Yesterday’s Activities: Firefighters continued working to ensure that their containment lines are secure as the weather warmed up. Major portions of the Tunk Block Fire and areas of North Star Fire including the southern edge, Warwick Road in Aeneas Valley and Scatter Creek are in mop-up and patrol. The primary focus along the eastern edge of the Tunk Block Fire included continuing line construction and strengthening containment lines in preparation for burnout operations should it be necessary to protect Aeneas Valley. Along the western edge of the North Star fire along Highway 155 north near Moses Meadows then east to Trail Creek, burnout operations took place to strengthen fire lines. Steep rocky slopes along Highway 21 are making it difficult for firefighters to construct containment lines. Hot Shot Crews continue line construction and prepare to burnout a section at Nineteen Mile Creek to connect two fire stringers. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell visited the fire yesterday and spoke with firefighters, county commissions, tribal leaders and other stakeholders. She is a red card holder and took the opportunity to visit the fire line to work beside Australia/New Zealand and BIA Firefighters to put out a spot fire.
Today’s Operations: Burnout operations to secure firelines are a priority for today if weather permits. There are now multiple containment lines in place on the southwest portion of the North Star Fire. Burnout operations are planned between Armstrong Mountain and areas near Moses Meadows. There will also be aerial and hand ignition burnout operation near Swan Lake Road west around the north side of Cornell Butte contingent on weather. On the northeast portion crews will continue mopping-up and holding the successful burnout along Highway 21 at Nineteen Mile Creek. In the Highway 21 corridor, crews will try to keep the fire on the higher slopes above the road in the Nanamkin Creek area. They will construct line along the fire edge from North Nanamkin Creek to Bear Creek. On the Tunk Block Fire crew will continue line construction, mop-up and patrol. Repair of damage caused during suppression activities (frequently referred to as ‘rehab’) is beginning.
Weather: The forecast for today will bring isolated showers on the north portion of the fires. Maximum temperatures mid-60s at higher elevations and 72-77 in the valleys. Relative humidity will be 30-45%. Winds will be light upslope with gusts up to 10 mph Highway 21 corridor.
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/
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 within the fires.
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Incident Information for
North Star & Tunk Block Fires
Twitter: @OkaWenNF
Facebook: North Star Fire
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