Oregon Wildfire | Klondike Fire | 2

September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 2 – Monday, September 11th

A view of the firing operation near Fish Hook Creek on 9/7/18

Firing operation near Fish Hook Creek on September 7, 2018. Credit: USFS

The KLONDIKE FIRE is burning on the Rogue-Siskiyou National Forest, about nine miles northwest of Selma, Oregon. It was ignited by lightning on July 15, 2018.

Fire behavior has been reduced to a minimal status. About 132,420 acres of timber and brush have been destroyed but crews have been able to successfully gain a 51% containment status.

There are 1,206 personnel along with 30 crews, 72 engines and eight helicopters.

Total fire suppression and containment costs-to-date have topped out today of $63.2 Million.

#KlondikeFire #ORwildfires2018

Washington Wildfire | Cougar Creek Fire | 4

September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 4 – Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Collage of various men and women firefighters

Various photos of the men and women in the fire service. Credit: OK-WEN NF

The COUGAR CREEK FIRE is burning approximately 20 miles northwest of Entiat, about 12 miles northwest of Ardenvoir and 7.5 miles of Plain, Washington. The fire started by lightning.

Along with the COUGAR CREEK FIRE, the IC is also managing the LOST FIRE and BANNOCK LAKES FIRE.

The LOST FIRE is located about 10 miles north of Plain, Washington. The 80-acre fire has been fully contained and is being monitored by air.

The BANNOCK LAKES FIRE is located about 177 miles west of Stehekin in the Glacier Peaks Wilderness. This fire is burning among large rocky outcroppings and isolated clusters of timber in steep and inaccessible terrain. The fire is currently not staffed and is also being monitored by air.

The fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington State Department of Natural Resources and private lands.

Sunrise over Cougar Creek ICP, located at Leavenworth Fish Hatchery, looking toward the southwest.

Sunrise over the Cougar Creek ICP. Credit: OK-WEN NF

There are currently 297 fire personnel assigned along with 7 crews and 13 engines. The NW IMT Team 10 with IC Alan Lawson will relinquish command to all three wildfires to a local Type 3 Team at 1800 hours PDT this evening.

The Incident Command Post or also known as the ICP is located at the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery.

About 42,712 acres have been destroyed and crews have reached a 79% containment status.

Fire suppression and containment costs have exploded up to $42.3 Million.

Washington Wildfire | Iron East Fire | 2

September 11, 2018September 11, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 2 – Tuesday, September 11th

Credit: OK-WEN NF

A wildfire named the IRON EAST FIRE was started around 2200 hours by lightning that sparked two fires in the Blewett Pass area on Friday.

Level 2 evacuations are still in effect for structures .5 to the northeast of the fire with Hwy 97 still closed all week to enable WSDOT workers to install culverts.

The required types and number of crews all have arrived and can now safely work on both fire lines. They have been tasked with prepping on both fires with improving line, installing hose lays, chipping removed brush and getting ready to remove fuels through burnout operations.

Air resources are still working to cool both fires and slow forward spread of the fire. A Type 1 Helicopter will be assigned solely to this fire today working on the western side of the fires.

The fire has burned 125 acres

Weather is expected to be cooler in the 50’s with a moisture in the air for the next four days. This will allow crews to suppress and contain both fires with weather supporting them.

Washington Wildfire | Iron East Fire | 1

September 10, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 1 – Monday, September 10th

A wildfire named the IRON EAST FIRE was started around 2200 hours by lightning that started two fires in the Blewett Pass area. About 32 acres are burning to the east of Forest Service Rd 9714 and eight acres to the west of FS Rd 9714.

Credit: OK-Wen NF

Level 2 evacuations were issued for homes about .5 miles north of the fire. Engines were dispatched to the area neighborhoods for structure protection.

A VLAT (very large air tanker), a heavy tanker and helicopters were dropping retardant over the fire line. Water was also being implemented to slow the fire’s forward spread. Dozers were used to improve the overgrown roadways on the eastern side of the fire.

Hand crews drove over one-hour and hiked 1.5 hours to the fire line. Some of the crews would be “spiking out” overnight to lessen their response time. There are about 283 firefighters assigned to this fire with more due to arrive.

Both fires seen via the air. Credit: OK-Wen NF

All fire suppression gear which include hoses and valves/nozzles etc. will be delivered by helicopter.

Highway 97 has been closed for one week while WSDOT installs culverts.

Hikers and campers have been evacuated near the fire by the Forest Service.

