9/03/2015 North Star & Tunk Block Fire Updates

Yesterday’s Activities:With lower humidity levels, fire activity picked up on both the North Star and Tunk Fires yesterday. Firefighters responded to several reports of smoke on the Tunk Block Fire south of Tonasket. The smokes were well inside the perimeter of the fire.

Crews on the Tunk fire were able to get some more control line in the Lone Pine area and are mopping up along the northern perimeter.

Firefighters burned out on the on the west end of the North Star fire and air resources helped on south end to hold the line. The North Star fire was actively burning in the area where it turns north along Highway 155 and a pilot car was used to guide traffic while firefighters dealt with snags that posed a hazard along the road.

The spot fire between the North Star and Tunk Block Fires is being successfully held in place.

Today’s Operations:More resources are being added, including chippers, engines and crews. Crews will continue constructing line directly adjacent to the fires edge where it is safe and effective to do so. They are also connecting roads and natural features to establish indirect line. On the North Star fire, crews, with the help of dozers and air attack are building direct fireline where it is safe and effective and improving indirect line; preparing it for burnout operations when conditions are favorable.

On the Tunk Block Fire, crews will continue work securing homes in the Crawfish area. Dozers will be building line in the northeast portion of the fire and firefighters will continue mopping-up to strengthen established containment lines.

Weather: The forecast is cool and partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures 60-65 at higher elevations and 65-72 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 18-25% with winds out of the southwest 10-15 miles per hour.

Evacuations/Closure Information: Evacuation and closure information is dynamic and changes more frequently than this report is updated. For the most current evacuation information, please contact your closest Emergency Operations Center (EOC): Colville Tribal Emergency Services 509-634-2105, Okanogan County EOC (509) 422-7206, Ferry County EOC 509-775-3132. Highway closure information is available online: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts

Evacuation levels changed yesterday in the following areas:

· The west half of the Tunk fire went from a level 3 to a level 1
· Owhi Flat & Owhi Lake went from a level 3 to a level 2

· Nespelem went from a level 2 to a level 1

National Forest Lands east of Tonasket and south of highway 20 on the Tonasket Ranger District are closed. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas are closed.