8/9/2021 Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update

 

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update

Monday, August 9, 2021, 9:00 a.m. 
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
 Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 
 
Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size:  23,126 acres
Containment:  15%
Total Personnel: 363
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla
Reported: July 7, 2021Cause: Lightning
 
Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres
Containment:  90%
Total Personnel: 82
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA
Reported: July 7, 2021
Cause: Lightning 

Yesterday’s Weather Moderates Fire Behavior on Green Ridge Fire
 
Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire grew to 23,126 acres and remains 15% contained. Lighter winds yesterday allowed firefighters to focus efforts on the northeast side of the fire and the spot fires north of the 22 Road, successfully limiting the fire’s spread in that area. Where the Green Ridge Fire burned into the Lick Creek Fire perimeter, fire activity slowed significantly due to a lack of available fuels.
 
Today, crews will take advantage of the cooler weather and continue to strengthen the firelines north of the 22 Road exploring all possible containment options as well as additional contingency lines. Firefighters are considering firing operations to remove unburned pockets of fuel on the northeast side of the fire to the south of 22 Road. This operation is planned to occur over several days and is contingent on weather and fuel conditions. The operation will occur only if conditions are favorable. Crews will continue to strengthen the containment lines southwest of the Panjab campground and patrol firelines on the southwest portion of the fire.
 
Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek Fire remains 80,421 acres and 90% contained. Smoke will continue to be visible as unburned pockets of vegetation inside the fire perimeter are consumed. Crews will continue to mop-up any interior pockets of heat and patrol lines as they can safely do so. 
 
Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s weather is expected to be more favorable with low winds, seasonal temperatures, and lower humidity. Today will begin a warming trend that will continue through the week. Temperatures will be near seasonal with highs between 65 and 70 degrees along the ridges and near 80 degrees in the valley bottoms. Winds will be light, coming from the northwest at 4-8 mph. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 
 
Forest Closures: The Umatilla National Forest reopened many lands for public entry. Portions of the Pomeroy Ranger District and the Walla Walla Ranger District near the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires remain closed. The full closure order and map is available on InciWeb: https://go.usa.gov/xFXhP 
 
Evacuations: Garfield County has current Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County has current Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. For more information on evacuations, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xFQJ2 for full information.   

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.
 
Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021
 
Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/