Road Closures

Not Just Seattle Rain in Washington

/ NW Fire Blog (TM) / Leave a comment

Published 1/8/2022 1630 hours PT

WASHINGTON STATE — Us locals would hear all the time how about how much is rains in Seattle and not to go there because of too much rain. We would respond, we don’t melt, we rust.

Never drive around barricades. A picture shows a road closed sign and "high water" next to it.
Credit: NOAA

Unfortunately, it has all come to light as the truth but not just in Seattle, but everywhere in Washington. First, it was the snow and now the rain. It is way too much of a good thing for our roadways, ground, and other areas where flooding is now the new trend.

Here is a recap of what has been happening and what areas, hillsides, and roadways are currently impacted. Tips by local agencies are also included in this post.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE | 3 Ways to Apply for Disaster Aid | Online, DisassterAssistance.gov, FEMA App by downloading the free app and/or Call 800-621-3362 (FEMA)or TTY 800-462-7585. – FEMA Region 10

LEWIS COUNTY

Chehalis

A portion of I-5 was closed on Friday at the exit of 77 near Chehalis due to the Chehalis River overflowing its banks and reaching the freeway.

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Credit: WSDOT

As you can see in the image (left) most of the lanes on the right side of the image are blocked and this is very dangerous, so WSDOT officials had no choice but to close the roadway to protect motorists.

The National Guard and US Army Corps of Engineers put together free sandbags for residents in Chehalis and Centralia on January 7th.

Would you be able to recognize a hillside, which may be ready to slide at any minute? Do you have an emergency preparedness kit and evacuation plan? How about recognizing the risks to your home, property, or valued assets? Here are some tips on what can help you with recognizing if you, your family, and your home are in the danger zone and how to mitigate the risks.

If you suspect active landslide movement, evacuate and contact your local fire, police, emergency manager, or public works department.

Landslide Public Service Announcement presented by the King County Emergency Operations Center can be found here –> https://kingcounty.gov/depts/emergency-management/hazards/landslide.aspx

A hillside shows dips. Look for tilting of trees, foundation issues, doors that can’t close, sagging utility lines.
Credit: WA DNR

The Yard Birds Mall located in Chehalis was closed on January 7th, due to store owners could not get into the parking lot safely due to area flooding.

GRAYS HARBOR COUNTY

City of Cosmopolis

One resident in this small town is said to have been inside his vehicle, about 100 yards from his driveway was swept away by strong moving floodwaters and quickly submerged into deep water, according to the Sheriff’s Department. When waters receded, his vehicle was pulled from the water and the driver was pronounced as deceased. Firefighters from Grays Harbor Fire District 15 and the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident on Saturday, January 8th at 0900 hours.

Note: Firefighters with the Cosmopolis VFD are no longer providing fire suppression, EMS, and HAZMAT services due to a dispute with their current city mayor, resulting in the last 12 volunteer firefighters resigning their positions on December 31, 2021. The City Mayor declared an emergency proclamation and is currently contracting with outside agencies for services to its residents.

Ocean Shores

On Saturday, just before 0800 hours PT, SR109 was closed due to standing water north of Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County.

KING COUNTY

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Credit: KCFD2

Burien

King County Fire District #2 were on the scene on Friday of a landslide at SW 175th and in the 2100 block of Sylvester Road SW, which blocked both directions of the roadway on Friday, January 7th.

South Park

Flooding occurred in the South Park area on January 7th, prompting multiple streets to be closed.

Credit: WSDOT

THURSTON COUNTY

Near Rochester

Just after 1420 hours on Saturday, WSDOT Tacoma Maintenance workers and local fire agencies in the area were reporting vehicles and semis on I-5 NB at the Lewis County Line and I-5 SB at Maytown instead of using US 12 near Rochester as getting stuck and unable to turnaround. US 12 is closed at Moon Road and WSP requests you use alternate routes. They are urging drivers not to go around road closures and barricade signage.

