7/18/2017 Snake River Fire Update

By dawn Tuesday, earlier plans had been greatly altered due to these weather conditions. Orders for new and replacement personnel were canceled based on the opportunity provided by the weather. The large planned burn operation was replaced with a smaller version. The fire was pretty much done and over. Focus became hot spots to manage and the fire footprint to grid and to secure. The team's intent continues to be effective and efficient.

The team has begun sending people and equipment home or demobilize (demob). As work diminishes, the team continues to right size accordingly. The Monday night shift ended at midnight so that the crews could get their required sleep and be ready to depart for home Tuesday morning.

Tuesday 2 Strike Teams, 2 water tenders, and 3 hand crews will be active on the fire. A dozer is available near the fire’s perimeter in case it is needed. Air Support is also available. A helicopter flight is planned for this morning to reassess the fire as a whole and accurately map the fire using GPS.

With Garfield District #1 Fire Chief Kris Darby’s approval, the fire will be returned to local control by noon on Wednesday the 19th.

The fire remains at approximately 3,100 acres of mainly grassland on the very steep slope of the Snake River. The containment also remains at 70%. It is located east of Pomeroy, Washington, on the west side of the river. This fire is managed as a State Mobilization Fire. 

The Garfield Fire District #1 led the initial attack. along with mutual aid of adjacent agencies and will now be assisted by the SE Washington Team 3, a type 3 team led by Bob Gear and Tony Gilmer. The Incident Command Post is working out of the Pomeroy Junior/Senior High School. 

If planes and helicopter are in the air dipping from the river, all recreational users on the Snake River are asked to keep a safe distance from the suppression and air operations. There will also be a boat shuttling firefighters from the fire’s river’s edge back to their transportation point. Your cooperation is appreciated. The team is very grateful for Garfield County business’ support in our operational efforts.

InciWeb has added many new photos and will continue to add more throughout today. Tomorrow will be the last InciWeb update with a synopsis of the entire fire. The “Snake River Fire” InciWeb site, with photos, will remain for the public refer to.