8/18/2018 Boyds Fire Update

Boyds Fire Update

 

August 18, 2018  8:30 a.m.

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 31 percent contained. The fire continues to burn in grass, brush and timber. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time.

Yesterday, crews worked to prepare the fires northwest edge for burnout operations. These burnouts will take place in small increments and will only be performed while weather and fuel conditions are favorable. Crews will work through the night, monitoring the fires edge and watching for any flareups or spot fires. To provide for safety of the public and firefighters, an indirect strategy will be used. Night crews can see hotspots that are hard to see during daytime hours. Heat signatures show-up in the dark, so night crews can attack and stop fire spread while spots are small and easily managed.

Today, crews will continue working on the northwest perimeter of the fire. Direct attack is being used along the north end of the fire south of Nancy Creek. Crews are working diligently to assess opportunities to minimize acres burned. State mobilization resources are starting to head home to rest and prepare for future assignments. Local resource advisors will continue working closely with operations. Resource advisor provide professional knowledge and expertise toward the protection of natural, cultural, and other resources on wildland fires and all-hazard incidents.

Highway 20 remains open to the public however, due to evolving fire situation, accessibility could change suddenly. The public is urged to drive with caution around the fire area. Heavy trucks will be in the area helping to reduce fuels by removing hazard trees that may threaten containment lines near homes and the highway.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in place over the Boyds fire, restricting aerial public access. The public is reminded that all air attacks are grounded any time a drone is sighted within the TFR, which inhibits their ability to engage in critical fire suppression. Flying within the TFR is prohibited.

EVACUATION LEVELS: All Level 3 evacuations have been reduced to Level 2. Areas from north Boulder Creek Road south to Sherman Homes Road are now under Level 2 evacuation. 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 will be closing the evacuation center located at the Kettle Falls High School effective 10:00 am today. The shelter will be reopened if needed.

SMOKE: Visibility continues to be impacted by smoke 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: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires or 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 Fire Information