8/28/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

Kettle Complex Fire Update 

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

Thursday’s winds did not affect the Kettle Complex as much as other fires in the region. Smoke blanketed most of the fires, and once again, air resources were grounded due to the poor visibility.
Specific crews, engines, and fireline supervisors have been identified to assist with protecting structures in the Republic area, if the North Star fire behavior increases. These resources will be fully engaged with fire suppression tasks throughout the day on Kettle Complex, yet able to move if needed.

The Stickpin Fire is now estimated at 50,396 acres. Through an established international operating agreement, 3 crews along with fireline supervisors and heavy equipment from British Columbia are constructing the fireline along the north end of the fire. The objective is to use tactics that will keep fire from threatening Christina Lake and Grand Forks BC, the Highway 395 corridor, and the Orient watershed. The north end of the fire is approximately 4.7 kilometers south of the Canadian border.

Along the western edge of the fire, from the upper reaches of Lone Ranch Creek Road all the way down to St. Peter’s Creek Road, fireline is being strengthened through small burnout operations. There are a few short pieces where segments of fireline still need to be connected.

A community meeting is scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 4:00 pm at the Malo Grange, to give people an opportunity to get an update directly from the Incident Management Team.

Renner Fire: The Renner Fire is approximately 11,776 acres. On the northern end of the fire, close to Renner Lake Road, crews completed small burnout operations to decrease the gap between the constructed firelines and the burned area. By burning the brush and grass slowly and deliberately, firefighters create a safer place to work. This tactic strengthens containment lines. On the east side of the fire, from Barstow down to Deadman Creek Road, few smokes or hot spots were found. Smoke and embers from the Graves Mountain fire were reported falling west of the Renner fire on Thursday evening. Structure protection remains a high priority. 6 engines, a hand crew, and 2 dozers worked through the night on the fire and the roads closest to the fire.

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 remains 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.

Evacuation/Aid Information: Ferry County 911The 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.