Tuesday, August 25, 2015

8/24/2015 North Star Fire Update

NORTH STAR FIRE UPDATE
Monday 08/24/2015 –9:00PM
                                      
Acres: 150,000                                    Start Date: August 13, 2015                                                                         
Cause: Under investigation                 Location: Approximately 12 miles north of Nespelem, WA.
Containment: 5%                               Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass and understory
Structures Threatened: 2000 +         Total personnel: 539
Community Meeting Tuesday, August 25, 2015, 4:00 PM
Republic Elementary School, 30306 East Hwy 20 Republic, WA 99166.


Tomorrow’s Actions: Crews will continue work overnight constructing direct and indirect lines, providing point protection while also maintaining an anchor point in the southeast section of the fire northeast of Owhi Lake. Red flag conditions will remain until 9PM. Scouting will continue via air on the western side of the fire, due to the proximity of the Tunk Block Fire. Structure protection and support for residences continues in all areas. Fire managers will be assessing placement of direct and indirect lines helping with the protection of West Fork, along Highway 21 corridor and the town of Republic. Smoke is still impacting local communities. Smoke sensitive individuals 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. Though many structures are still threatened, no structures have been lost in the North Star Fire.

Today’s Actions: The fire showed little growth today as it expanded to 150,000 acres.  Fire behavior was variable throughout the day, generally backing, flanking and occasional torching within the perimeter. Helicopters continued providing water drops for crews around Nespelem to strengthen fire perimeter lines. An anchor point has been established on the southeast edge of the fire, near Owhi Flats, using direct line tactics to protect communities to the south.  Fire managers assessed road systems and conducted burnout operations where feasible. Crews continued protection of critical communications sites and reinforced firelines to enhance community protection. Structure assessment continued in the surrounding areas.

EVACUATIONS:
No New Evacuations
Highway 21 from the Colville Indian Reservation boundary north to McMann Creek.
Stage 3 evacuations are still in effect for residents in Moses Mountain Community, Haden Creek, including Owhi Flats, Disautel, along Highway 155, all of Aeneas Valley and West Fork.

CLOSURES:
Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forests closure east of Tonasket and south of highway 20.  
Highway 21 from Bridge Creek Road north to the Reservation boundary is closed. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas are closed to the public due to extreme fire danger.

Volunteer Information: www.dnr.wa.gov/WildfireVolunteer

FIRE INFORMATION:
Phone: 509-634-2194

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