Sunday, July 5, 2015

7/5/2015 231 Fire Update

231 Fire Update

Fire Information: 509-724-0040

Acres Burned:  approx. 880 acres
Cause:  Under Investigation
Structures Destroyed:  5 structures

C
losures:  Lake Spokane Campground and boat launch
Containment:  0%


Incident Summary: The 231 Fire, located seven miles south of Springdale, started on Friday, July 3 around 3PM. The cause is under investigation. The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber on state and private land.

Current Situation:  Firefighters continue to arrive to work on the 231 fire. With the limited number of resources available due to statewide fire conditions, incident management personnel are placing resources in the most critical areas. A red flag warning has been issued in the area for today, which is a concern fire managers. Public and firefighter safety is a significant concern, and incident management personnel are looking at all options for suppression. Fire crews from across the state are arriving to assist Stevens County Fire District 1 with structure protection under the State Mobilization Act as approved by the Chief of the State Patrol and the State Fire Marshal. Firefighters are also assisting Stevens County Fire District 1 in initial attack of any new incidents that occur in the fire area.

Planned Actions Today:  Firefighters will continue to build upon the success during initial attack; crews continue to construct and reinforce firelines around the fire perimeter. Firelines have been established on the south, west and east flanks of the fire crews will work today to strengthen these lines. The fire is active on the north side and is burning in privately owned timber.  Fire personnel are looking for opportunities, but the steep and rocky terrain limits access for equipment and firefighters.  Firefighters
will be engaged on the fire twenty four hours a day as additional resources arrive.

Burn Restrictions: Stevens County has banned ALL open burning in unincorporated areas of Stevens County effective today.  Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark has banned all outdoor fires, including campfires and fireworks, on Washington State DNR protected lands.

Weather Outlook: Hot and dry conditions continue to prevail in the fire area; high temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90s. There is a Red Flag Warning in the area until 1 PM. A red flag warning means that critical fire weather conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity and warm temperatures will create extreme fire growth potential.

Evacuation Information: Homes in the fire area will be reduced to a level 1 evacuation later today.
Level one means residents are asked to be aware there is a fire in the area.  Residents will be allowed to re-enter their homes but are asked to be aware that conditions may change. A Red Cross shelter has been established Mary Walker High School in Springdale.

Closures: The Washington Department of Natural Resources issued a closure for the Lake Spokane Campground and boat launch. Highway 231 has reopened; firefighters are still in the area and motorists are asked to slow down and be cautious.

Injuries: One firefighter was transported to a hospital in Spokane for heat related illness.

Cooperating Agencies: Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Stevens County Fire
District 1

No comments:

Post a Comment

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.