Tuesday’s weather is expected to be cooler with a higher relative humidity and gusty winds. A chance of thunderstorms are expected.

California Wildfire | Snell Fire | 1

September 10, 2018September 10, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 1 – Monday, September 10, 2018

Incident Summary

A wildfire named the SNELL FIRE is burning in the Sonoma-Lake Unit (CAL FIRE) service area or about 12 miles southeast of Middletown (Napa County), California.

The cause is unknown and under investigation.

Fire Map on September 9. Credit: Joseph Elfet @MappingSupport

Fuels

Fire fuels consist of grassy oak woodlands.

Resources

There are 1,241 fire personnel assigned to this incident along with 31 crews, 132 engines, 20 dozers, 20 water tenders and 7 helicopters.

Current Status

Fire behavior has been observed as active with uphill runs, single tree torching and flanking. Firefighters are beginning to make great progress. A cooling trend is expected and to assist crews with fire suppression.

The fire has burned 2,490 acres and there is a 45% containment status.

Threats

At this time, many structures including homes are being threatened. Evacuation orders were in effect but have since been lifted.

Damage Assessment

Firefighting suppression and containment costs have soared to $3.9 Million to date.

Washington Wildfire | Cougar Creek Fire | 3

September 9, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

UPDATE 3 – Sunday, September 9, 2018

Cougar Creek Fire is burning approximately 20 miles northwest of Entiat, about 12 miles northwest of Ardenvoir and 7.5 miles of Plain, Washington. The fire was ignited by lightning.

Fire is visible within forested mountainside as smoke rises above.

Credit: USFS

There are currently 343 personnel assigned that include 8 crews, 3 helicopters and 14 engines.

There has been 42,687 acres of timber, slash ground litter and snags burned. A 78% containment status has been reached. Fire behavior has been reported as being active with short-crown runs, torching and flanking.

Washington Wildfire | Crystal Fire | 3

September 2, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

East Wenatchee, Washington | Crystal Fire | Sunday, September 2, 2018 —

Incident Summary | A wildfire broke out near the Pangborn Airport in Douglas County on September 1, 2018. It was said to have started on County land, one mile from East Wenatchee, Washington. Fire crews were dispatched just after 0530 hours PDT on Saturday after reports of the fire behavior being very active and burning downward towards homes, orchards and near the airport sparking evacuation notices to be issued to residents.

Situation Report | As of today, the fire is estimated at 2,610 acres with no fire growth overnight. All evacuation notices have been removed along with roads being reopened. 3 Divisions are working the fire today in strengthening containment lines.

Fire Fuels | Grass and brush are fire fuels.

Cause | No word on the cause but it is under investigation.

Resources | State Fire Mobe was approved and en route around 1100 hours PDT. Initial resources included AHTANUM 20 BLM-13 CREW-52 CREW-74 E-6695 BLM E-6696 BLM were dispatched around 0537 hours this morning.

Several aircraft were ordered back to Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee and hold. We caught these choppers at Pangborn after we left the fire incident on Saturday afternoon.

One of two rotors at Pangborn Memorial Airport.

Cost-to-Date | CTD has reached approximately $20,000.00.

Thank you for reading and following our blog! You can also find us on our Social Media pages @nwfireblog on Twitter and Facebook.

#CrystalFire #WAwildfires2018

Washington State Wildfires | Sit Rep | August 30 2018

August 30, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Thank you for reading our Blog and today’s Sit Rep for Washington State wildfires. All active wildfires will be posted as separate incidents. Here is your fire recap for Thursday, August 30, 2018.

# # #

CENTRAL WASHINGTON INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

RED FIELD FIRE – Wildfire – Pine Canyon. Douglas County. Units dispatched 1312 hours PDT. Grass and brush fire fuels. Contained and controlled at 1521 hours PDT. 0.1 acre.

HOT SPRINGS FIRE – Wildfire – Hot Springs. Units SE-641, SE-642, SE-TSUBOTA dispatched at 1716 hours PDT. Resources on-scene. 10 acres.

POLE PICK FIRE – Smoke Check – Frazer Creek. Units dispatched at 1901 hours PDT. Div-4 resources on-scene.

# # #

NORTHEAST WASHINGTON INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

WELCOME ROAD FIRE – South Welcome Road. Spokane County. Dispatched at 1106 hours PDT. Handled by WFS, not a DNR call.

PASCAL CEMETERY FIRE – Spring Road. Stevens County. Dispatched at 1255 hours PDT. Resources AA 444 TS responded. Another Agency (SPA) not DNR.

