Wildland fires

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.

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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

ALMEDA DRIVE FIRE | OR | SIT REP 2

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ALMEDA DRIVE FIRE

Sit Rep 2 | September 15, 2020

The ALMEDA DRIVE FIRE started on September 8th on  private land, one-mile north of Ashland, Oregon from an unknown cause.  It has now moved on to lands owned by the Oregon State Department of Forestry – Medford Unit and is the Lead Agency on this wildfire incident.

Currently, the fire has been kept within its perimeter and beginning to become more stabilized.  The fire has destroyed 3,200 acres and crews have successfully reached a 70% containment status.

An Urban Search and Rescue Team, UT Task force 1 and members from Utah and Nevada have begun the painstakingly process of damage assessments, hazards mitigation and detailed searches. Fire Officials are urging people to stay away from evacuated and fire areas, as they work to complete their specific objectives.

There are a total of 48 personnel along with 12 engines.

There have been 600 homes  and 100 other structures destroyed.  At the time of this post, there are 6,100 homes and 500 other structures still under direct threat.  Updated | Multiple reports of 2,357 homes have been lost after damage assessment reports roll in. 

SHELTER NEEDS –> Jackson County EXPO 541.774.8270 for info, details.

TFR –> Still in effect meaning NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES

Missing persons –> Medford Police Department 541.774.2283. Line staffed al evening. If no answer, leave a message.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/15/2020 2250 PT

RIVERSIDE FIRE | OR | SIT REP 2

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RIVERSIDE FIRE | SE of Estacada (Clackamas Co), Oregon

PC:  Clackamas County Sheriff Office

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INCIDENT SUMMARY

The RIVERSIDE FIRE started on September 8, 2020, from an unknown human-caused ignition.  The investigation is ongoing and information has not be released to the public or some of their preliminary findings.

At this time, we have not found correlated evidence or information from verifiable sources reporting as such.  However, there are some that are reporting arson on all of the wildfires.  We will wait for the official cause and if Officials use the word arson, then we will bring that information to you.

It is burning approximately one-half mile southeast of Estacada in the State of Oregon in timber, brush and short grass on top of steep terrain.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire behavior has continued to be moderate with creeping, single-tree torching and smoldering.  It appears there are no isolated torching going on as it was in yesterday’s report.

PC: Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office

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Approximately, 135,401 acres have been destroyed along with 53 structures.

Resources include:  458 total personnel along with 12 crews, 21 engines and 3 helicopters.   More Task Forces and a flooding of additional resources are expected to enter the area as soon as tomorrow.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Those whom are partnering or working to support this wildfire incident include:  Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside Fire, IMT SWA Team 1, OR FMO, USFS, BLM (Bureau of Land Mgmt) and the OR DOT, Hillsboro Fire & Rescue, Gresham Fire.

PC:  HFR sent 7 members tasked with structure protection as part of the Washington County Task Force near Estacada.

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Additional resources and equipment are expected to continue to arrive and assist current personnel on this incident.

– ALERTS, NOTIFICATIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS –

Evacuations  —> 503.655.8224 or http://www.clackamas.us/wildfires

Fire Community Meeting –> Held this evening at 6pm.  Recording fb.com/riversidefireinfo

Questions? –> Call 503.228.7805 or Email 2020.riverside@firenet.gov

Air Quality  –> oregonsmoke.blogspot.com

Closures –> TripCheck.com

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TFR in Effect –> No Drones in Fire Zones

Help firefighters and other responders stay safe by not flying your drone over wildfires or burned areas. This can prevent firefighters from successfully completing search operations

THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

“Stop spreading misinformation about people starting these [OR} wildfires.” – Clackamas County Sheriff Office, Clackamas County Government

PC: Clackamas County Sheriff

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“Half of the town of Talent burned to the ground but my parent’s home was saved.” – Daughter of a Talent resident.

“The fire is devastated.  The [Fire] took only minutes to burn, but a lifetime of 8 years to build.” – Media about a homeowner in Molalla.

“Several homes and a church were leveled by fire that torn through the Hillockburn area.” – Media

“Fire described as historic for Clackamas County.” – Media

RIVERSIDE FIRE IN FIRE IMAGES

Clackamas County Sheriff Office | The “team” is compromised of many incident cooperators including radio operators, search and rescue teams, fire weather and ground resources.  Without them, it would difficult to locate the missing, to communicate and fight/ contain these destructive fire storms.

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Gresham Firefighters | Crews deploy around the State including this [fire] which are tasked with direct fire attack, cutting fire line to protect unburned area, structure preps and extinguishing hot spots.

