7/31/2015 Blue Creek Fire AM Update

FIRE STATUS  

Acres Burned: 6,004 acres

Cause:  Human – Under Investigation 

Structures Destroyed:  1 primary, 11 outbuildings 

Closures: Local roads 

Evacuations: Level 1

Containment:  95%  
Total personnel:  200
Injuries: 11
 

RESOURCES

Crews:  5

Engines: 15

Dozers: 3

Water Tenders: 4

Helicopters: 2

Transition: Today the type 3 incident management organization assumed responsibility for the Blue Creek Fire. This smaller organization of about 20 managers and support staff will guide the fire fighters through the weekend and into next week. The transition was made possible by the tremendous suppression efforts accomplished over the past 10 days by local fire district personnel, Washington Incident Management Team 1 and the many visiting fire fighters who worked the lines both day and night. The threat to the Mill Creek Watershed, homes and cabins in the area and adjacent land owners has been reduced significantly so that fewer resources are needed to meet fire suppression objectives.

Current Situation:  Fire personnel will continue to mop up, patrol and monitor. Smoke will be visible and possibly even open flame during the night within the interior of the fire until significant rainfall occurs. Motorists in the area are asked to drive cautiously and watch for firefighters and apparatus both day and night. Two helicopters remain available as needed; all others have been released to assist other incidents.  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4401/ will be updated until

the Type 3 team departs.

Fire Prevention: Fire science research and case studies reveal that it is not where a home is located that necessarily determines risk, but the landscape around it, often referred as the “home ignition zone”. The home ignition zone is designated as the home and its immediate surroundings up to 200 ft. It is quite common to have neighbors whose ignition zone overlaps yours. Buildings that are closer than 100 feet apart can ignite each other if they are in flames. To be most effective, neighbors need to work together and with their local fire service to increase wildfire safety.  For more information, visit www.firewise.org.

Evacuation Information: Blue Creek Road, Klicker Mountain Road and Blacksnake Ridge

Road were lowered to Level 1, meaning residents can return with caution.

Closures: Blue Creek Road and Klicker Mountain Road remain closed. Only local traffic will be allowed past the traffic control point.

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