8/25/2016 Spokane Complex Fire Update

Spokane Complex Fire Update Thursday August 25, 2016 – 9:00 am Fire Information:  (509) 477-2780                                            Email:  spokanecomplexfires@gmail.com Website:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4978/# Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Spokane-Complex-Fires-654661321356517/     The Yale Fire remains the most active south of Rock Canyon and in Hangman Valley.  Yesterday, firefighters conducted a burn-out operation on the east side of the Hangman Road.  Burn-out operations are used to ensure fire lines remain secure by consuming unburnt fuels adjacent to fire lines.  The majority of smoke yesterday was a result of the burn-out operation.  Today, the public may see smoke as firefighters continue burn-out operations on the west side of Hangman Road on the southern perimeter of the fire.  The Wellesley Fire is now 100% contained with 341 acres burned and the Yale Fire is 60% contained with 5,791 acres burned. Infra-red technology is used to detect heat that may be invisible at the surface. Handheld infra-red devices will be utilized primarily on the Wellesley Fire today, transitioning to the Yale Fire this evening continuing through tomorrow. A public meeting was held at Freeman High School last evening. Approximately 250 residents from the Freeman community attended to receive the latest update on the fires and to interact with the agencies managing the incident. We would like to thank the staff at the Freeman High School for opening up their facility for the public meeting. Evacuation Levels remain at a Level 1 for both fires. Please contact the Spokane County Sheriff or Spokane Emergency Management at:  https://www.spokanecounty.org/1460/Emergency-Management for more information. Safety to the public and firefighters remains our number one priority. We ask that citizens using Valley Chapel Road, south portion of the fire, be aware of hazards that may be adjacent to the road. Today will be warmer and dryer with light winds out of the northeast. Friday is expected to have variable winds out of the southwest with warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity’s. Saturday’s dry cold front continues to be watched closely and factored into fire operational plans due to high temperatures, lower humidity’s, and higher winds out of the southwest. Northwest Incident Management Team 11 would like to thank the public for their support during the Spokane Complex Fire. Be sure to check your local fire agencies and department of Emergency Management for local restrictions and closures.