Announcement: A Flash Flood Watch is in effect Friday afternoon through Saturday for Portions of Washington, including the following areas, Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens.
Overview: Ground and aerial operations, including hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and airtankers continued to support firefighting operations, successfully holding containment on the fire perimeter each shift. Evacuations and Closures will remain in place until it is safe for communities, general public, and firefighters. Potential evacuation changes will be affected by weather, fire status, containment levels, and safety. Resources will be working on the inventory and assessment of damaged and destroyed structures. Updates on the evacuations and fire can be found on the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page and Ford Corkscrew Fire Inciweb page (links below).
Fire Update: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed Moderated fire behavior yesterday due to impacts of heavy smoke and increased cloudiness. Observations of torching and spotting continued with active fire spread overnight. Air operations could be impacted by cloud cover from incoming storm system and smoke.
During yesterday’s operational periods, resources continue to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Crews will also continue mop up activities and patrolled containment lines. Residents and communities should prepare for the incident to have a longer duration as the incident is in the early stages of containment efforts.
Weather: A low pressure system will track into the region today bringing a good chance for showers and thunderstorms to Northeastern Washington. The Ford Corkscrew Fire is expected to remain dry throughout the morning and early afternoon under partly cloudy skies allowing temperatures to warm back into the 70s. Isolated to scattered showers are expected to begin developing in the afternoon and the threat will continue into the overnight hours. A few storms could be strong, producing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.
Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: SR 231 between milepost 50, from the Ford-Wellpinit Road to Hidden Road, milepost 60 northwest of Spokane; Rail Canyon Road; McAlister Road and Scott’s Valley Road (at intersection with Burroughs). Additionally, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working air craft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.
Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).
If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties.
More Information:
Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803
Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo
Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem
Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563
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