9/02/2016 Cayuse Mountain Fire Update

The Cayuse Mountain Fire is 95% contained and 18,116 acres. The fire is being managed by a Type III team under the leadership of Incident Commander Roger Brandom.

Today, the Cherokee Hotshots and several engines will continue working together to improve the security of containment lines in the Matthews Lake area. Mop up and patrol continues around the rest of the fire perimeter, along with rehabilitation of dozer and hand lines.

A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team arrived on the Cayuse Mountain Fire yesterday. This is a team of resource specialists who identify threats to critical values (human life and safety, property, critical natural and cultural resources) and determine the need for, prescribe, and sometimes implement, immediate actions to manage unacceptable risks. Catastrophic wildland fire can cause multiple complex problems, such as flash flooding and soil erosion, which can lead to decreased water quality. The BAER team will address stabilization and rehabilitation of these and other post wildland fire problems to protect public safety and prevent further degradation of the landscape.

The Spokane Tribe of Indians Pow Wow is being in held in Wellpinit through Monday.

Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations are still in place. Residents in Level 1 areas (READY) should assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place, plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. Residents in Level 2 areas (SET) should pack emergency items and stay aware of the latest information from local media, fire departments, and public safety. More information on READY SET GO can be found at http://www.wildlandfirersg.org/

Road closures also remain in place. They include Elijah Road, Flett Road, Mathews Lake Road, Jacobs Road, Brandom Road, and Wynecoop-Cayuse Road. Drivers in the area are asked to use extreme caution as non-paved roads have numerous hazards including holes, snags and falling trees.

Fire information and daily updates are posted on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4986/ and on the Rawhide Press Facebook page and website at www.spokanetribe.com. The fire email address is cayusemountainfire@gmail.com . The fire information phone numbers are 509-416-6056 and 509-258-4515.

Start date: Aug. 21, 2016
Current Size: 18,116 acres
Percent Containment: 95%
Structures lost: 14 houses, 9 other structures
Location: Wellpinit, WA on the Spokane Indian Reservation