SNOHOMISH COUNTY

Reiter Foothills State Park

WA DNR closed the popular Reiter Foothills State Park in the County of all rec park users due to snow and ice. Officials said the parking areas were inaccessible and the county road is impassable at this time.

The park was closed on Friday, January 7, 2022.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is image-11.png
Reiter Foothills State Forest

Capitol State Forest

WA DNR also closed the A-line entrance to Capitol State Forest at the Straddleline ORV Park Entrance/A just off of SR8 due to road damage caused by flooding. The area is accessible via the Rock Candy Trailhead entrance.

WHATCOM COUNTY

Forecasted King Tides along with wind, melting snow and continued heavy rain arrived higher than expectations and caused area flooding. Roads were closed while others had “water over roadways” signage alerting drivers were seen in impacted areas. on Friday.

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Credit: Whatcom County

WASHINGTON STATE LANDSLIDE HISTORY

North Fork Stillaguamish River, Snohomish County.

March 2014: SR530, OSO. 262 acres of landslide and debris at the North Fork Stillaguamish River in Snohomish County. 43 deaths, partially dammed river, destroyed 49 homes. Cut off access for nearly two months. Estimated property loss and damage at over $80,000,000.

2006: Hazel Landslide. OSO. 1,000 feet long and 1,000 feet wide with approximately 2 million yards of volume which would partially dam the river. No fatalities. The same thing occurred but was less significant and with the same name for the landslide but this occurred in 1988.

(c) 2022 NW Fire Blog

Update 2 | February 7, 2020 | Washington State

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Thank you for following our Blog posts about adverse weather conditions in Washington State. All information is gleaned from verified sources from government, fire departments, law enforcement, emergency management and other public information.

We will try to list the source where the information is bein received from in a Sit Rep format gleaned from all Social Media channels being broadcasted from.

***

Weather Fact |Our soggy weather has been sent with a red bow on top all the way from the tropical (U.S.) State of Hawaii.  – Source:  NWS Seattle

***

KING COUNTY

AUBURN

Road Closures

SE Lake Holm Road between 130th Ave SE to Auburn Black Diamond Rd | Water over roadway | 2-6 0338 PST

BLACK DIAMOND

Road Closures

Enumclaw Franklin Rd SE between Franklin Ridge gravel pit and SE Green River Gorge Road | Damaged roadway | 2/7/2020 1205 PST

Turn around

Sandbag Distribution Center

King County Roads Facility | 20827 SE Auburn Black Diamond Rd. Open 24/7.  Empty sandbags and sand provided by County. Self-service. Max 25 sandbags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel.

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Water Facts | 6″ of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars – Weather Alert

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CARNATION

Road Closures

310th Ave NE between NE Carnation Farms Rd and SR 203 (including NE 60th St) | Water over roadway | 2-7 1355 PST

NE 100th St between W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE and NE Carnation Farm Rd | Water over roadway | 2-6 1024 PST

NE Tolt Hill Rd between SR 203 and W Snoqualmie River Rd NE | Water over roadway | 2-6 0838 PST

W Snoqualmie River Rd SE between #1550 x NE Tolt Hill Rd | Water over roadway | 2-1745 PST

NE Tolt Hill Rd between SR 203 and W Snoqualmie River Rd NE | Water over roadway | 2-6 0838 PST

Sandbag Distribution Center

City of Carnation Public Works | 33100 NE 45th St.  | Hours:  Weekdays from 0800 – 1630 PST.  Empty bags and sand provided.

