8/9/2014 AM Devil's Elbow Fire Update

Devil’s Elbow Fire burns actively in the afternoons, but retardant provides critical time to construct fire containment lines

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Nespelem, Wash., -- Large columns of smoke and steam were visible yesterday afternoon above three major fronts on the southwest, north and east sides of the Devil’s Elbow Fire. They were the result of dry fuels actively burning during the hottest part of the day. The fire grew to 13,400 acres. Many loads of water and fire retardant were applied from the air. This

checked the fire’s spread, keeping it within the planned containment area, slowing its approach to control lines until they are sufficiently strong and ready to hold.

Fuel and weather conditions remain dry, causing near-record- setting fire heat and energy release. 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.

There was excellent work yesterday and continued progress

last night to prepare and strengthen those planned containment lines.

On the west side of the fire, dozer and hand line have been built from the valley bottom at McAllister Creek in the south to connect with ridgetop roads that lead 4 miles north to the South Nanamkin Road system. With preparation today, it should be ready to burn out the large amounts of fuel remaining between

it and the fire tonight, making a barrier to any further southern spread on the west side of Hwy 21.

Similarly, the South Nanamkin Road is being brushed and cleared to anchor the north end of that containment line to areas that have already been cleared and burned out on the valley bottom at Hwy 21.

On the east side of the fire, north of Bridge Creek, containment lines based on the Keno Mine Trail roads are being improved to tie northward into the Thirty Mile Road. That area will not be ready for major burn out operations until Sunday night.

The northern portion of the fire is approaching the Twentyfive Mile Road system. As new resources arrive and work is completed 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 the fire’s approach, there should be time to create needed barriers there

 The 13,400-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. 32 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. The residents of Keller and the Colville Confederated Tribes have expressed gratitude to firefighters for their hard work to save homes and protect resources. A community meeting will occur at the Community Center in Keller on

Monday August 11 at 7:00 pm

Evacuation notifications could change as planned burnout operations take place. They currently are as follows:

·       Level 3 along Hwy 21 from Capoose Creek/Meadow to the South Nanamkin Road. This indicates an

immediate threat and people should leave the area

immediately.

·       Level 2 Evacuations exist for Hwy 21 between the South Nanamkin Road and the gravel pit that is just north of the North Nanamkin Road; the Bridge Creek Road from Hwy 21 to the Keno Mine Campground; and Hwy 21 from Capoose Creek to Cache Creek Road. Residents should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.

·       Level 1 Evacuation notification exists along Hwy 21 north from the gravel pit near the North Nanamkin Road to the Bear Creek Campground. People should be alert to fire activity in their area.

The Cache Creek Road, Bridge Creek Road and Hwy 21 between Cache Creek Road and Bridge Creek Road are currently open. They may close temporarily ANYTIME as needed to protect public safety. Evacuation Levels and road closures can change with little notice. They will be posted on Inciweb  www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4059 as they occur. Residents should follow instructions given by law enforcement and drive slowly because of the potential for smoke, firefighter traffic, and cattle on these roadways.