8/26/2016 Spokane Complex Final Update

Spokane Complex Update Friday August 26, 2016 Fire Information:  (509) 477-2780                            Email:  spokanecomplexfires@gmail.com Website:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4978/# Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/SpokaneComplexFires SPOKANE - Yesterday firefighters made good progress around and inside the fire perimeter for both the Yale and Wellesley fires. Firefighters on the Wellesley Fire are still finding heat around structures using handheld infra-red detection devices. The fire is 100% contained and is expected to stay within its perimeters. Burn out operations have ended on the Yale Fire for now. It is 75% contained – a 15% percent increase from yesterday – and today’s operations will focus on the canyon areas on the southern and northeast perimeter. Smoke columns from unburned islands within the fire footprint may be visible from a distance. Minimal fire activity consuming surface fuels such as grasses and wheat is expected, however slight potential for isolated burning within the perimeter of the fire exists. Several miles of hose are being used around both fires to secure the fire lines. There are resources available to assist local agencies in the event fire escapes the fire lines. Air support remains available in preparation for forecasted changes in wind speed and direction. Infra-red technology is used to detect heat that may be invisible at the surface. Handheld infra-red devices are being used on both the Wellesley Fire and the Yale Fire throughout the day. Firefighters are working diligently to secure hot spots in and around structures within the fire perimeters. An infra-red flight was flown last night to detect locations of heat on the ground. For evacuation information, please contact the Spokane County Sheriff or Spokane Emergency Management. Safety for the public and firefighters remains our number one priority. We ask that citizens using the roadways be aware of hazards that may be adjacent to the road. Today will be warmer and dryer with light winds out of the west/southwest. A fire weather watch has been issued for Saturday with expected warmer temperatures, a decrease in relative humidity levels and higher wind speeds and gusts are anticipated. Northwest Incident Management Team 11 would like to thank the public for their support of the Spokane Complex. Be sure to check your local fire agencies and department of Emergency Management for local restrictions and closures.