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Water Fact | A foot of water will float most vehicles. – Weather Alert

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BELLEVUE

Road Closures

EB lanes on Coal Creek Pkwy from 124th Ave SE to Factoria Blvd | Downed trees on power lines | 2-7 2309 PST | Source & Photo Credit:  City of Bellevue Transportation

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SE Newport Way from SE 42nd Pl to 133rd Ave SE | Downed trees on power lines | 2-7 2309 PST

Intersection of 134th Ave SE x SE 42nd St | Downed trees on power lines | 2-7 2309 PST

SB Coal Creek Parkway. Both lanes. | Downed tree and power lines over roadway | 2-7 2037 PST

Open Roadways

SE 7th Place, east of Lake Hills Connector | OPEN | was closed 2-5 due to flooding | 2-7 0630 PST

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Photo Credit: City of Bellevue Transportation Department (E of the Lake Hills Connector on 2/5/2020)

DUVALL

Flooding Images

The rising of the river is being captured by many photographers as records are being broken all over the State.  Here is a video clip showing extreme flooding. | Video Credit:  City of Duvall

SR 410 X MP 38

(BETWEEN ENUMCLAW & GREENWATER)

Road Closures

A major landslide shutdown this busy thoroughfare. | Photo Credit: WSP Sgt. Zimmerman & Courtesy of  WSP Trooper / PIO Rick Johnson

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FALL CITY

Road Closures

SE David Powell  Rd x Preston Fall City Rd SE  | Landslide | 2-7 0015 PST

316th Av SE x SE 28th St between SE 24th St and 321st Ave SE | Water over the roadway | 2-6 1115 PST

SE 308th St  between SR 202 x SE 31st St | Water over roadway | 2-6 1115 PST

Neal Road SE x SR 203 | Water over roadway | 2-6 0338 PST

Sandbag Distribution Center

King County Roads Facility | 33719 SE 44th Place | Open 24/7.  Empty bags and sand provided by County. Self-service. 25 max bags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel.

Water Fact | 2 Feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles including SUVs and Trucks. – Weather Alert

MAPLE VALLEY

Road Closures

Dorre Don Way SE x 230th Ave SE | Water over raodway | 2-7 1315 PST

Maxwell Rd SE between SE Lake Francis and 220th Ave SE | Erosion of roadway | 2-7 1117 PST

Lower Dorre Don Way SE between Upper Dorre Don Way SE to Dorre Don Way SE (the loop) | 2-7 0620 PST

NORTH BEND

Road Closures

Cedar Falls Rd SE x SE 177th St | Water over roadway | 2-7-2020 1050 PST

428th Ave SE between SE Reinig Rd and SE Ernies Grove Rd | 2/6/2020 1215 PST

Sandbag Distribution Center

City of North Bend City Hall | 920 SE Cedar Falls Way.  | Hours: Monday-Thursday 0830 – 1600 PST, Friday 0830 – 1200 PST.  | Empty sandbags and sand provided by City.  Self-service.  Shovels available. Check in City Hall before bagging.  Bags available after hours when the EOC is open due to flooding.

PACIFIC

Road Closures

W Valley Hwy S between Ellingson Rd x 3rd Ave SW | Water over roadway | 2-6 1600 PST

Sandbag Distribution Center

City of Pacific | 130 3rd Ave SE. (Across from Police Station) | Open 24/7. Empty sandbags and sand available.  Self-service. 25 max bags per vehicle. Bring your own shovel.

PALMER

Road  Closures

SE 309th St between 335 Ave SE to W to end of road | Landslide | 2-7 1852 PST

REDMOND

Road Closures

NE 124th St between W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE x SR 203 | Water over roadway | 2-6 0930 PST

204th Pl NE between NE 67th St x SR 202 | Water over roadway | 2-6 0845 PST

Park / Trail Closures

Image

Photo Credit | City of Redmond

Sammamish River Trail at Leary Way | Standing water

Farrel-McWhirter Park | some interior trails closed

Redmond West Wetlands

Bear Creek Trail between Redmond Way and Avondale way

Evan’s Creek Trail from Perrigo Park South to the raised boardwalk area | Water over boardwalk

Bear Creek Bridge on the Puget Sound Energy Trail

Water Safety

The rain is continuing to fall and we want to remind you to avoid driving, walking or riding through standing water. | Source / Photo Credit:  City of Redmond Image

Turnaround, Don’t Drown

The Redmond Police Department would like to remind drivers to never drive around any road closure signs present on flooded roadways.  | Photo Credit:  RPD. Photo taken on February 5th of NE 95th St, east of Willows Road.