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Washington County Task Force | Members are made up from various Fire Agencies that include Hillsboro FD, Gaston FD, Cornelius FD, Forest Grove FD and TVFR.

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Mt Hood National Park | Fire spots across Hwy 211 on 9/9, about 2 air miles from Estacada. Taken on 9/13/2020.

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Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office | 10-15 miles from Molalla Forest Corridor. Taken 9/14/2020.

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Mt. Hood National Forest | Near Estacada. Photo taken on 9/10/2020 when the fire was at 125,000 acres.

Smoke darkens the sky above the Riverside Fire on September 8, 2020 on the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. Credit: USDA Forest Service Mt. Hood National Forest

Photo taken on September 11, 2020 when the fire was 1/2 mile from Estacada and SE 6 miles from Molalla.

Smoke billows above the Riverside Fire on September 8, 2020 on the Mt. Hood National Forest in Oregon. Credit: USDA Forest Service Mt. Hood National Forest

Hillsboro Fire & Rescue | The Washington County Task Force work together to pick up the port-a-tank after a long day’s work on 9/12/2020.

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Hashtags | #RiversideFire  #ClackamasWildfires #ClackamasFires #ClackamasFire

 

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/15/2020 2240 PT

 

 

 

ALMEDA DRIVE FIRE | OR | SIT REP 1

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ALMEDA DRIVE

Sit Rep 1 | September 14, 2020

The ALMEDA DRIVE FIRE started on September 8th on  private land, one-mile north of Ashland, Oregon from an unknown cause.  It has now moved on to lands owned by the Oregon State Department of Forestry – Medford Unit and is the Lead Agency on this wildfire incident.

Currently, the fire behavior is active with backing and creeping while threatening several communities or to about 6,100 single and multiple structures.

As of today, there has been 3,200 acres of timber, brush and tall grass and 700 structures that have been destroyed in this costly wildfire. Fire suppression and containment costs have skyrocketed to $751,000 to date.

About 48 personnel along with 12 engines are attached to this incident.

The Command Post has been staged at the Scenic Middle School Central Point School District 6 for their venue.  A big shoutout for the school district’s generosity was announced on Facebook, which is being managed by the Joint Information Center, OR Fire Marshal’s Office Type 2 team.

This incident is being managed by the NW IMT Team8, IC Doug Joshnson. OR State FMO Blue Team.

Fire crews were able to keep the fire within its perimeter and reaching a successful 70% containment status.  They will also continue to ID and mitigate hazardous conditions which include fire debris, structure integrity, downed utility lines as well as venting natural gas lines inside the perimeter.

These are very dangerous conditions for firefighters as they go into the unknown.  Safety Officers will work to keep firefighters safe while working under these conditions.  PLEASE AVOID THIS AREA.

Temps were in the mid 70’s and will remain as such for the next several days.  It is expected to be cloudy with overcast smoke and haze.  Air quality issues remain hazardous.  Those with respiratory issues should remain indoors with windows closed to avoid inhaling unhealthy smoke.  If you must drive, turn on your headlights and go very slow as roadways have limited visibility.

Shelter for residents impacted by this wildfire, can contact the Jackson County EXPO at 541-774-8270 for further information and details.

A TFR or temporary flight restriction over the fire is effect meaning no aircraft including drones can fly any distance within this fire.  It is illegal and dangerous to fly drones inside a fire zone.  This also cause aircraft to be forced to land taking precious time away from fighting wildfires.  It can also cause mid-air collision, crashes or kill those in the air or ground.  NO DRONES IN FIRE ZONES.

A significant event occurred on this incident where a Southern winery was destroyed. Our Thoughts and Prayers to those whom have been impacted by this fire and others.  

Photo Images | PC:  Almeda and Obenchain Fire Info Facebook Page

 

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/14/2020 2330 PT

OREGON FIRE | SOUTH OBENCHAIN FIRE | SIT REP 1

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SOUTH OBENCHAIN FIRE | BLM – MEDFORD DISTRICT

A bull dozer and helicpter work in tandem on a control line.

PC:  BLM

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The SOUTH OBENCHAIN FIRE started on September 8, 2020 at 1359 (1:5pm) PT from an unknown cause, which is currently under investigation.

The fire is burning in Jackson County, about five miles east of Eagle Point, Oregon.

Fire fuels include:  Timber, brush and logging slash.

CURRENT STATUS

Fire behavior is active with uphill wind-driven runs, mid-range spotting and group tree torching.

