8/20/2015 North Star Evening Update

NORTH STAR FIRE UPDATE

Thursday 08/20/2015 –11:00PM

                                      

Acres: 88,000                                     Start Date: August 13, 2015                                                                           

Cause: Under investigation                Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Nespelem, WA.

Containment: 0%                              Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass and understory

Structures Threatened: 700 +         Total personnel: 331

                                                                       

Today’s Actions: Extreme fire behavior (torching, spotting, uphill runs and multiple columns) was observed within the fire area. Tempetures were in the high 80’s with relative humidity 15% -20%, southwest winds were 10 – 20mph with gusts up to 25mph. Red Flag warnings continue until Friday at11:00PM. Crews continued to build indirect dozer lines, assess road systems and scouted possible tie in points with highway 155. These actions provided protection of critical communications sites, reinforced firelines and enhanced protection.

      

Tomorrow’s Actions:  The Tunk Block Fire, in the west, has crossed Highway 20 at mile post 269. The fire is anticipated to move into the Aeneas Valley by late tonight or early morning.  Keeping public and incident personnel safety in mind, fire mangers highly recommend that the public avoid the roads into and around Aeneas Valley.  With a predicted cold front moving into the area overnight, extreme fire behavior is anticipated. Although temperatures will be cooler, large fire growth is expected.  Fire managers will seek opportunities for longer term indirect line placement and will aid with evacuation coordination in surrounding communities.  Crews will continue to provide protection of critical communication sites as well as completing point protection and burnout operations where feasible. 

EVACUATIONS:

Stage 3 evacuations are in effect for all of Aeneas Valley.

The area northeast of Nespelem is still under Level 3 evacuations with the addition of South Nanamkin Creek north to the reservation boundary on Highway 21; Nespelem Creek, Owhi Creek, Owhi Flats, Cambell areas.

Colville Indian Reservation is closed to the public due to extreme fire danger.

Fire Information:

Inciweb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4524/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/North-Star-Fire/719347344836918

Phone: 509-634-2194

Email: Northstarfire2015@gmail.com

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