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Landslide Awareness

Fact Sheet: Recognize Landslide Warning Signs

Release date:
October 17, 2017
Release Number:
R2 DR 4339-PR FS 009
  • Changes in your landscape such as patterns of storm-water drainage on slopes (especially the places where runoff water converges) land movement, small slides, flows, or progressively leaning trees.
  • Doors or windows stick or jam for the first time.
  • New cracks appear in plaster, tile, brick, or foundations.
  • Outside walls, walks, or stairs begin pulling away from the building.
  • Slowly developing, widening cracks appear on the ground or on paved areas such as streets or driveways.
  • Underground utility lines break.
  • Bulging ground appears at the base of a slope.
  • Water breaks through the ground surface in new locations.
  • Fences, retaining walls, utility poles, or trees tilt or move.
  • A faint rumbling sound that increases in volume is noticeable as the landslide nears.
  • Unusual sounds, such as trees cracking or boulders knocking together, might indicate moving debris.
  • Collapsed pavement, mud, fallen rocks, and other indications of possible debris flow can be seen when driving (embankments along roadsides are particularly susceptible to landslides).

After the Landslide

  • Go to a designated public shelter if you have been told to evacuate or you feel it is unsafe to remain in your home.
  • Stay away from the slide area. There may be danger of additional slides.
  • Listen to local radio or television stations for the latest emergency information.
  • Watch for flooding, which may occur after a landslide or debris flow.
  • Check for injured and trapped persons near the slide, without entering the direct slide area. Direct rescuers to their locations.
  • Check the building foundation, chimney, and surrounding land for damage. Damage to foundations, chimneys, or surrounding land may help you assess the safety of the area.

https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2017/10/17/4339/fact-sheet-recognize-landslide-warning-signs   | Source & Photo Credit:  FEMA via City of Redmond / Photo Courtesy

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RENTON

Road Closures

SE Jones Rd between #18631 x SR 169 | Landslide | 2-6 2024 PST

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Landslides in Fire / Disaster Images

(L) This photo was taken on February 5, 2020, of a landslide on the WB side of Maple Valley Hwy and across 1.5 lanes.  It would take fire crews and mutual approximately 3-4 hours to remove it.  Mud and debris impacted drivers on the highway and forcing officials to close it protecting the motoring public.  | Photo Credit:  Renton Fire / RFA PIO

Sandbag Distribution Center

King County Roads Facility | 155 Monroe Ave NE | Open 24/7. Empty sandbags and sand provided. Self-service. 25 max per vehicle. Bring your own shovel.

SEATLLE

Sandbag Distribution Centers

Delridge Community Center | 4501 Delridge Way SW, 98106. | Filled sandbags. Self-service. 25 max per household or business.

Helene Madison Pool | 13401 Meridian N, 98133 | Same messaging.

South Park Neighborhood | 731 S Sullivan, 98108 | Same messaging.

Meadowbrook Community Center | 10517 35th Ave NE, 98125 | Same messaging.

SKYKOMISH

Sandbag Distribution Center

King County Roads Facility | 74212 Old Cascade Hwy | Open 24/7 | Self-servce. 25 max per vehicle. Bring your own shovel.

SNOQUALMIE

Road Closures

SE Reinig Rd from the City of Snoqualmie limits to 396th Dr SE | 2-6 1115 PST

W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE at NE 124 | 2-7 2110 PST

Traffic camera: West Snoqualmie Valley Road NE at NE 124th St

Photo Credit | KC DOT

Restricted Roadways

356th Dr SE, N of #4030 | 1 lane closed due to road failure. 1 lane open and alternating traffic. Expet long delays. | 2-6 2142 PST

Sandbag Distribution Center

City of Snoqualmie. | 38190 SE Mill Pond Rd. | Weekdays from 0700 – 1500 PST  | Must call Public Works at 425-831-4919 for an apoointment to pick-up sand and bags. During flooding, call the EOC at 425-888-5911 for sandbags.

