07/09/2015 Little Spokane Fire and 231 Fire AM updates

Little Spokane Fire is located in Riverside State Park near mile marker 10 off Highway 291, and started at approximately 5 PM, Monday, July 6. The 231 Fire, located seven miles south of Springdale, started on Friday, July 3 around 3PM, and is burning on state and private land. The cause of both fires are under investigation. Public and firefighter safety is a significant concern, and incident management personnel are looking at options to minimize acres burned where conditions allow. There are approximately 300 total personnel.

Little Spokane Fire: The Little Spokane Fire is 176 acres and is 0% contained. There is a line around the fire and firefighters will continue to work today to strengthen that line. Smoke will continue to be visible.  Painted Rocks trailhead is closed. There are 17 homes at the top of the ridge under a level 2 evacuation. Traffic along Highway 291 was heavy in the fire area yesterday, and travelers are urged to be cautious and watch for fire personnel. Five 20-person crews, 3 water tenders, 7 engines, and 1 dozer are assigned to Little Spokane Fire.

231 Fire:  Crews have a line constructed around the fire and are working to hold that line. Crews continue to seek and extinguish all pockets of heat within 200 feet of the fire perimeter. Crews continue to mop-up and patrol the fire perimeter. Smoke will continue to be visible on the interior of the fire. One

20-person crew, 3 engines, a dozer, and 4 water tenders are assigned to 231 Fire.

Weather Outlook: Hot and dry conditions will continue – maximum temperature will be 100 degrees with terrain driven winds at 4-6 mph. Humidity will be 14 – 18 percent.

Burn Restrictions: Stevens County has banned ALL open burning in unincorporated areas of Stevens County.  Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark has banned all outdoor fires, including campfires and fireworks, on Washington State DNR protected lands.

Evacuation Information: There are 17 homes in a level 2 evacuation above the Little Spokane Fire. Evacuation levels remain at a level 1 in the 231 fire area as well.

Closures: Lake Spokane Campground and boat launch remain closed. Riverside State Park has closed the Painted Rock Trailhead. Area roads are closed in the Little Spokane Fire area.

Injuries: There have been five injuries; a fall in camp and heat related illness.  Heat related illness is a significant concern today and all efforts will be made to keep firefighters safe and hydrated today.

Cooperating Agencies: Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Stevens County Fire District 1, Spokane Fire District 4, Spokane Fire District 9