8/29/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

Kettle Complex Fire Update

Fire Information 509-724-0040 or StickpinFireInfo@gmail

Saturday’s winds will be much stronger as a cold front moves into the area in the
morning, with constant winds in the afternoon of 20 miles per hour and gusts
reaching 45 miles per hour at higher elevations. Air resources could be grounded
due to the high winds.Light showers may bring up to 0.25 inches of rain through
tomorrow. Air quality specialists predict air quality could improve in some areas, with the
level of health concern falling to the moderate range over the next two days.
Specific crews, engines, and fireline supervisors are ready to assist with protecting
structures in the Republic area, if needed.

The Stickpin Fire is now estimated at 53,469 acres (21,638 hectares). Crews on the
northwest corner of the fire were prevented from using controlled burning due to
increased humidity but the fire is being held in place with firelines they have
constructed. On the northeast corner of the fire, three crews from BC Wildfire Service
along with fireline supervisors and heavy equipment made progress constructing fireline
to reduce the threat to Christina Lake and Grand Forks BC, the Highway 395 corridor,
and the Orient watershed. Canadian helicopter operations may continue along the
northeast corner if weather allows. The north end of the fire is still approximately 4.7
kilometers (2.9 miles) south of the Canadian border.

Along the western edge of the fire, firefighters continue to strengthen and connect
segments of the fireline to protect the Route 21 corridor. Firefighters along the
southwest edge of the fire completed direct fireline construction to reduce the risk of fire
advancing south and impacting the Sherman Pass (Highway 20). On the southeast
side of the fire, options are being examined for effective fireline locations.

Renner Fire: The Renner Fire is approximately 12,495 acres. Firefighters enhanced
the fire line along the southwest edge of the fire to help protect structures south of Davis
Lake and on the southeast to protect structures in the Deadman Creek area. On the
east side of the fire, fireline has been in place for several days.

Approximately 7.5 miles southwest of the Renner Fire, the Graves Mountain Fire
spotted to the north (across South Deadman Creek road) on Thursday evening. Fire
managers on the Kettle Complex are closely coordinating with the fire personnel on that
incident, and plan to create new fireline as a protection measure for homes in the area.
Pacific Northwest (PNW) Team 2 may be assigned that fire again Wednesday after the
other incident management team reaches the end of their assignment period.

Roy Road Fire: Mop-up continues on the120-acre Roy Road Fire.
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: 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.