Fire

New! | WA | Monument Hill Fire

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Update 1 | Tuesday, August 31, 2021 | 2349 PT

Incident Summary – A wildfire ignited in the evening of Tuesday prompting resources BATT-6101 (IC as of 8/31/2021 @ 2349), DIV-6101, E-6695 and E-6696 to be dispatched around 2116 hours PT.

The Wildcad.net system is showing the name as the BEEZLEY FIRE while the Grant County Sheriff’s Office is naming it the MONUMENT HILL FIRE. They state the name is due to this area burns almost every year.

Location – The fire is said to be in the Monument Hill area in Grant County, Washington.

Size Up – There has been a total of 150 acres of grass and shrubs consumed. There is an unknown containment status, if it even applies.

Evacuations are in effect as of 8/31/2021 @ 2333 hours PT for:

LEVEL 3 Evacuations have been issued by the Grant County Sheriff’s Office for the following areas: Road 13 from Adams Road north to J.8 Northwest and to the east end of Road 13-Northwest (Source: nixle.com)

We are going to use both Command and Wildfire designator names as it appears to be the same fire incident. We are also waiting for updates from local fire districts that may be responding to this new fire. For now, we are going out of service and provide an update on Wednesday morning. – Ed.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Walker Creek Fire | Tonasket, WA

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1 – NEW FIRE – AUGUST 4, 2021

A new wildfire is burning about 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake in Washington State, which ignited on August 3, 2021, around 1522 hours PT.

The cause is unknown but it is a known fact that many lightning storms have impacted several key areas around the State. More of the same kind of weather is being forecasted and there are serious concerns.

Credit | NE WA Fire Info – FB page

The WALKER CREEK FIRE has burned 75 acres of heavy multistoried timber and has a zero-percent contained.

Extreme fire behavior with single and group torching, as well as spotting has been reported by Fire Officials.

There are 139 total personnel on the fire ground with one (20) person hand crew, three (10) person hand crews, six wildland fire engines and three dozers. The Incident Commander or IC is Tom Merritt.

So far, firefighters have been able to successfully protect all structures with none been reported as damaged or destroyed.

Evacuation Orders (Level 2 and 1) have been issued for

  • Level 2 for Summer Road, including Bonaparte Run and Bun Road.
  • Level 1 for Diamond Bell Road.

After an assessment from last night’s fire behavior, determined there were 200-300 hot spots that had ignited on the northern area of the fire traveling up to a 300 yards in distance, which more or less is the size of three, you heard right, three football fields! In the evening it was said that spotting had increased up to one-half-of-a-mile.

Several fire bosses along with a copter, dozers and crews are working to put a line around the new spots. Tonight, there will be patrolling the fire perimeter for any new starts or rekindles.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bruler Fire | Detroit Lake, OR | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 | JULY 30, 2021

The BRULER FIRE was detected on July 12th near the boundary between the Detroit and Sweet Home Districts, near the junction of FS Rd11 (Straight Creek and Quartzville Roads) and FS Rd 1133. This is about nine miles south of Detroit Lake, Oregon.

Bruler fire smokes with Pinnacle Peak in the background- July 20, 2021
Credit: USDA

Fire behavior is moderate with backing and creeping.

Fire Managers say:

There has been 195 acres burned and there is a 53% containment status.South Cascade Interagency Type 3 Team will continue to mop-up. It is estimated thatanother five days of work is needed to complete all secondary contingency lines and have them secure.

Confidence grows as mop-up efforts progress; however, the fire has not been tested by higher winds. This may
change today as we are expecting scattered thunderstorm cells and lightning in the fire area.

Additionally, there is a Red Flag Warning and a Fire Weather Watch in effect over the Bruler Fire area through Thursday night. Crews will continue to be vigilant and adaptable to any potential increases in fire behavior or new starts in the
area. “Our goal is to focus day to day, and be flexible where needed” said Chris Mushrush, Type 3 Incident
Commander (trainee).

Command is under the direction of the USDA Forest Service. There are about 144 fire personnel along with two engines and 11 copters.

Total CTD is $4.7 Million in suppression and containment expenses. As you can see, the numbers have doubled since our last update on this wildfire incident. On structure has been destroyed and fire crews have saved all others.

Projected containment is expected to be completed on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

The cause is unknown. It is under investigation.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Steptoe Fire | Whitman Co, WA | 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 2 — JULY 23, 2021 — FRIDAY — 2240 PT

Incident Summary

A wildfire named the STEPTOE FIRE is burning about five miles south of Colton (Whitman County) on the Snake River near the Nisqually John Landing and about 192 miles ENE from The Dalles, Oregon in Whitman County, Washington State.

This fire is north of the Lick Creek Fire in Asotin County, Washington.

The fire ignited on Thursday from an unknown cause, prompting local, County and State fire assets and resources to be dispatched this morning around 0230 hours PT.

