8/17/2018 Boyds Fire Update

Kettle Falls, WA - The Boyds Fire is located 3 miles west of Kettle Falls, WA. The footprint of the fire has increased to 3065 acres and is currently 27 percent contained. The fire continues to burn in grass, brush and timber. The cause of the fire is unknown at this time.

Yesterday, crews working on the northwest perimeter were pulled from the area due to increased fire activity in heavy fuels and steep terrain. The direct attack strategy on the northwest corner of the fire has been reevaluated and the alternate indirect line has now been converted to the primary line of control. Firefighters will continue to assess opportunities to reduce acres burned.

Fire crews will now focus on preparing the area for future burnout operations. To provide for safety of the public and firefighters, an indirect strategy will be used. Helicopters continue supporting fire suppression activities by checking the spread of fire and making water drops to slow the fire where crews work.

Firefighters made good progress on strengthening the fire lines along the southern perimeter. Structure protection crews using palm infrared heat detecting devices, continue to work around structures and patrol for hot spots. Crews identified a small flare-up and worked to extinguish the hot spot.

Highway 20 is now open to the public, although this could quickly change due to an evolving fire situation. Firefighters and WADOT will continue work in the area. Beginning August 17, 2018 from 6 am to 6 pm, fire crew will be working with WADOT flagging crews. The public is urged to drive with caution around the fire as crews continue the working on the Boyds fire.

Weather reports indicate a very weak upper level low pressure area approaching the fire this afternoon. This will increase the low level instability and possibly bring light showers.

EVACUATION LEVELS:   All areas from North Boulder Creek Road south to Sherman Homes Road are under Level 2 evacuation. All Level 3 evacuations have been reduced to Level 2. All Level 2 evacuations remain the same. This evacuation level change does not mean that the fire is out and these areas are out of danger. The public should be prepared to leave at a moment’s notice. 

SHELTER: Red Cross evacuation center is located at the Kettle Falls High School where they will be providing masks. Other locations for masks include the Kettle Falls Library.

SMOKE: Smoke continues to impact visibility over the fire area. The Northeast Tri County Health District website, www.netchd.org has information concerning air quality for this area.  Please contact the health district for further information or go to: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires   www.wasmoke.blogspot.com.

ROAD CLOSURES: There are no road closures at this time

See Facebook:

Ferry County Sheriff’s Office/911

 Stevens County Emergency Management

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team