Moderate weather provides opportunity to develop strategy
Nile, Wash. –
Approximately 100 firefighters are currently working on the 1,001-acre
Meeks Table Fire on the Naches Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee
National Forest, near Nile, Wash.
The
fire was reported on September 12th and grew rapidly with strong winds
and dry conditions. Values at risk include several cabins along
Rattlesnake Creek, cultural resources, timber resources and habitat for
threatened species. The community of Nile, Wash., is approximately 5
miles east of the fire. Initial attack resources included rapellers,
engines, water bucket drops from helicopters and retardant application.
They limited the fire to the north side of Rattlesnake Creek and
initiated a containment line on the western flank. Today’s
weather is going to be much more moderate, with northwest winds 6-9
mph, temperatures in the mid-50’s and relative humidity approximately
45%.
This will enable crews to improve and extend the containment line
that has been initiated on the western edge of the fire and to identify
opportunities to contain the north and east perimeters.
To
protect firefighter and public safety, the Forest Road 1600 system and
the Forest Road 1500 system from the eastern Forest boundary to Bethel
Ridge/ Road 199 are closed. Only firefighters and law enforcement
officers are allowed to use these roads at this time. Washington
Interagency Incident Management Team #4 with Brian Gales incident
commander took command of the fire at 0600 this morning.
A community meeting is being planned for the evening of Tuesday
September 15th in Nile, Wash. The time and location are yet to be
determined.
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