7/26/2015 Blue Creek Fire Update for July 26

Incident Summary: The Blue Creek Fire, located ten miles east of Walla Walla, started on Monday, July 20 around 12:30 PM. The fire was human-caused and is under investigation. The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber on state-protected private land.

Current Situation: All efforts are being made to minimize acres burned and keep the fire out of the Mill Creek Watershed. The fire has not burned into the watershed. Fire managers are cautiously optimistic that the tremendous work completed by the firefighters will keep the fire north and west of the Klicker Mountain Road and the Mill Creek Watershed. Fuel continues to burn in the interior and smoke will be visible. Motorists in the area are asked to drive cautiously and watch for firefighters and apparatus.

Planned Actions Today: Firefighters continue to construct firelines, strengthen existing lines, and provide structure protection. The southern and eastern portions of the fire will continue to be the focus today, as crews solidify firelines along the Mill Creek Watershed boundary. Mop up activities continue on the northern, western and northeastern portions of the fire. Firefighters will be engaged on the fire twenty-four hours a day. Aviation resources will be used to provide support to the ground resources.

Crews will be patrolling the fire with hand held infrared devices (palm IR) to locate pockets of heat not visible to the human eye. They will be working within 500 feet of all structures and 200 feet around the fire perimeter. This is to ensure the firelines are secure and a flare up won’t occur. Palm IR crews work in pairs and travel on foot. Teams will work around the clock if conditions allow, but the devices are most effective in cooler overnight temperatures. When a pocket of heat is located, it is marked with a ribbon or flag. Hand crews will follow behind Palm IR teams to fully extinguish detected heat pockets. Residents are asked not to remove any ribbons or flags on their property.

Weather Outlook: A low pressure system will be moving into the region today bringing cooler temperatures and higher humidity. South-southwest winds will be from 12-17 mph with gusts to 40 mph.

Evacuation Information: Level 3: Blue Creek Road, Klicker Mountain Road because of firefighters and apparatus in the immediate vicinity. It is requested that people leave these areas so that firefighters may work safely. There are no Level 2 or Level 1 evacuation orders.

Closures: Traffic control points remain at 5 Points and at Blue Creek Road. Only local traffic will be allowed past the traffic control point. The Umatilla National Forest has lifted the forest closure. Blacksnake Ridge Road from Five Points to Klicker Mountain Road is closed to vehicle traffic at the request of firefighters and the Sheriff.

Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources Southeast Region, Walla Walla County Fire District 4, Washington State Patrol, Washington State Fire Marshal, Walla Walla Emergency Management Department, Walla Walla County Sheriff, Columbia County EMD, USDA Forest Service Umatilla National Forest

Injuries: 7 (bee stings, twisted ankle, moderate burn to leg)