8/11/2021 Walker Creek, Spur, and Chickadee Creek Fires Update

Walker Creek, Spur, and Chickadee Creek Fires Update

There will be an open house for the public to learn about the Walker Creek, Spur and Chickadee Fire on Thursday August 12, 2021 at 7:00 P.M Fire managers will be available to answer questions and provide information for the three fires. 

Weather will be a big factor for firefighters in the next few days. A seasonal warming and drying trend are expected over the fire area. Winds from the North, 10 to 15 mph are expected on the Chickadee Creek Fire. Spur Fire is expecting wind from the north west at 6-10%. Expected winds for the Walker Creek Fire will be 6-10 mph with gusts.

Walker Creek Fire: Firefighters continue to make good progress on the Walker Creek Fire. Personnel continue to improve the perimeter and increase the line to ensure that hotspots are contained and not a threat. Operations will use retardant when needed and hose lays are being installed.  Crews will be scouting for additional roads to use in a contingency plan. Crews will continue to use aerial resources when needed.

Spur Fire Yesterday, a type 1 helicopter was brought in for fire suppression and made good progress. On the northwest end crews were able to connect the 100 RD down to the waterfront of the Boys Scout camp. Today’s efforts will be attempting direct attack on the west, scouting on the northwest, and looking to reduce susceptible fuels with firing operations. Crews will be doing structure assessments in case structure protection crews are called in.

Chickadee Creek Fire: Fire personnel have constructed a dozer line around the perimeter of the fire. Crews continue to increase the perimeter and work on hot spots. Firefighters have aggressively been working to increase the perimeter of the fire.  Air ops are supporting efforts south of Chickadee Creek and west of Wikiup Creek. Perimeter growth may be affected by changing wind direction from the northwest. Heavy equipment is being implemented but resources are having trouble getting ahead of the fire because of thick fuels and residual spot fires. 

A CLOSURE ORDER has been put in place by the Colville National Forest: : Spur Mountain Fire Closure Order can be found at:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938974.pdf, Map:https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938975.pdf,
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices

EVACUATIONS: Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Spur and Walker Creek Fire areas.  ROAD CLOSURES: We appreciate all the support from the local communities and remind you that firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Visitors to the Forest may see road closures that are in place to protect the public from firefighting operations. Please respect closures and barricades! Know BEFORE you Go! 

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There is a TFR in place for air space over Fire Areas. Remember that temporary  flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you Fly, We Can’t!

Cooperating Agencies: Okanogan Emergency Management Division, Washington DNR, USDA Forest Service, Colville NF.