The fire was caused by lightning that passed over the area.

Initial Response

Whitman County Fire District #14 was first due on-scene reporting the fire had extended across hundreds of acres. Fire crews were dispatched overnight for structure protection and for life-safety activities. State mobe was approved early this morning.

Fire Resources

Lead Agency: WA State Fire Marshal’s Office.

Franklin County Fire District #3’s SE Strike Team just returned last Sunday for some much needed rest after working long hours and tirelessly in Lyle Hills (Klickitat County) and on the Red Apple Fire incidents. The Strike Team consisted of Strike Team Leader from Benton Co. 4 and Walla Walla FD. Engines from Benton Co. 1 & 2, Walla Walla Co. 4, Columbia Co. 3, College Place FD and Franklin Co. 3.

About 80 total fire personnel are assigned along with one crew and 14 engines.

Fire Command

They have now been dispatched to this new this wildfire under approved State mobe as mutual aid resources. A Type 3 IMT is on order.

Incident Cooperators

Incident Cooperators: Whitman County FD14, Asotin County FD1, City of Clarkston FD, Pullman FD, Whitman County and Franklin Co FD3, Walla Walla FD8 w/Eastern Washington State Mobe Strike Team # 1 (Walla Walla FD, city of College Place, WW FD4, Columbia FD3, Clarkston FD, Super Scoopers 283.

Current Status

About 2,700 acres of grass and brush have burned and there is a 20% containment status.

Fire behavior is moderate with some backing down slope and smoldering. with uphill runs, backing downslope and smoldering.

There are NO active evacuation orders in effect at this time.

Closures

  • Steptoe Canyon Road from Rimrock Road to Snake River

Damage Assessment

One structure has been lost. Total CTD is $150,000.

Hashtags

#SteptoeCanyonFire #WAwildfires #FireSeason2021

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Steptoe Fire | Whitman Co, WA

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

A wildfire named the STEPTOE FIRE is burning about 12 miles south of Colton on the Snake River in Whitman County, Washington State. The fire ignited on Thursday from an unknown cause, prompting local, County and State fire assets and resources to be dispatched this morning around 0230 hours PT.

May be an image of nature
Credit: Asotin Co FD1

Whitman County Fire District #14 was first due on-scene reporting the fire had extended across hundreds of acres. Fire crews were dispatched overnight for structure protection and for life-safety activities. State mobe was approved early this morning.

Franklin County Fire District #3’s SE Strike Team just returned last Sunday for some much needed rest after working long hours and tirelessly in Lyle Hills (Klickitat County) and on the Red Apple Fire incidents. The Strike Team consisted of Strike Team Leader from Benton Co. 4 and Walla Walla FD. Engines from Benton Co. 1 & 2, Walla Walla Co. 4, Columbia Co. 3, College Place FD and Franklin Co. 3.

Just in case… Do you know what to do if you get an evacuation notice vs order? What must be done for each Evacuation Order for each Level?

May be an image of fire, outdoors, tree and text that says 'Do you know what the wildfire evacuation levels mean? *Remember Ready, Set, Go!* LEVEL1 "Be Ready" Be aware of the current danger & monitor media. Assemble emergency items. Make preparationsfor relocating family members, pets, and livestock. LEVEL2 "Be Set" Pack your emergency items. Know your evacuation route. Voluntary evacuate or be ready to leave at moment's notice. LEVEL3 "GO!" Leave immediately! Look for info on resources and support. Continue to monitor media. information go to ready.gov/wildfires For'

They have now been dispatched to this new this wildfire under approved State mobe as mutual aid resources. A Type 3 IMT is on order.

This new wildfire appears to been lightning caused and said to be over 1,300 acres with an unknown containment status. Fire behavior is very active with a high rate of spread, spotting and making runs.

Incident Cooperators: Whitman County, Asotin County FD1, City of Clarkston FD, Pullman FD, Whitman County and Franklin Co FD3.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Bruler Fire | Detroit Lake, OR

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)
July 18, 2021 Helicopter dropping water on the Bruler Fire
Credit; USFS

The BRULER FIRE was detected on July 12th near the boundary between the Detroit and Sweet Home Districts, near the junction of FS Rd11 (Straight Creek and Quartzville Roads) and FS Rd 1133. This is about eight miles south of Detroit Lake, Oregon.

The fire is smaller in comparison to other wildfires burning in the northwest with a small about of 195 acres of closed timber litter, heavy logging slash and timber.

Containment status is now at 12%.

Fire behavior has been reported as moderate with backing, flanking and torching.

There 250 total personnel along with five crews, 11 engines and four copters.

Command is under the direction of IC Gales with the NWIMT Team 13.

Total CTD is $2.2 Million in suppression and containment expenses.

Projected containment is expected to be completed on Thursday, September 30, 2021.

The cause is unknown. It is under investigation.