# # #

OLYMPIC REGION DISPATCH

TARBOO 3 FIRE – Tarboo Lake Road, Olympia. Brush and slash fire fuels. Units dispatched at 1348 hours PDT. Contained at 1417 hours PDT. 0.1 acre.

# # #

PACIFIC CASCADE DISPATCH CENTER

HOT SPRINGS FIRE – Hot Springs. Skamania. E281 and E283. Dispatched at 1640 hours PDT. Resources on-scene.

# # #

COLVILLE AGENCY MT TOLMAN DISPATCH CENTER

PETER DAN II FIRE – Colville. Resources dispatched at 1354 hours PDT. Grass fire fuels. Contained & under control at 1809 hours. 0.1 acres.

# # #

COLUMBIA CASCADE COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

BIG CREEK FIRE – Big Creek. Resources dispatched at 1508 hours PDT. 0.1 acres. Controlled at 1750 hours PDT.

NW Wildfires | Sit Rep | August 27, 2018

August 27, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

Thank you for reading our blog! You can also catch us at @nwfireblog on Facebook and on Twitter.

To make it more simple (yes, we are changin’ up things again), we have combined current and past fire incidents that have occurred today and those that are still actively burning.

OREGON

CENTRAL OREGON FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

Active Fire Behavior North flank Jennies Peak Fire - August 23rd

Jennie’s Peak Fire. | Credit: Prineville District

JENNIE’S PEAK 1039 RN FIRE. 14 miles S of Fossil. Transferred from IMT 2 Command back to the local unit. Min fire behavior. — 45,956 acres. 95% contained. — $2.1 Million cost-to-date.

FREMONT – WINEMA NATIONAL FOREST

Image of night firing operations also known as burnout operations

Watson Creek Fire. | Credit: USFS

WATSON CREEK FIRE. 13 miles W of Paisley. Moderate fire behavior with group torching, wind-driven runs and short-range spotting. Numerous structures threatened. Closures in effect. — 56,185 acres. 50% contained. — 1,043 personnel. 28 crews. 76 engines. 5 helicopters. — $10.2 Million cost-to-date.

BLM – MEDFORD UNIT

A Baker River Hotshot manning the hose as they burnout dozerline behind Thunderbird Ranch near Taylor Creek, August 3rd..

Taylor Creek Fire. | Credit: USFS

TAYLOR CREEK FIRE. 10 miles W of Grants Pass. Min fire behavior. — 52,838 acres. 95% contained. — 390 personnel. 8 crews. 22 engines. — $29.9 Million cost-to-date.

OREGON DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY

Ramsey Canyon Fire. | Credit: NWS IMET Operations.

RAMSEY CREEK FIRE. Medford Unit. 12 miles N of Eagle Point. Moderate fire behavior with backing, single-tree torching and spotting. Home and structures threatened. Road closures in effect. Evacuation orders have been lifted. — 1,971 acres. 40% contained. — 942 personnel. 27 crews. 51 engines. 3 helicopters. — 1 structure lost. — $4.4 Million cost-to-date.

OREGON PRIVATE LANDS

STUBBLEFIELD 1008 RN FIRE. 7 miles W of Condon. Minimal fire. — 54,221 acres. 95% contained. — 20 personnel. — 1 crew. 2 engines. — 2 structures lost. — $2.2 Million cost-to-date. — Started on private land.

ROGUE RIVER – SISKIYOU NATIONAL FOREST

Night operations firing August 23, 2018 photo by Weston Smith

Klondike Fire. | Credit: Weston Smith via Inciweb

KLONDIKE FIRE. 9 miles NW of Selma. Active fire behavior with uphill runs, single tree torching and flanking. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. — 89,597 acres. 37% contained. — 1,046 acres. 20 crews. 47 engines. 3 helos. $29.3 Million cost-to-date.

Lacey and Australian Firefighter. | Credit: Lacey FD13

NATCHEZ FIRE. 14 miles SE of Cave Junction. Moderate fire behavior with backing, torching and flanking. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. — 24,605 acres. 70% contained. — 504 personnel. 11 crews. 16 engines. 6 helicopters. — $32 Million cost-to-date.

SOUTH GILLIAM COUNTY RURAL FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT

LONEROCK 1057 RN FIRE. 8 miles SE of Condon. Min fire behavior. — 5,056 acres. 95% contained. — 0 personnel. — $560,000 cost-to-date.

