9/13/2015 Meeks Table Fire Update

Naches Ranger District, Public Information, Heather Appelhof 509-653-1468 Naches Ranger District, Front Office, 509-653-1401 September 13, 2015 3:00 p.m. Naches Ranger District Fire Update Naches, WA— Naches Ranger District has one active wildfire burning approximately 30 miles west of Yakima off of State Route 410, in the Meeks Table area. Fire equipment and crews will be in the area of Forest Roads 1605 and 1611 and need roads clear in order to provide safe access and departure from the fire. In addition, the Naches Ranger District is planning to officially close Forest Road 1600 and 1500 systems from the eastern forest boundary to Bethel Ridge. The closure includes the Rattlesnake area, the area to the west of Devil’s Table and east of Meek’s Table and area south of Forest Road 1600, Clover Springs. District Fire Management is asking for your help to contact their family and friends by phone that may be camped in the area to notify them to leave the area right away. “Our first concern is for firefighter and public safety,” said Kelly Lawrence, District Ranger. “That is why we are asking all campers to pack up and quickly get out of the affected area.” The area will reopen when secured from the threat of wildfire and safe for the public to enter. The fire was discovered on September 12 at approximately 3:08 PM and reported at 15 acres. The fire spread rapidly due to hot and dry conditions and is currently estimated at 500 acres. The current and expected forecast has issued a red flag warning which can make suppression efforts more difficult. An incident management team has been ordered to manage the fire. The cause of the fire is under investigation. More information will be released as it becomes available. To report new wildfires please call 9-1-1.