7/17/2014 Colville Tribes Fire Update

Colville Tribes Fire Update

Confederated Tribes of the

Colville  Reservation

Department of Natural Resources

Nespelem, Washington

For Immediate Release 

July 17, 2014 

1800 Hours

MT. TOLMAN FIRE CENTER

Fire Information

(509) 634-3100

On Monday, July 14, 2014 a lightning storm driven by high winds and rain ripped through the central portion of the Colville Indian Reservation and scattered to the east starting at 1637 hours and continuing until 2035 hours.  Reports show there were approximately 700 lightning strikes causing 11 fires on Tuesday and Wednesday. Currently five fires burned up to 56 acres near Owhi Lake east of Nespelem, WA.  All fires have been lined and are in mop up. No structures were threatened.

Firefighters from MTFC have been working around the clock since Tuesday. Other resources include local contractors, tribal programs, 1 engine from Coeur d'Alene Tribe, 2 engines with a 10 man crew from the Flathead Reservation and 1 Helicopter from Fort Apache Reservation scheduled to arrive this evening.

Eastern Washington is under a red flag warning until 2300 hours Friday. This evening wind gusts are expected to reach 20 – 25 MPH. Cooler weather is expected tomorrow but smoke and ash from several off reservation fires is expected to be an ongoing issue. Due to dense smoke in the Okanogan/Omak area all

aircraft have been grounded.

Air Quality for the Colville Reservation :

·       Omak - Very Unhealthy - Health alert: everyone may experience more serious health effects.

·       Nespelem – Unhealthy -Everyone may begin to experience health effects;

members of sensitive groups may experience more serious health effects.

·       Inchelium and Keller - Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups

The Colville Reservation dealt with a minimal snow pack followed by a dry Spring with no relief as the hot Summer temperatures and low humidity introduced an early fire season.  To date there has been 23 lightning caused fires burning 890 acres and 38 human caused fires burning 1,870 acres.

BE FIRE SAFE

Report all fires to: Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation

Mount Tolman Fire Center

Prevention Office

P.O. Box 188

Keller, Washington 99140

509-634-3100

800-556-4002

Public Safety Notice:

At this time Mount Tolman is

Not authorizing:

Burn Barrels Debris Pile Burning