7/14/2018 Rattlesnake Fire Update

Rattlesnake Fire DAILY UPDATE July 14, 2018  10:00 a.m. 

 

 Fire Information (509) 634-3100  7 am to 8 pm 

 

Confederated Tribes  of the Colville Indian  Reservation  Department of Natural Resources Nespelem, Washington 

 

The Rattlesnake fire, which is located about 45 miles southeast of Keller, Washington and west of Lincoln boat launch, continued to grow over night.  The fire, which started Thursday afternoon, July 12, 2018, is within the Hellgate Game Preserve in the Colville Reservation.  Since Thursday it has burned over 856 acres. 

 

Firefighters had to deal with extremely steep and rocky slopes, dead trees from the previous Rattlesnake Canyon fires, and rattlesnakes.  Access to the fire is limited. Due to safety concerns and rugged dusty road conditions there is a remote spike camp set up at Sand Flats for those fighting the upper part of the fire. Boats are being used to transport firefighters from Lincoln boat ramp to the lower part of the fire. 

 

Yesterday a dry cold front passed over the fire causing increased winds pushing the fire to the north and east. Dozer and handline have been completed on west flank of fire. 

 

Today, the primary focus will be on the east flank as firefighters and fire equipment will continue to strengthen the fire line. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters are dropping fire retardant and water on the fire.  

 

Today’s temperatures are expected to reach 85 degrees with north winds 6-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph in the morning, winds will decrease and become northwest in the afternoon. Humidity remains low. 

 

Type 3 NE Washington Incident Management Team 3 is managing the fire as of 1600 13 July 2018. They continue to work closely with the Colville Confederated Tribes, BIA and DNR.  Base Camp is at the Creston School, Creston, WA.  

 

Colville Tribal Natural Resource Law Enforcement Officers are asking boaters to stay clear of firefighting efforts at Lake Roosevelt Recreational Area.  

 

Quick Facts 

Location: Approximately 45 miles SE of Keller, WA and west of Lincoln boat launch. 

Lat/Long: 47º 85’ 43.0”  118º 21’ 32.0” 

Start Date: 07/12/18 – 1:03 PM 

Cause: Human caused 

Approx. Size:  856 Acres  

Percent containment: 

10% 

Assigned Resources: 

4 20-person crews 9 Smoke Jumpers 9 Engines 2 Dozers 

 

Aviation Used: 1 Air Attack Heavy Air Tankers Fire Boss Aircraft 1 Type 1 Rotor 1 Type 3 Rotor 

 

Total Personnel: Approximately 120 

Land Manager: Colville Confederated Tribes 

Resources Threatened: 

1 Structure Cultural Resources 

Fuels: Fallen dead trees, grass, sage, and bitter brush