07/08/2015 Twenty-One Mile Grade Fire AM update

The Twenty-One Mile Grade Fire began on the afternoon of July 1 and is now approximately 2,250 acres. It is located approximately 25 miles north of Keller,WA and east of Hwy 21..

No fire growth occurred yesterday or overnight.  No growth is expected today; however, abnormally hot and dry conditions will return.

Safety concerns for today are:

•    Hot and dry weather will return to the area today.

•    Increased traffic  will continue due to summer recreationists  and fire traffic.

•    Fireworks continue to be a major concern.  Fireworks are NOT allowed and Tribal Police will be strictly enforcing fines and penalties.

Firefighters continued to make great progress while facing continuing hazards of steep terrain, snags in stands weakened by the fire,and falling/rolling rocks. The fire is completely lined and crews on all portions of the fire continue to strengthen and hold those lines. Seven crews have been supported in spike camps on the northeast and northwest corners of the fire and have done a tremendous job in securing the line across the northern perimeter of the fire in extremely steep terrain.  At least some of those crews will be spiked out again tonight to ensure that portion of the fire is secure. Helicopters continued to drop water cooling down hotspots along the lines.

Three minor injuries have occurred to date on this incident. All were treated and the firefighters returned to the line.

Release of resources whose work has been completed will begin today and will continue through Thursday and Friday.

Travelers are advised to drive defensively on Hwy 21 due  to heavy volume of recreational traffic and emergency vehicles. One lane traffic controlled by flaggers will be experienced at an oil spill recovery site between Keller and the fire with an anticipated 20-minute wait time.