SNOQUALMIE PASS

Road Closures

Weather Forecast – Snow

Reports of up to 14″ of new snow on the Pass from 2300 hours on Thursday and Friday were reported by law enforcement. Chain enforcement was scheduled at 1600 hours to midnight on eastbound on I-90 over the pass.  | Source:  WSP PIO / Trooper Rick Johnson

SNOQUALMIE FALLS

Flooding Impacts

The Falls are yet again overflowing at a high rate of speed and splash.  This image shows the magnitude of flooding we are experiencing and showing us its dangers of the rate of speed and splash.   | Source / Photo Credit:  City of Snoqualmie

CASCADES

Weather Forecast – Snow

This also includes Snoqualmie Pass.  Snow levels are expected to drop by early Saturday morning. 12-18″ expected are possible. | Source & Photo Credit:  NWS Seattle

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PIERCE COUNTY

PUYALLUP

Road Closures

PUYALLUP RIVER | Roads, Surface Water and Emergency Management crews and personnel were busy with damage assessments from flooding in various areas.  This was conducted across the whole County.  Currently, there are on-going repairs in progress on the the Puyallup River Levy above Orting within two hours after the discovery of the damage.

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One of Pierce County’s Executives, Bruce Dammeier was out with crews for the full day observing damage assessments and excellent / tireless efforts by crews to fix roadways and other major maintenance. | Photo Credit:  Pierce Co. Government. Source:  PC Exec Bruce Dammeier.

EAST PIERCE COUNTY

Damage Assessments

SR 162  | Images show extensive impacts on SR 162.  Photo taken on Thursday, February 6, 2020.  | Source / Photo Credit:  East Pierce Firefighters, IAFF Local 3520

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RESOURCES

Road Service Helpline

KING COUNTY | 206-477-8100, 800-527-627 | King County Road Services Helpline – 24/7 .  Website:  https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/roads/24×7-helpline.aspx  Sign-up for road alerts at https://kingcounty.gov/depts/local-services/roads/road-alert.aspx

Life-Threatening Medical / Fire Hazard or Criminal Act in Progress/Occurred

9-1-1 | Emergencies only  for FIRE, EMS, POLICE.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

Water Safety

As the rain continues, follow safe guidelines: do NOT walk or drive across flooded roads; gather emergency supplies and follow local updates; use flashlights instead of candles if you lose power. | Source:  King County Public Health

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THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA – EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS

Issaquah Creek

“Cars are submerged in flood waters in Issaquah as Issaquah Creek continues to rise up quickly. Current was reported as being very strong. ” | News Media on Thursday, February 6, 2020.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Update 2 – 2/7/2020 2315 PST

 

 

 

Washington State Hit by Adverse Weather | 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

You think that the other Washington’s politics are bad.  Try living in our Washington State and dealing with one storm after another and there appears to be another one heading our way.

King County

As of 10pm, the following have been closed:

  • SE Jones Rd between #18631 and SR 169 (Renton area)
  •  Valley Hwy S between Ellingson Rd and 3rd Ave SW
  • 428th Ave SE between SE Reinig Rd and SE Ernies Grove Rd (North Bend)
  • West Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE between NE Novelty Hill Rd and NE 80th St
  • SE Reinig Rd from City of Snoqualmie limits to 396th Drive SE
  • 316th Ave SE and SE 28th St between SE 24th St and 321st Ave SE
  • SE 308th ST between SR 202 and SE 31st St
  • NE 100th ST between W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE and NE Carnation Farm Rd
  • NE 124th St between W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE and SR 203
  • 204th Pl NE between NE 67th St and SR 202
  • NE Tolt Hill Rd between SR 203 and W Snoqualmie River Rd NE
  • 312th Ave SE between 316th Pl NE and Upper Preton Rd SE
  • Neal Rd SE at SR 203
  • SE Lake Holm Rd between 130th Ave SE to Auburn Black Diamond Rd
  • Issaquah Hobart Rd SE between SE May Valley Rd and Issaquah City limits (SE 96th St)
  • W Snoqualmie River Rd SE between #1550 and NE Tolt Hill Rd
  • SE 24th St between 309th Ave SE and 316th Ave SE
  • SE Issauquah-Fall City Rd between SE Duthie Hill Rd and 274th Ave SE
  • NE 80th St between W Snoqualmie Valley Rd NE and Ames Lake Carnation Rd NE
  • Dike Rd between Preston Fall City Rd to end of route
  • NE 165th between 179th Pl NE and Avondale Rd NE
  • SE Middle Fork Rd at mile marker 9.6
  • SE Fish Hatchery Rd between 361st Ave SE and 372nd Ave SE
  • SR 900 closed from NW Talus Dr to SE May Valley Road (Issaquah)

