuation which means get ready to go. The Day Camp kids came and went today for the shortest day of camp ever. The evacuation will stay in place overnight so we are canceling day camp again tomorrow. ” – Lazy F Camp and Retreat Center (Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lazyfcamp)

Fire Summary Recap

When the fire command was given back to the local unit, a total of 5,832 acres of short grass, timber, and brush had been lost. On August 12th, resources had successfully reduced the fire behavior to a minimum with it smoldering and achieving a 90% containment status.

The cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts reached a total amount of $4.9 Million Dollars. (published August 12, 2022)

Photo Credit | Burlington FD

Sources for this Article

We have gleaned information from our updates 1-3 published on our Blog and Social Media platforms, NWICC, WA DNR, Inciweb, NIFC, and other verified fire sources.

Photo Credits have been given to the respective poster and we do not lie claim to them other than the content shared in this article. – NWFB

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