7/20/2020 Bertschi Road Fire Update

The Bertschi Road Fire is burning south of Conboy Wildlife Refuge and north of Snowden Road, south of the town of Glenwood, WA. A control line, consisting of dozer line, hand line, and a system of forest roads, completely encircles the fire. Given the complexity of the terrain, prevalence of variable ridgetop winds, the abundance of woody fuels, and how early we are in the wildfire season, crews are working hard to suppress all hot spots within the fire perimeter. The fire started on July 16 and remains under investigation. Approximately 70% of the fire has been contained. 342 total personnel are currently resourced to the Bertschi Road Fire.  

Today, crews will scout assigned divisions to validate and reinforce constructed control lines. Crews are continuing to use infrared data, collected during an overnight flight, to locate and extinguish hotspots  within the fire perimeter. This work – known as “mop up” – is hot, dirty and difficult, but is critical to ensuring that the fire does not spread beyond the current control lines. Six water tenders are on site to support hose lines as crews are tasked to mop-up 75 feet within the perimeter. 

The fire has burned through heavy logging debris, leaving pockets of unburned dead and dying trees, and unburned neeldes scattered throughout, which could lead to reburn potential. Safety hazards to crews include heavy fuel loads, poison oak, rattlesnakes and dehydration.

 Our highest priority remains the safety of the public and all wildland fire personnel. Practical mitigation measures on the Bertschi Road Fire to support social distancing include: transitioning as many basecamp administrative functions as possible to virtual or telework status and designing smaller spike camps populated with fewer firefighters. The CDC guidance on the use of facemasks in camp and elsewhere when social distancing cannot be achieved and utilizing temporary facilities for crew quarters and staging for initial attack continues to be followed.

A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) remains in place over the fire. Drone flights are illegal in the fire area and compromise firefighting work.

A warming trend is forecast through Tuesday, before a dry cold front moves into the area, testing established containment lines. Be sure to check with your local fire agencies for burn restrictions and for forest and state closures.

The Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 10 would like to acknowledge the support and cooperation of the community of Glenwood, Glenwood School, Klickitat County fire districts and local fire districts.