8/2/2015 North Boulder 2 Fire Update

North Boulder 2 Fire

August 2, 2015 – Noon

Fire Information:    

Email: NorthBoulder2Fire@gmail.com

Website:  www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4411/

Today at 0600, Nevada Type 3 Incident Management Team, under the leadership of Incident Commander Clay Stephens, assumed command of the North Boulder 2 fire. The fire is located 3 ½ miles southwest of Orient, Washington, on the Colville National Forest.  Local fire teams are engaged in other incidents or were otherwise unavailable for dispatch to this fire. 

This smaller organization of about 20 fire managers and support staff, along with six fire crews, will manage fire suppression activities through the weekend and in to next week.  The threat to forest resources and adjacent private property has been significantly reduced so fewer resources are now required to meet fire suppression objectives.

The North Boulder 2 fire, which started from a lightning strike on July 20, is now 233 acres. Fire crews will work to safely fortify the completed direct fire line, which now completely encircles the fire.  Additionally, crews are working to ensure the security of the fire perimeter, thereby preventing the fire from escaping.

Smoke may be visible within the interior of the fire perimeter until significant rainfall occurs. The weather will continue to be warm and dry through Monday as high pressure dominates the region. Temperatures will remain well above normal through today. The ridge of high pressure will begin to break down early next week for cooler temps and a chance for showers and thunderstorms.

Visitors and residents are urged to use caution and reduce their speed on the Boulder Creek Road (Ferry Co 602) in the fire area, and along Hwy 395, as fire traffic has increased congestion in the area.

The Ferry County Sheriff has recommended that the public avoid floating on the Kettle River, between the Main Street Bridge in Orient and “I Rock” beach, so helicopters engaged in fire suppression activities can safely fill the buckets. For questions or concerns regarding floating the river, please contact the Ferry County Sheriff’s Office at 509-775-3132.