231 Fire Update
Fire Information: 509-724-0040
Acres Burned: approx.
880 acres
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures Destroyed: 5 structures
Closures: Lake Spokane Campground and boat launch
Containment: 0%
Cause: Under Investigation
Structures Destroyed: 5 structures
Closures: Lake Spokane Campground and boat launch
Containment: 0%
Incident Summary: The 231 Fire, located seven miles south of Springdale, started on Friday, July 3 around 3PM. The cause is under investigation. The fire is burning
in
grass, brush
and
timber on state
and private land.
Current Situation: Firefighters continue to
arrive to work on the 231 fire. With the limited number of
resources available
due to statewide fire
conditions, incident management personnel are
placing resources
in the most critical
areas. A red flag warning has been issued in the area for today, which
is a concern fire managers. Public and firefighter safety is a
significant
concern, and
incident management personnel are
looking at all
options for suppression. Fire crews from across the state are arriving to
assist Stevens County Fire District 1
with structure
protection
under the State Mobilization Act as
approved by the Chief of the State Patrol
and
the State
Fire Marshal. Firefighters are also assisting Stevens County Fire District 1 in
initial attack of any new incidents that occur in the fire
area.
Planned Actions
Today:
Firefighters will
continue to build
upon the success during
initial attack; crews continue to construct and
reinforce
firelines around the fire perimeter. Firelines have
been established on
the south, west and east flanks of the fire – crews will work today to strengthen
these lines. The fire is active
on the north
side and is burning in privately owned timber.
Fire
personnel
are looking for
opportunities, but the
steep and rocky terrain limits access for equipment and firefighters. Firefighters
will be engaged on the fire twenty four
hours a day as additional resources arrive.
Burn Restrictions: Stevens County has banned ALL open burning in unincorporated areas of
Stevens
County effective today.
Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark has
banned all outdoor fires, including campfires and fireworks, on Washington State DNR
protected lands.
Weather Outlook: Hot and
dry conditions continue
to prevail
in the fire area; high temperatures are expected to be in the mid-90’s. There
is a Red Flag Warning
in the area until 1 PM. A red flag warning means that
critical fire weather
conditions are either occurring now or will shortly. A combination of
strong
winds, low relative
humidity and warm
temperatures will
create extreme fire growth
potential.
Evacuation Information: Homes in the fire area will be reduced to
a level 1 evacuation later
today.
Level
one means residents are
asked to be aware there
is a fire in the area.
Residents will
be allowed to
re-enter their homes but
are asked to be aware that conditions may change. A Red
Cross shelter has been
established
Mary Walker
High School in
Springdale.
Closures: The Washington Department of Natural Resources issued a closure for the Lake Spokane
Campground and boat launch. Highway 231 has reopened; firefighters are still
in the
area
and
motorists
are asked to slow down and be
cautious.
Injuries: One firefighter was transported to a hospital in Spokane for heat related illness.
Cooperating Agencies: Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Stevens County Fire
District 1
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