8/5/16 Kewa Fire Update

 Fire Information: 509-722-7641, kewafire2016@gmail.com

Start date:  Aug. 2, 2016      Current Size:  1,845 acres      Percent Containment: 15%

Northwest Incident Management Team 9, Brian Goff, incident commander, assumed management of the fire at 7 am Thursday, Aug. 4. 

Incident objectives

·        Protect life and property. Develop a structure protection plan for nearby residents.

·        Protect natural and cultural resources.  Reduce impact to timber, range, lakes, streams, fish and wildlife and cultural resources.

·        Assist area residents.  Provide information and emergency assistance for any displaced homeowners.

·        Keep this fire small.  Use containment objectives in alignment with the Wildland Fire Decision Support System. 

·        Keep land management agencies and the public informed.  Provide timely information and notification to the Colville Confederated Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Department of Natural Resources, and the general public.

Yesterday’s summary:  Warm temperatures and light winds led to little to no increase in fire size.  Fire behavior enabled firefighters to use direct line construction on the fire’s east perimeter.  Aircraft helped keep the line in check on the west side. There was little increase in fire activity overnight.

Today’s plan: 

·        Scout and construct containment lines on the west side of the fire using dozers and handcrews, use aircraft to help secure lines and continue mop-up on the east side.

·        Develop structural protection plan, assess structures for fire risk and mop up around structures.

·        Resources on the fire today include 4 dozers, 13 engines and 7 crews, plus 2 Type 1 helicopters air support.