Carnation

Residents are being advised to stay alert to changing river and weather conditions. Be prepared to respond quickly.  (King County, WA)

Duvall

The City is reporting seeing a lot of traffic coming into their city limits to try to access northbound SR 203 but it is closed and cannot be accessed to reaching Monroe or Snohomish County.  (City of Duvall)

Issaquah

2/6/2020 – 1:00 pm – The Issaquah-Hobart Road at May Valley Road was closed due to a large landslide.  The King County Road crews were out in force with lots of personnel and large equipment trying to remove the rocks and debris blocking the culvert.  Some of the rocks were as large as basketballs! (KC Road Services)

Around the same time, water was running high underneath a bridge prompting multiple calls to Eastside Fire & Rescue personnel including a Rescue team to search an apartment complex for possible trapped residents and pets.

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11 residents were safely evacuated including several children and animals.  (Photo credit/source:  Eastside Fire & Rescue)

Renton

Free sandbags are available 24/7 at the King County Roads facility at 20827 SE Auburn-Black Diamond Road, Renton.  There is a 25-bag limit per vehicle.

North Bend

Sand and sandbags were made available at 1:30pm until 5pm on Thursday, February 6th to North Bend residents.  You can pick up these at the Public Works facility on Friday, February 7th from 8am – noon, located at 920 SE Cedar Falls Way, North Bend. Bring your own shovel and truck. They will supply the sand and bags.

“Snoqualmie River is currently at Flood Phase 2, meaning that lowland flooding may occur. Currently, there are no roads closed in North Bend. The Park & Ride lot across from the Pour House is closed due to flooding.” (City of North Bend)

Rivers

The following Rivers at various flood stages:

Phase 4: Cedar River

Phase 3: Issaquah Creek, Green River, Tolt River

Phase 2: Snoqualmie River, White River

Resources

Flood Warning Center | 206-296-8200 or 800-945-9263.  https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/flooding/warning-system.aspx  Click on name of river for further information.

Sandbag distribution | https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/flooding/sandbag-distribution.aspx  (King County)

National Flood Insurance Program (FEMA) | 888-379-9531

King Conty Metro Alerts | 206-553-3000

American Red Cross (King/Kitsap Counties) | 206-323-2345

Additional flood related Important Contact Phone Numbers |  https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/flooding/phones.aspx

King County Office of Emergency Management | 206-296-3830

King County Stormwater services | 206-477-4811. After business hours, call 206-477-8100.

King County Solid Waste Division | 206-477-4466 or 800-325-6165.

King County Public Health (Seattle/King County) | 206-296-4600

Additional links, Important phone numbers | https://www.kingcounty.gov/services/environment/water-and-land/flooding/phones.aspx

Updates

More updates will be coming as we are gleaning news, resources and alerts to bring to you throughout the day and evening.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – 2/7/2020 00:50 PST

 

 

 

Elmer City Fire | Okanogan County WA | Update 5

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

ELMER CITY FIRE

Incident Summary

This first fire started  on the afternoon of September 11th  as a wind-driven wildfire driving the flames South and East.

Photo published for Elmer City Fire 9-13-2016

Courtesy of Okanogan County Emergency Management

At one point, the fire was located above Grand Coulee City Hall, prompting firefighters to enact immediate structure protection.

