9/12/2015 North Star and Tunk Block Fire Update

Tunk Block Fire: Fire managers are calling most of the west side of the fire contained and fairly cold. Good progress was made along other uncontained areas on the eastern perimeter and mop up continues. Suppression repair has begun to the north along some dozer line and plans for further repair efforts are underway and fire managers are expecting the arrival of resources to conduct those repairs.

North Star Fire: Firefighters found some of the firing operations to the north and east had left portions of the line unevenly burned those areas will be mopped up, and burning off ground fuels completed, as weather and other conditions allow. A few areas continue to burn actively in the warmer temperatures and smoke was visible on Friday, but good progress was made holding the line. Mop up and firing for strategic objectives will continue as opportunities become available to clean up green islands and widen the black line. Assessments are beginning to build a suppression repair plan for the fire area.

Weather: The weather is expected to be even warmer and dryer Saturday and people can expect to see increased fire activity and smoke. Sunday’s forecast is for slightly cooler temperatures although the lower humidity will continue.

EOC: Damage assessments are continuing, however, the final number of structures that were damaged and destroyed has not been confirmed. Okanogan County Emergency Management Services has an online Damage Assessment Form for people who have lost a primary residence in the fire. Go to http://okanogandem.org/ or contact the Okanogan County EOC at 509-422-7206

Evacuations: Evacuation levels in the area along Highway 155 and much of the area south of Highway 20 are currently at Level 1 or 2. Highway 21, from McMann Creek south to Bridge Creek and the Moses Meadows area are at Level 2. For the most current evacuation information, please contact your closest Emergency Operations Center (EOC).

Closures: Much of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remains open to recreation, but closures on National Forest Lands east of Tonasket and south of Highway 20 on the Tonasket Ranger District remain in effect; this includes hunting and woodcutting. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas within the fires, are closed. See the map at http://tinyurl.com/OkaWen-Closure-Map for specific closure areas.