8/17/2018 Monument Hill Fire Update

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:  August 18, 2017, 8:30am

CONTACT:  PIO Megan Hill, monumenthillfire@gmail.com, 509-939-5216

Monument Hill Fire in mop up stage; wind event expected this afternoon

Quincy, WA – Crews worked overnight on the Monument Hill fire, improving fire lines and mopping up hot spots.  Today should bring much of the same to make sure this fire is buttoned up and have firefighters ready for new fires, should they break out.

The Monument Hill Fire began on August 17^th and has scorched approximately 5,000 acres north and east of Quincy, WA.  Initially, 25 homes were under Level 3 (Get Out) evacuations; those orders have been downgraded to Level 1 (Be Ready). 

Fire crews from Bureau of Land Management, and Grant, Chelan, and Douglas Counties fought the fire initially and faced extreme fire behavior and a wind driven fire.  They worked through the night and saved multiple homes and controlled the spread of the fire.  Washington State Fire Marshal State Mobilization was approved late on August 17^th, and the fire is now being managed by a Type 3 team. 

A cold front is expected to pass through the area this afternoon, and crews are on high alert for fire danger.  The State Mobilization teams will be ready to support local crews should something break out in the area.

Losses from this fire include 3 homes, multiple outbuildings, vehicles, farm implements and power poles.  No injuries have been reported, and the cause is under investigation.

AT A GLANCE:

LOCATION: 6 miles northeast of Quincy, WA

ACREAGE: 5,000 (approximately)

CONTAINMENT: 50%

# OF PERSONNEL ON SCENE:120

RESOURCES: Brush engines, water tenders, dozers, helicopters, airplanes