8/27/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

Kettle Complex Fire Update

Fire Information 509-724-0040 or StickpinFireInfo@gmail.com

All fires in the region anticipate more intense fire behavior today due to predicted
winds from the southwest with gusts up to 25 miles per hour.

As firefighters prepare for changing fire and weather conditions, correct selection of
strategies and tactics will continue to be based on the number one priority of safety of the
public and firefighters. Structure protection, constructing direct fireline, and creating indirect
containment line will be used to halt the spread of the fire where possible. Helicopters and
air tankers are available to be used if the smoke clears and visibility allows.

Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire at 6:00 am
today. Incoming and outgoing team members shared information to ensure a smooth
transition for line personnel who remain on the incident.

The Stickpin Fire is now estimated at 48,885 acres and is 20% contained. Crews worked
Wednesday to hold and improve fireline along the west side of the fire. The upper end of the
Lone Ranch Road and the upper end of Long Alec Creek Road are particular areas where
dozers and crews concentrated their efforts to halt fire spread.
Crews and fireline supervisors from BC Forestry are key resources on the north end of the
fire. Canadian air tankers are available to assist in the fire suppression efforts for areas
north of Boulder Creek Road.

Yesterday, crews working on hazard reduction along the Boulder Creek Road made good
progress. Ferry County Public Works, Ferry County Sheriff’s office, Incident Management
Team personnel, and the US Forest Service are all working together to remove hazard trees,
making the road safer for emergency response and fire personnel. The National Guard is
assisting by providing traffic control for passing firefighters during the operation.

Renner Fire: The Renner Fire is approximately 11,200 acres and is 15% contained. Fire
personnel are working on this fire 24 hours a day. Direct fireline has been completed on the
east side of the fire from Deadman Creek Road to Renner Lake. Structure protection
southwest of the fire in the Deadman Creek/Jackknife Road area remains a high priority, as
well as completing fireline along the north end of the fire. An additional fire camp has been
established off Highway 395 to reduce drive time for fire personnel working on the fire.
Wednesday evening, over 100 people attended a community meeting in Orient. Residents
on the east side of the fires were able to get in-person updates from the incident
management team, Red Cross, and Ferry County Sheriff’s Department.

Roy Road Fire: The 120-acre Roy Road Fire is in the final phases of mop-up.

Closure Information: Deer Creek-Boulder Creek County Road 602 is closed because of
significant hazards through the fire area. Highway 20 is recommended as an alternate route.
The portion of the Colville National Forest from the Canadian Border to Highway 20,
between Highway 21 and US Highway 395 is closed. All trails, roads, and access are
temporarily closed due to extreme fire activity. No campfires, charcoal or chainsaw use are
allowed. There are additional road closures in the area due to other incidents – visit
www.wsdot.wa.gov for details.

Evacuation/Aid Information: The level 3 evacuation is from Mile Marker 247 to Mile Marker
253 to the west of Highway 395, which includes the Matsen Creek Community including
Matsen Creek Road, Jackknife Road and Deadman Creek Road, Anderson Road, Harter
Rd, Pool Rd., Carson Rd, BJ’s Road, and Murphy Rd. Red Cross shelters are established at
Grace Evangelical Free Church, 851 S. Miner St., Colville, the American Legion, 1057
Highway 395 N, Kettle Falls and the Inchelium Community Health Center, 39 Shortcut
Road, Inchelium.

Northeast Washington Wildfire Updates: 509-684-7260 509-684-7261 509-684-7