8/28/2016 Deep North Fire Update

Incident Summary: The Deep North Fire is currently burning approximately eight miles southeast of the town of Northport, Washington, on the hillsides above Deep Lake in Stevens County. The fire was reported to have started at approximately 2:30 pm on August 21, 2016 and is burning in heavy brush and Douglas fir tree stands. Establishing containment has been challenging for fire resources due to steep terrain and limited accessibility to the fire lines. This issue is being addressed by the addition of Hotshot and Type 2 Initial Attack crews in these areas.

Planned Actions Today: Public and firefighter safety will continue to be the top priority. Yesterday firefighters nearly finished establishing a line around the perimeter of the fire using hand line as well as dozer line. The last two thousand feet is in steep treacherous ground but is expected to be completed by the end of shift today. The predicted high winds associated with the cold front that came in overnight tested the established fire lines but there was no growth to the fire perimeter. The stronger predicted winds stayed south of the fire and had minimal effect on the established fire lines due to the hard work from firefighters in building a perimeter around the fire. There are two type two helicopters assigned to this fire, and there are three air tankers and four small fixed wings out of Canada available for tactical, logistical, and medical support if needed.

State Mobilization engines will be released from the fire today due to the lowered threat to homes near Deep Lake. Local fire engines will continue to monitor the homes for the fire.

Weather Outlook: A warm front will track across the area today bringing increased mid and high clouds. Warmer and drier conditions will occur behind this front tomorrow along with locally gusty afternoon winds. Increasing clouds today with high temperatures 70-76 degrees and humidity 29-38% with winds 3-7mph gusting to 15mph.

Closures: None

Evacuations: 40-50 homes around Deep Lake at a level 1.

Resources at Risk: Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) timberlands, local livestock and homes near Deep Lake.

Cooperating Agencies: Stevens County Fire District 10 and 11, Washington DNR