Resources

There are approximately 192 personnel assigned to this fire along with resources of 5 crews, 16 engines and 1 helicopter.

This fire was the original owner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Command was turned over to a Type 3 IMT on September 13th.

Location

The Elmer City Fire is located one (1) mile from  Elmer City (Okanogan County), Washington State.

Status

As of September 13th, the NW Interagency Coordination Center is reporting this fire to be at 100% containment status with 5608 acres burned.

At 1500 hours on September 13th, the Level 3 evacuation order had been lifted.

One (1) unknown type of structure has been lost.

Cause 

Cause of the fire is still under investigation, but power line slap (one wire touching the other due to gusty winds) is being looked at.

Cost-To-Date

$313,000.00

Ways to #PrepareNOW

Social Media

Hashtags being used for this fire are #WaWILDFIRE #NWFireBlogWA  #ElmercityFire  #OkanoganCoFire

Follow us here –> @nwfireblog (Twitter) and on Facebook

Thank You for reading our Post today.  May have you have a Safe Day!

 

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

Elmer City Fire | Okanogan County WA | Update 4

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

ELMER CITY FIRE

Multiple wildfires broke out in the Okanogan-Grant County area on September 11th that has caused much confusion to several of us, including mainstream Media.  Wildfire information from various sources has differed and has been sketchy at times leaving us to wonder.  But have no fear, we think we may have unlocked the mystery which in turn will be two separate posts.

Incident Summary

This first fire started  yesterday afternoon, as a wind-driven wildfire driving the flames South and East. Fire crews a great job protecting Elmer City as the flames pushed up the hillside and around the city while continuing South.

At one point, the fire was located above Grand Coulee City Hall, prompting firefighters to enact immediate structure protection.

Resources

Yesterday during the day, there were several aircraft working the fire, four (4) fire bosses (single engine scoopers), and a four (4) engine heavy fire bombers (BAE 146). Mt. Tolman Fire Center had two (2) dozers actively working the fire.

The fire made a long, narrow section of scorched path, almost reaching the Columbia River several miles upriver from Grand Coulee Dam which was a serious concern to many,

Location

The Elmer City Fire is located just North of Elmer City (Okanogan County), Washington State.

Status

As of September 11th evening, the fire is approximately 2000 acres with a 75% containment status. (reported by Mt. Tolman Fire Center air resources)

Another Fire Burns in Same Area

A second fire was burning between Elmer City and Coulee Dam but was quickly put out, limiting the size to less than a quarter acre.  No evacuations, cause or injuries were reported.

Cause 

Cause of the fire is still under investigation, but power line slap (one wire touching the other due to gusty winds) is being looked at.

Evacuations

Alert Level One is still in effect for the area as the fire has the potential to hook around and move back west towards Coulee Dam and Elmer City. The winds are predicted to pick up again today.

Ways to #PrepareNOW

Warnings

A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 1900 hours on September 12th for the following Counties:

  • Adams
  • Benton
  • Douglas
  • Franklin
  • Grant
  • Klickitat
  • Lincoln
  • Yakima

Social Media

Hashtags being used for this fire are #WaWILDFIRE #NWFireBlogWA  #ElmercityFire  #OkanoganCoFire

Follow us here –> @nwfireblog (Twitter) and on Facebook

Thank You for reading our Post today.  May have you have a Safe Day!

 

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

1 Fire Is Changed to New Name | WA | Update 3

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Incident Summary

The Grand Coulee Fire name has been changed to the #230YardFire due to its proximity to the SV Switch yard near Grand Coulee Dam.

Resources

Firefighters from across Grant, Okanogan and Douglas counties are on the scene.

Courtesy: WSP Trooper/PIO Brian Moore

Grand Coulee Fire is now known as 230 Yard Fire

A wildfire is burning on the west side of the Columbia River located just North of Grand Coulee Dam that ignited on 9/11/2016.

As of 2000 hours this evening the fire had reached 500 acres.

State Mobe has been approved.