UMPQUA NATIONAL FOREST

COLUMBUS FIRE. 5 miles E of Tiller. Active fire behavior with backing, creeping and isolated torching. Closures in effect. — 10,226 acres. 56% contained. — Total 317 personnel. 3 crews. 13 engines. 2 bulldozers.

Miles Fire. | Credit: Miles Fire Information

MILES FIRE. 5 miles NE of Trail. Active fire behavior with isolated torching, backing and creeping. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. — 35,741 acres. 54% contained. 317 personnel. 3 crews. 13 engines. 2 helicopters. 2 structures lost. $77.4 Million cost-to-date.

SNOW SHOE FIRE. Approximately, 7 miles NE of Trail. 3,816 acres. 100% contained. Part of the 2018 South Umpqua Complex Fire. — Total 317 personnel. 3 crews. 13 engines. 2 bulldozers.

ROUND TOP FIRE. 154 acres. 7 miles NE of Trail. 154 acres. 100% contained. Part of the 2018 South Umpqua Complex Fire. — Total 317 personnel. 3 crews. 13 engines. 2 bulldozers.

WILLIAMETTE NATIONAL FOREST

Terwillinger Fire. | Credit: NWS IMET Operations

TERWILLINGER FIRE. 5 miles SE of Blue River. Active fire behavior with flanking, spotting and group torching. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. Rain fell over the area on Sunday. — 5,398 acres. 2% contained. — 382 personnel. 9 crews. 16 engines. 4 helicopters. — $2.1 Million cost-to-date.

WASHINGTON STATE

COLVILLE NATIONAL FOREST

HORNS MOUNTAIN FIRE. 19 miles N of Evans. Transferred from IMT2 back to the local unit on Tuesday, August 28, 2018. Moderate fire behavior with backing, isolated torching and smoldering. Rain fell over the area on Sunday. — 5,439 acres. 85% contained. — 516 personnel. 13 crews. 10 engines. 3 helicopters. — $9.6 Million cost-to-date.

NE WASHINGTON INTERAGENCY COMMUNICATIONS CENTER

CORBETT FIRE. Corbett Creek Road. Stevens County. Crown, grass and brush. PC277 IC at 1630 hours. Dispatched resources at 1556 hours. Controlled/contained at 1615 hours. 0.01 acre. Unknown cause.

The light of the burnout operations glows through the trees (Photo: Seth Merrit)

Boyds Fire | Credit: USFS

BOYDS FIRE. 3 miles W of Kettle Falls. Transfer of IMT2 command back to local unit to occur on August 29, 2018. Min fire behavior. — 4,549 acres. 81% contained. — 502 personnel. 12 crews. 30 engines. 4 helicopter. — 9 structures lost — $11 Million cost-to-date.

OKANOGAN – WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST

Crescent Mountain Fire. | Credit: USFS

CRESCENT MOUNTAIN FIRE. 18 miles W of Winthrop. Minimal fire behavior. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. Rain fell over area on Sunday. — 42,784 acres. 24% contained. — 559 personnel. 10 crews. 29 engines. 7 helicopters. — $15.9 Million cost-to-date.

Firefighters use tactiacal firing along 8-Mile Road in advance of the McLeod Fire.

McLeod Fire. | Credit: USFS

MCLEOD FIRE. 8 miles N of Mazama. Min fire behavior. Structures threatened. Closures. Rain fell over area on Sunday. — 21,585 acres. 5% contained. — 391 personnel. 9 crews. 35 engines. — $3.8 Million cost-to-date.

HOLMAN FIRE. 19 miles NW of Mazama. Min fire behavior. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. — 284 acres. 1% contained. — 0 resources — $4,000 cost-to-date.

Photo of nightime burning operations with fire visible along the ground a firefighter adjacent to it holding a drip torch.

Cougar Creek Fire. | Credit: USFS

COUGAR CREEK FIRE. 12 miles NW of Ardenvoir. Min fire behavior. Structures threatened. Closures in effect. Rain fell over area yesterday. — 41,324 acres. 45% contained. — 762 personnel. 18 crews. 27 engines. 9 helicopters. — $30 Million cost-to-date.

BANNOCK LAKES FIRE. 14 miles SW of Stehekin. Min fire behavior. Closures in effect. Rain fell over the area on Sunday. — 485 acres. 0% contained. — 0 resources. — $39k cost-to-date.

Fire crew is testing the ignition quality of fuels.

