8/30/2015 Kettle Complex Fire Update

Kettle Complex Fire Update 

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

The good news is that the fire behavior yesterday was not as severe as expected. Today, rain and cooler than normal temperatures are reducing fire activity in the area. However, even with the rain, heavier fuels are still very dry and ready to burn.

Stickpin Fire: Yesterday this fire only increased slightly in size. The north end of the fire remains 2.9 miles (4.7 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. The northeast corner of the fire west of Orient experienced a 15-acre slopover, with smaller slopovers on the west and the northwest side of the fire. Today crews will begin new firelines around those slopover areas.

Construction of fireline along the southwest will continue to reduce the risk of fire advancing south and impacting the Sherman Pass (Highway 20). Along the western edge of the fire, firefighters will continue to improve lines to keep the fire from moving towards Curlew and the Route 21 corridor.
Fire management officials are keeping a close watch on the North Star Fire and will provide engines, dozers, and crews to support initial attack and assist with the protection of the town of Republic, if needed.

Renner Fire: Yesterday, additional fire line was built and improved along the southeast edge of the fire and bucket drops of water were used on the north end of the fire to hold the fireline. High winds caused one slopover of less than 15 acres. Today, crews and heavy equipment will continue to improve line and prepare for future burnout operations to keep the fire from the town of Orient and the Highway 395 corridor. Fireline will be improved near Thompson Ridge to protect homes in the Deadman Creek area.

Graves Mountain Fire: High winds yesterday caused a small spot fire to grow to an estimated 1,000 acres. Crews are working to put line in to contain this new fire growth. The Kettle Fire Complex Incident Command will take over management of this fire tomorrow, Monday, August 31, at 6 a.m.
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 Center, 1 Loop Road, Inchelium.