About 30,503 acres have been scorched.  Fire crews have successfully reached a 20% containment status.

Smokes continues to keep air assets grounded on Saturday. Some clearing of smoke was anticipated today. However, a dry cold front was due to move in. A RED FLAG WARNING was issued today from 1500 – 2000 (3pm – 8pm) for gusty winds, low RH and conditions becoming unstable.  All are big concerns for Fire Managers, which are generally understandable.

Cost-to-date for fire suppression and containment efforts have reached $2.3 Million Dollars.

RESOURCES

There are 623 total personnel assigned to this incident.   The OR DOF – Medford Unit is the lead agency on this with the PNW Team 8, an IMT 2 team is managing this wildfire.

There are approximately 15 crews, 22 engines and 12 helicopters that are assisting from the ground to the air.

EVACUATIONS

Level 3 –> Shady Cove, Trail and Butte Falls

HOW TO HELP IMPACTED COMMUNITIES

Accesshelp –> Provides food, warmth, shelter and other essential services to the County’s low-income children, families, seniors, veterans and disabled individuals.

Red Cross –> Is asking for monetary donations vs. durable goods and food.

NWFB Community Resource Group –> Check out our new Facebook Group page WILDFIRE COMMUNITY RESOURCES for information on how you can help local communities with needs or resources available to help one another.

NOTE:  We just created this page yesterday and we are working quickly to add resources and other info.  You are invited to join and help us grow this group so we may help those who have been impacted.

JOIN US…

We invite you to join us on our Social Media Channels here:

FACEBOOK, TWITTER –> @nwfireblog

FACEBOOK – NWFB Eastern WA Wildfires –> @easternwawildfires

INSTAGRAM –> NW Fire Blog

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/13/2020 1535 PT

 

 

OREGON WILDFIRE | RIVERSIDE FIRE | SIT REP 1

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RIVERSIDE FIRE | SE of Estacada (Clackamas Co), Oregon

PC:  USFS

Riverside Fire from La Dee Flats area.

INCIDENT SUMMARY

The RIVERSIDE FIRE started on September 8, 2020 which was human caused.  The ignition source has not been released and appears this is an on-going investigation.

Fire fuels include timber, brush and short grass on top of steep terrain.

CURRENT STATUS

The fire has destroyed 133,799 acres and remains at a zero containment status.  Fire behavior is moderate with creeping, single tree and isolated torching.

The  BEACHIE CREEK FIRE and this wildfire merging are of great concern as both  are only one-mile apart from one another.

Fire Officials say the RIVERSIDE FIRE is their number one priority for resources.  Currently, the State has depleted all of their fire personnel and equipment resources due to so many incidents burning in the State of Oregon.

A County-wide Community Meeting was held on Sunday at 1400 hours discussing the Fire, Public Health and other important information.

53 structures have been reportedly lost with a total in fire suppression and containment expenses up to $850,000 cost-to-date.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Those whom are partnering or working to support this wildfire incident include:  Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Riverside Fire, IMT SWA Team 1, OR FMO, USFS, BLM (Bureau of Land Mgmt) and the OR DOT.

There are currently 315 total personnel assigned to this wildfire, along with 8 crews, 11 engines, 3 helicopters.

PC:  USFS

Riverside Fire from La Dee Flats

– ALERTS, NOTIFICATIONS, ANNOUNCEMENTS –

Evacuations

Level 1 evacuations were lifted fro Wilsonville, Lake Oswego, West Lin, Clackamas, Happy Valley, Gladstone, Milwaukie and Tualatin.

Curfew

A curfew is in effect for Clackamas County from  2200 (10pm) – 0600 (6am) for Level 2 and 3 evacuated areas.

Water Conservation

The Clackamas County Officials are asking its residents to conserve on water due to low pressure and save water for firefighting efforts.

LAW ENFORCEMENT PRESENCE

The Clackamas County Sheriff made it explicitly clear that they have many Deputies visiting the evacuated areas providing security and other patrol duties.

A HUGE SHOUTOUT to their County Dispatchers for taking hundreds of calls this week, which surmounts to a 400% increase in 9-1-1 calls. Most were non-substantiated but some led to arrests. He wanted to let residents know they are out to protect their property and to remove those who have been reported to be armed security guards for homeowners. A strong message was given to those to stop what they are doing, as this is illegal and can get some hurt or killed.   He urged people to still call 9-1-1 so they can handle it and not anyone else. They want to protect their communities from any danger or keep everyone safe.

