8/29/2015 Grizzly Bear Complex

Firefighter disengagement from the Grizzly Bear
Complex Fire goes as planned, no major fire growth

     Elgin, Ore. – In anticipation of high winds today, firefighters disengaged from the fire in all branches to wait out any potential increase in fire activity or dangerous, falling snags. Once the wind died down, crews re-engaged, finding for the most part the containment lines had held. The fire burned to the ridge at Godman. Crews will return tomorrow to evaluate structures in the Turkey Trail and Godman areas.

A crew scouted the 733-acre Bear Ridge Fire and reported no significant growth.

Similarly, other branches reported minor fire activity and no huge push by the fire. Firefighters reengaged after the wind event to continue mopping up around homes in the Grouse Flat area. Fire lines held for the most part along the east perimeter and the fire continued backing to the prepared 4039 Road fire line. Crews continued to mop up fire lines along the road this afternoon.

Firefighters along the southern perimeter disengaged until late afternoon and returned to check on the large spot fire that had burned over containment lines on Wednesday.  Containment line around the spot held.

The new Tucannon Fire started near the Tucannon River south of Dayton during high winds today, growing quickly through grass and trees to more than 500 acres, and threatening homes, crops, and radio and utility infrastructure. Evacuation Level 3 orders are in place for threatened residences.  The State Fire Marshall’s office is sending structural protection resources to the new fire.  A 20-person crew and dozer were dispatched from the Grizzly Bear Complex to the fire which is being managed by the State of Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Winds throughout the Complex were variable, reaching 50-60 miles per hour along the northern, highest elevations and calm near Big Hole at 4-5 miles per hour. The wind did not improve smoky conditions at lower elevation valleys and area surrounding Troy, Ore. There were no requests from fire lines for helicopter support today. 

Fire weather this week will be “benign” as wetting rain and cooler, humid conditions will prevail.  Because the fire lines in the Complex held the fire, evacuation levels will change at 8 a.m. on Sunday, August 30 to include a reduction of Asotin to 0, the area east of Highway 129 in Washington to 1 and the area west of Highway 3 to the Grand Ronde River in Oregon to 1. Additional changes in evacuation levels will be discussed tomorrow.