8/16/2021 Schneider Springs Fire Update

Daily Update for Monday, August 16, 2021 – 8:00 a.m.

Contact: Naches Ranger District: 509-653-1468

START DATE: August 3, 2021
Cause: Lightning
SIZE: 18,842 acres (Increase of 2,321 acres)
Percent Contained: 0%
Resources Assigned: ~440 personnel

Crews (13)
Engines (25)
Dozers (6)
Water Tenders (7)
Other heavy equipment (12)

Yesterday: A frontal passage with strong wind gusts fueled fire activity and pushed the fire northeast toward Highway 410 and west toward Bumping River Road. On both corridors, fire crews made extensive progress with felling operations, clearing snags, trimming branches and removing hazard structures that could pose as a threat to firefighter or structure safety or increase fire activity. Suppression crews placed hoses and portable water tanks near structures, plumbing areas in advance of any fire activity. To date, 42 miles of contingency lines have been built by firefighters on the Schneider Fire, including dozer and fuel breaks. Scoopers and helicopters provided aerial support on the southern/western perimeter.

Today: Cooler weather and higher humidity are expected today, which will provide more relief to ground crews. Residents and visitors to the area are encouraged to remain mindful of rapidly changing conditions. Structure planning and preparation will continue, along with the development of strategies for wildland-urban interface direct suppression measures. Crews are preparing for potential night burnout operations on the eastern flank, to prepare ahead of any fire perimeter spread. Air operations will continue if weather and conditions are favorable enough to support them, and the public is reminded to remain vigilant of overhead distractions when driving through the area.

Evacuations: Bumping River Road and drainage remains at a LEVEL 3 evacuation. This means if you live in the area that you need to evacuate now. Hwy 410 from Eagle Rock north and west to Bumping River Road is currently in a LEVEL 2 Evacuation. This means if you live in the area you need to BE SET. Please check with Yakima County Office of Emergency Management on their official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/YakimaCountyOEM for updates on evacuation information. Residents and visitors are encouraged to sign up for geo-specific emergency alerts through Yakima County: https://www.yakimacounty.us/2222/Alert-Yakima

Closures: An extension to the current temporary Forest closure order for National Forest lands has been issued, and covers the northwest portion of the William O. Douglas Wilderness Area to Hwy 410, and north of Hwy 410 in the Little Naches drainage. The closure order and map are available at https://bit.ly/ForestClosureOrders (Naches Ranger District table).

Smoke and Fire Restrictions Information: The Forest Service works closely with other federal and state partners to predict and mitigate smoke impacts on individuals and communities during wildfires. Visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ for local air quality information. Campfire restrictions are in effect and prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Contact local ranger district offices for more information: https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq

SAFETY: A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) is in place above the Schneider Springs Fire area. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. Visit Know Before You Fly: http://knowbeforeyoufly.org