Columbia River Road August 12, 2008 0800 Hrs Updat
Incident: Columbia River Road Wildland Fire
Released: 8/12/2008
As the weather becomes increasingly warm and dry, hundreds of firefighting personnel are working diligently to contain and control the Columbia River Road Fire. Last night the existing containment lines were maintained and improved. The most significant gaps remaining are in heavy timber on the West perimeter near the Whitmore Lookout and in more open pine forest on the North perimeter at a ridge between Kartar Road and the Dan Nason Road. The dry fuels and steep terrain have made line construction and expansion challenging.
The fire's movement has been mostly terrain-driven, travelling up-hills and up-valleys.
Today's weather forecast includes winds increasing to 5 to 9 mph and gusts of 15 mph potentially coinciding with the active afternoon burning period.
The weather is forecast to become increasingly warm and dry. Temperatures today (upper-70's on the ridges and upper-80's in the valleys) are approximately 5-7º warmer than yesterday. The minimum relative humidity will be approximately 2-4% lower today than yesterday. Temperatures exceeding 100º F are forecast for later this week.
The effort on the ground is receiving support from diverse air resources that have been applying retardant and water regularly. Among other aircraft, a total of three Type 1 helicopters, capable of carrying 1300 to 1500 gallons of water per load, are now assigned to the fire.
Roads near and inside the fire are closed to non-residents. The Columbia River Road is closed between Omak (at Cameron Lake Road) and Nespelem (Schoolhouse Loop Road). The roads leading into the fire areas from Hwy 155 are all closed to non-residents. This includes an area from Coyote Canyon Road to Haley Creek Road. A contingency plan that includes the scenario of the fire threatening Hwy 155 has been developed and would be implemented by local law enforcement authorities if needed.
The 20 threatened homes within the fire area remain under an Evacuation Level 1 advisement. Protection lines have been installed and mop-up is progressing. Residents are aware of the fire and are not restricted from their homes.
The South perimeter of the fire is well contained and is being mopped up. Mop-up standards describe that within 500 feet of any structure and within 200 feet of the fire perimeter will be completely extinguished and cool.
Coordination is occurring between the Colville Confederated Tribes, State, Federal, and local agencies to ensure that this fire is safely brought under control.