CLOSURES

Oregon Department of Forestry or more commonly called “ODF”  has closed all lands to public entry and use including the Santiam, Tillamook, Clatsop, Gilchrist and Sun Pass Forests.  It is necessary due to the current extreme fire conditions that are endangering life, forest resources and property.   This was announced on Saturday, September 12, 2020.

PC:  ODF

Image may contain: tree, sky, plant, outdoor and nature

SOCIAL MEDIA

To read up on more Northwest wildfires, go to our Social Media Channels here:

  • Facebook – NW Fire Blog – for all Wildfires in WA, CA, OR, except Western Washington – @nwfireblog
  • Facebook – NWFB Eastern WA Wildfires – @easternwawildfires
  • Facebook Group – WILDFIRE COMMUNITY RESOURCES
  • Instagram – NW Fire Blog
  • Twitter – NW Fire Blog  – @nwfireblog

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 9/13/2020 1520 PT

 

 

 

JUNE 28, 2020 | KNOLLS FIRE | UTAH

/ NW Fire Blog (TM)

UPDATE 1

INCIDENT SUMMARY.  The KNOLLS FIRE ignited from lightning on the west side of Utah Lake around 1318 MT today.

FIRE STATUS.  Due to low visibility, high winds and extreme fire behavior – fire officials have been unable to gain intel on the size of this wildfire or containment status.  Fire is burning south of Saratoga Springs.

Winds have shifted from north to south.  Flames are reportedly visible from the east side of the Valley.

Light rain has dropped over the area but winds have continued to pick up.

“The damage report has not been completed yet as crews are still on the scene. No homes have been destroyed, although some may have received some minor damage at this time.”

– City of Lehi.

PHOTO CREDIT.  Utah County Fire Investigator.

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EVACUATIONS.  About 3,000 homes (13,000 residents).

Homes South of Grandview Blvd on the West of Redwood Rd, need to evacuate homes.

Evacuation orders for Lehi neighborhoods, Autumn Hills and Spring Dew Lane have been lifted residents may start returning to their homes in Lehi.  (1845 MT)

PHOTO CREDIT.  Lehi FD.

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SHELTER.  Shelter is located at Westlake High School, 99 N. 200th W. in Saratoga Spring, UT 84045.  Officials were asking people to stay in their cars for social distancing purposes and the Red Cross will check-in with them to see what resources they need.

RESOURCES.   About 50 Fire Departments within Utah County, plus several others from Salt Lake County are currently assigned to this incident.

No aircraft resources are flying due to winds have been clocked at a speed of 57 miles-per-hour grounding all planes and helicopters.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS.  Knolls FD, UT Fire Info, UT Cert Team.  Red Cross Utah. Utah County Fire Marshal. Utah Public Safety.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS. 

Utah Public Safety.  https://dpsnews.utah.gov/utah-state-fire-marshals-office-shares-campfire-safety-tips/

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SOCIAL MEDIA.  #UTwildfires #UTwildfires #KnollFire

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 1810 PT

CA Wildfire | Bitterwater Fire | 1

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Update 1 – 6/7/2020 – Sunday

A wildfire named the BITTERWATER FIRE is located off of Bitterwater Road and Metz Road, about  miles NE of King City (Monterey County), California.

This fire started today from an unknown cause that is currently under investigation. It was reported as a 100-acre brush fire  with potential for 200-acres. There were no immediate threats to structures.

Currently, the fire has burned 211 acres and is 80% contained.  Forward progression was stopped today at 1436 hours PT.

There are 2 Chief Officers, 11 aircraft, 8 fire engines, 3 dozers, 2 hand crews, 3 water tenders and a Fire Investigator.

No injuries to firefighters or citizens have been reported.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 6/7/2020 2050 PT

Wildfire on Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest | Utah | 1

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DAVIS COUNTY, UTAH

UPDATE 1 – 4/26/2020 – SUNDAY

A fire is burning on the Unita-Wasatch-Cache National Forest in Davis County, north of Farmington Canyon and south of Farmington City, Utah.

Six Farmington City and Kaysville Firefighters will hike up the steep and difficult terrain to the fire ground

Fire Fact | Utah firefighters respond to an average of 85 escaped private burns every year. – Utah Fire Information 

About three acres of grass and brush have been destroyed.,

Photo Credit | Davis County Sheriff Office

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There is a 0% containment status at the time of this post.

Cause is a suspected downed power line, says a Davis County Sheriffs Office spokesman.

No homes are under direct threat.

(c) 2020 NW Fire Blog – Updated 4/26/2020 1730 PT