No injuries/deaths related to civilians or to firefighters have been reported by Officials.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Green Ridge Fire | Walla Walla, WA

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

The GREEN RIDGE FIRE is located about 30 miles east of Walla Walla, Washington State, in the southeastern portion of the State.

The TURKEY TAIL started from lightning strikes on July 7, 2021, along with the GREEN RIDGE FIRE. Both of these wildfires have merged are known only as the Green Ridge Fire.

It is burning into the Columbia complex burn scar that has new growth of shrubs and leftovers of standing and fallen snags.

The fire continues to spread primarily into the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness where conditions for fire personnel are dangerous due to limited opportunities for indirect containment lines, being steep, remote and very rugged terrain.

Currently, wilderness lands, homes and rec sites are under direct threat.

The view of the fire as seen from Midway Campground looking east
Credit | USFS

— Community Meeting —

July 23, 2021 — 1900 PT — The Last Resort @ 2005 Tucannon Rd, Pomeroy, Washington

There has been 3,915 acres of brush and timber that have been destroyed, but there is a 15% containment status.

Behavior is active with flanking, backing and creeping.

There are 326 total personnel along with eight crews and 11 engines.

Total CTD is $5.6 Million for fire suppression and containment status. Expected containment by Fire Command is projected on August 31, 2021.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Elbow Creek Fire | Wallowa, Oregon

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

The ELBOW CREEK FIRE is located 26 miles northeast of Elgin and 17 miles northwest of Wallowa, Oregon on the USFS’s Umatilla National Forest.

May be an image of fire and nature
Credit | Elbow Fire Facebook Page

The ELBOW CREEK FIRE is burning on both sides of the Grande Ronde River. It is said to be threatening the UNF, Wallowa-Whitman NF, BLM – Vale District and ODF lands. Fire is being observed burning in the Grande Ronde River drainage near Mud Springs, about 31 miles southeast of Walla Walla, Washington State.

Evacuations in effect > Wallow County Sheriff’s Office

It originally had ignited on July 15th around 1445 hours PT from an unknown cause, that is under investigation. fire management is under IC Joby Sciarrino, a Type 3 IMT out of northeastern Oregon.

There has been 18,599 acres of timber and short grass that have been destroyed, which has a successful 20% containment status. Fire behavior is active with spotting and torching.

There are 469 total personnel along with 11 crews, 21 engines and three copters. Six crews arrived yesterday evening with more resources en route and arriving over the next few days.

Crisis Response

Facebook has a page, where those who wish to offer assistance or need help, can come together in a single community. Facebook

Damage assessment includes one structure lost and a total CTD of $1.5 Million.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

Fire Rips Through DT Tacoma

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

TACOMA (PIERCE), WASHINGTON

Tacoma Firefighters were dispatched to a commercial structure fire call in the 1600 block of Tacoma Avenue South and quickly arrived to the downtown incident on the night of July 4, 2021.

First due units reported a fully engulfed structure around 2012 hours, quickly transitioning into a defensive fire attack strategy, while working to protect exposure buildings during this 2nd alarm fire.

Image
Credit: Tacoma FD

No injuries were reported.

The cause is currently under investigation.

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog

WA | Road 20 Fire | 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

WASHINGTON — A small brush fire ignited on Sunday, May 30th around 1500 hours PT. The fire is named the ROAD 20 FIRE for its location on Road 20 NW in Douglas County.

CAUSE — Unknown and under investigated by the Bureau of Land Management, also known as BLM.

SIZE UP — 20 acres. Unknown containment status. (DCFD5 update 22:20)

RESOURCES — BLM, Douglas County Fire Districts 1,2, 4 and 5, Chelan County Fire District 7, WA DNR along two Rotors.

May be an image of nature
Credit — DCFD5

FIRE STATUS — Some resources have been released. On Monday, May 31st, additional BLM and DCFD5 crews will be on-scene to assist with full containment and mop-up operations. No movement on the fire is expected tonight. (Per DCFD5)

WA DNR is stating the fire has been contained as of 2030 PT.

EVACUATIONS — None.

THREATENED — No structures, infrastructure or assets are under threat.

MAPPING —

May be an image of map, sky and text that says 'Brewster Rocky Butte Pateros Downing Bridgeport Azwell Peach Rd Beebe Chelan Mud g Spring 3D'
Credit — DCFD5

ALERTS — Douglas County has released of a new mobile app, “MyAlerts”, powered by AlertSense, the county’s new emergency alerting service. Residents and visitors can now receive life-saving emergency alerts and advanced warning of severe weather directly on their Android or Apple iOS phone or table. You can download the free MyAlerts app today from Google Play myAlerts – Apps on Google Play or the App Store ‎AlertSense My Alerts on the App Store (apple.com)

(c) 2021 NW Fire Blog – Update 2 — 5/30/2021 2300 Hours PT