Miriam Fire. | Credit: USFS

MIRIAM FIRE. 15 miles E of Packwood. Min fire behavior. — 4,228 acres. 40% contained. — 281 personnel. 5 crews. 3 engines. 4 helos. — $11.5 Million cost-to-date.

OLYMPIC NATIONAL FOREST

Maple Fire. | Credit: Olympic Forest

MAPLE FIRE. 2,600 acres. 45% contained. Rain fell over the area last night.

WA Wildfires | Fire Activity Report | Weekend of August 24-26

August 26, 2018August 26, 2018 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

This weekend has been busy for wildfires, according to WildCAD reports in Washington State. Here is a Sit Rep for the weekend of August 24 – 26, 2018. (Friday – Sunday).

Many areas have burn bans, even on on DNR manged and county owned lands. Credit – WA DNR

AUGUST 24, 2018 – Friday

WINDY POINT FIRE – Highway 12 MP 182 in Yakima County. Units dispatched at 0538 hours. Contained at 1458 hours. Controlled at 1459 hours. Out at 1700 hours. 0.1 acres. Brush. Unknown cause. Central WA Interagency Comm Center.

HENRY ISLAND FIRE – W shore of Henry Island in Island County. Units dispatched at 1237 hours. FD responded and extinguished fire. Grass and salal fire fuels. Unknown acres or cause. Northwest Region DNR.

LOTZE FIRE – Lotze Creek in Stevens County. Units (HT44 NC40-Crew NC41 Crew, PCS277 and PCS284) dispatched at 0354 hours. Brush, reproduction timber and heavy timber. 2.15 acres. Staffed. NE WA Interagency Comm Center.

Some parts of Washington may feel cooler, but Washington has had a historically dry summer, leaving #WaWILDFIRE danger still very high across the state. – WA DNR

CAN FIRE – Forest Service Rd 57. Units dispatched at 1655 hours. Contained/controlled at 1705 hours. Out at 1706 hours. IC arrived on-scene at 1700 hours on August 24. 0.1 acre. Unknown cause. Columbia Cascade Comm Center.

AUGUST 25, 2018 – Saturday

KEECHELUS LAKE BED FIRE – Hyak in Kittitas County. Units dispatched at 1900 hours. Contained at 2057 hours. Controlled at 2058 hours. Unknown acres. Fire fuels include duff and stumps. Unknown cause. Central WA Interagency Comm Center.

PARADISE VALLEY FIRE – Near Kendall in Whatcom County. Units dispatched at 0930 hours. Out on August 26 (Sunday) at 1130 hours. IC arrived on August 26 at 0930 hours. 0.01 acres. Unknown cause. Northwest Region DNR.

LAKE VIEW FIRE – I-90 WB MP268 in Spokane County. Units dispatched at 0306 hours. Grass, brush and light timber. Contained at 0730 hours. Controlled at 0750 hours. 0.3 acres. NE WA Interagency Comm Center.

MARTEN CREEK FIRE – Taylor River (We believe in Kittitas County not listed on CAD). Units dispatched at 1442 hours PDT. 1 acre. No further details. Puget Sound Interagency Comm Center.

MILEPOST 77 FIRE – Highway 155 at Mile marker 77. Units dispatched at 1533 hours. Contained/controlled/out at 1638 hours. 0.1 acre. Unknown cause. Colville Agency Mt Tolman Dispatch Center.

AUGUST 26, 2018 – Sunday

TACOMA PEAK FIRE – Tacoma Peak in Pend Oreille County. Units AR450, E31 and E612 dispatched at 1238 hours. Grass, brush and light timber. .01 acres. Resources on-scene. NE WA Interagency Comm Center.

LUTHER PIT FIRE – Luther Road in Stevens County. Units AR414, AR449 and AR63 dispatched at 1635 hours and arrived on-scene at 1722 hours. Open incident. NE WA Interagency Comm Center.

BRIDGE RD FIRE – Yelm in Thurston County. Units dispatched at 1254 hours. Brush. Unknown status. 0.1 acre. Open incident.

MONSE FIRE – Colville Indian Reservation. Unis dispatched at 1512 hours. Contained and Controlled at 1541 hours. 0.3 acres.

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Oregon Wildfire | Klondike Fire | 2

Washington Wildfire | Cougar Creek Fire | 4

Washington Wildfire | Iron East Fire | 2

Washington Wildfire | Iron East Fire | 1

California Wildfire | Snell Fire | 1

Washington Wildfire | Cougar Creek Fire | 3

Washington Wildfire | Crystal Fire | 3