8/10/2014 AM Devil's Elbow Complex Update

Last night crews initiated the first of several large, planned burnout operations on the south side of the fire at McAllister Creek. Over 100 firefighters did a burnout to reduce the fuel between the containment lines and the wildfire itself, ensuring that the fire never gets too large to overwhelm the containment barrier. Plans are to complete the southwestern anchor today and continue working northward to join forces with those coming south along the South Nanamkin Road tonight. This will create a strong barrier to fire movement on the western perimeter of the fire and Hwy 21.

Major burnout operations will be initiated tonight on the southeast flank of the fire. If conditions allow burnout will be done along Bridge Creek Road, Upper Bridge Creek Road, and Keno Trail system.

“Today and tonight are critical opportunities for safe, aggressive, effective firefighting,” said Larry Nickey, incident commander with Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #4. This fire increases activity every afternoon, creating big columns of smoke and making intense pushes to the east and northeast. “We need to strengthen our southern anchor so we can work to the north to capture an eastern containment opportunity before the fire gets past this road system.” Over 120 firefighters are scheduled for night shift tonight to implement this operation.

Fuel and weather conditions remain dry, contributing to near-record-setting fire intensity. Crown fire runs, torching and complete consumption of large logs and debris remaining from a 2012 windstorm is occurring. Firefighters have been warned to be alert to potential spotting of up to one mile.

The northern portion of the fire is approaching the Twentyfive Mile Road system. As containment progresses on other divisions, that area is the next priority for significant containment line expansion. Routes have been identified, improvements have been initiated, and with the benefit of retardant to slow and hold the fire’s approach, there should be time to create needed barriers to the north.

The 17,098-acre fire, burning 10 miles north of Keller, continues to threaten nearly 150 homes and 90 other structures along Hwy 21 which remains closed to the public. Thirty-two residents living nearest the fire have been evacuated. Others who live near the fire have received notice to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

Quick Facts:

Fire Size: Approximately

17,098 acres

Location: 10 miles north of Keller, Washington Approximately 150 homes and

90 other structures threatened.

One non-occupied home and two out-buildings burned.

 

Containment: Four percent

One firefighter injury.

SHELTER FOR DISPLACED RESIDENTS:

Keller Community Center

11669 Highway 21

Keller, Washington

509 634-2190

509 634-7321

COMMUNITY MEETING: Monday August 11, 7:00 pm Keller Community Center