Saturday, August 22, 2015

8/22/2015 North Star Fire UPdate

NORTH STAR FIRE UPDATE
Friday 08/21/2015 –11:00PM

                                      
Acres: 126,522                                    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: 2000 +         Total personnel: 338
                                                                       
Community Meeting Tonight, Saturday, August 22, 2015, 4:00 PM
Lake Roosevelt High School, 503 Civic Way, Coulee Dam, WA 99116.

Today’s Actions: Initial reports indicated that the Tunk Block Fire and North Star Fire had merged, however this proved to be inconclusive. When more precise mapping is available, fire managers will able to more accurately determine the perimeters of the fires.  Forecasted fire behavior for today has potential for large fire growth and very active fire behavior.  Constuction of direct and indirect dozer lines north of Nespelem will continue. Fire managers will assess road systems and conduct burnout operations where feasible. Crews will continue protection of critical communications sites and reinforce firelines to enhance community protection. Smoke senitive indiviuals should take precautionary measures and stay inside when possible. Please visit http://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=49 for more air quality information.

Yesterday’s Actions: Crews evaluated opportunities to build direct and indirect lines using natural barriers and roads around the fire perimeter. Fire operations continued into the early morning hours conducting burnout operations in support of structure and infrastructure protection and reinforcing fire lines around affected communities. Extreme fire behavior was observed yesterday. Structure assessment continued in the Aeneas Valley and other surrounding areas. The fire displayed extreme behavior with wind driven runs, group torching and spotting. Though many structures are still threatened, no structures have been lost in the North Star Fire.


EVACUATIONS:
Stage 3 evacuations are still in effect for all of Aeneas Valley.
The area northeast of Nespelem is still under Level 3 evacuations.
Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas are closed to the public due to extreme fire danger.

CLOSURES:
Highway 21 from Bridge Creek Road north to the Reservation boundary is closed; Highway 155 is closed from Nespelem west to Omak. 

FIRE INFORMATION:
Phone: 509-634-2194

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