Elmer City Fire

A 2nd wildfire is burning on the west side of the Columbia River near Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee. Started 9/11/2016.  Both fires are approximately 5 miles from each other.

Photo of the fires burning on both sides of the Columbia River. (Credit: Grant County Sheriffs Office)

Evacuations

Grant County Sheriff states,

“People in  Elmer City areas need to remain aware of the fire conditions and stand by for any evacuation requests.

Grand Coulee/Crown Point/Coulee Dam remain aware of fire conditions. Please leave if fire threatens.”

Current Status

The Fire Department escalated the fire as a 3rd alarm.

No injuries or structures damaged/destroyed as being reported.

 

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

NEW! 2 Fires Burn In Same Vicinity | WA | Update 2

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Incident Summary

There are 2 wildfires burning within five (5) miles of each other and in different counties and they are in 2 different counties.  So, you can clearly see how confusing this is but we are on it!

Resources

Firefighters from across Grant, Okanogan and Douglas counties are on the scene.

Courtesy: WSP Trooper/PIO Brian Moore

Grand Coulee Fire

A wildfire is burning on the west side of the Columbia River near Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee.  Start 9/11/2016. Unknown size, containment status or resources known at this time.

Elmer City Fire

A 2nd wildfire is burning on the west side of the Columbia River near Coulee Dam and Grand Coulee. Started 9/11/2016.  Both fires are approximately 5 miles from each other.

Road Closures

SR 155 is closed NB at Grand Coulee and SB at Elmer City.  SR 174 is closed at SR 155 (Grand Coulee).

Photo of the fires burning on both sides of the Columbia River. (Credit: Grant County Sheriffs Office)

Evacuations

Grant County Sheriff states,

“People in  Elmer City areas need to remain aware of the fire conditions and stand by for any evacuation requests.

Grand Coulee/Crown Point/Coulee Dam remain aware of fire conditions. Please leave if fire threatens.”

Current Status

The Fire Department escalated the fire as a 3rd alarm.

Weather 

Currently in Ephrata, which is not far from these burning fires – wind is said to be at 24, gusting to 31 m.p.h.

 

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

NEW! Elmer City Fire | WA| Update 1

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

Incident Summary

Fire crews from Grant County Fire units are en route as Mutual aid to a fire

Courtesy: WSP Trooper/PIO Brian Moore

burning in Elmer City, Washington.  Units from Grand Coulee Fire and Electric City Fire were paged out to respond as well and were said to be responding to this large wildfire.

There is no word on the size on how large this wildfire is.

Location

The fire is said to be burning off of Elmer City Road over the hillside just above the Grand Coulee  City Hall building.  Immediate structure protection was being put into place, as we heard on scanner feed.

Staging

Fire staging is located off of SR174 at the 230 switch yard.

Mutual Aid

Mutual aid responding are mostly brush trucks and tenders.  No word on if State Mobe has been requested, approved or deployed.

Road Closures

WSP Trooper Brian Moore (@wspd6pio) tweeted out some road closures and info for all of us to be aware of

  • Troopers & WSDOT are on-scene
  • Roads closed on SR155 @ Elmer City
  • Roads closed on SR155 @ SR174]

Current Weather Conditions

Current weather conditions are temps of 70*F, sunny with 0% precip and winds @ 18 mph. RH is at 22%.

(c) 2016 The #NWFireBlog

 

 

 

 

Withers Fire | Oregon | August 24 2016

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

INCIDENT SUMMARY

photo of the community meeting in Paisley, OR

A Public Info Meeting in Paisley, Oregon (Courtesy: Inweb)

Fire Location

The Withers Fire is located on Lakeview District, BLM territory, approximately 1 mile north of Paisley, OR.

Fire Fuels

The Fire was burning in brush and short grass.

Current Conditions

It was burning minimal.  Fire report last updated 8/22/2016.

SEE SOMETHING?  SAY SOMETHING

This wildfire was started by human-intervention.  If you have any tips regarding the cause of this fire, please contact local Law Enforcement or 9-1-1 to report information.  #StandUp and #BeAHero.

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