9/12/2020 Whitney Fire Update

Whitney Fire Update - September 12, 2020

Whitney Fire Wildfire
News – 4 hrs. ago

(Lincoln County, Washington) – The Whitney Fire is located six miles northwest of the town of Davenport, WA. Fire is burning in timber, sagebrush, range and farmlands. As  crews begin to make better progress on the fire, the number of personnel needed for the incident is evaluated. Approximately 150 firefighting personnel continue to diligently work on the Whitney Fire with several organizations and agencies working to manage the fire. Fire officials continue to assess the total loss to primary and secondary structures.

Yesterday: A control line, consisting of dozer line, ag circles (a type of irrigated farmland), roads, and handline, has been completed around the perimeter of the fire. Within the fireline, crews monitered areas of unburned fuels.  Firefighters continued mopping up hotspots within islands of grass and brush near structures. Firelines are being patrolled and firefighters quickly extinguished flare ups on the south edge of the fire. The Bureau of Land Management has provided a surge force, including 2 dozers, 4 engines, and a handcrew, to support short-term critical missions on this fire.
 
Today: Approximately 100 Washington National Guard soldiers and airmen have been assigned to the Whitney Fire to fight fire in the Hawk Creek Canyon area, northeast of State Route 2. Crews will continue to strengthen control lines and secure areas near stuctures. Southwest air flow is predicted to bring smoke and haze from fires in Oregon into Washington. While the smoke will descrease air quality, it could also lower the air temperature significantly enough to slow the spread of fire. Firefighting personnel will continue replenishing livestock water troughs that were used during the initial attack. Fire officials are working with the local cattleman’s association to assess needs.

Evacuation and Closures: Lincoln County Sherriff’s Department and Fire Team managers are assessing evacuation areas to determine where and when it is safe to return. It is a priority to allow homeowners to return to their properties. For information on evacuation areas and levels go to: https://www.co.lincoln.wa.us/sheriff/.

Washington Department of Natural Resources and Bureau of Land Management recreation sites in the area are closed until further notice. State Route 2 runs through the northern portion of the fire but remains open to traffic at this time. A Temporary Flight Restrict (TFR) is in place over the Whitney Fire.

 Safety: Smoke from the fires in California and Oregon are affecting the air quality in our state. This smoke accumulation is not due to the Whitney Fire, but from so many fires along the west coast. Unhealthy air quality can cause problems even in those without respiratory conditions. It can be especially difficult for young children and people 65 and older. It is important for the public to take precautions to minimize exposure. For more information on air quality in your area: wasmoke.blogspot.com or https://enviwa.ecology.wa.gov/home/map.

Fire danger remains high and the public is urged to remain vigilant in reducing the number of fires across the state. A burn ban was issued for all forestland under Washington State Department of Natural Resource. In addition, several counties throughout the state have burning restrictions in place. Be sure to check with local forests and fire officials in your area for any restrictions.