Northwest Interagency Coordination Center

Friday, September 2, 2016

9/02/2016 NWCC Morning Brief

Date/Time Stamp: Friday, Sep 02, 2016, 06:50

Posting frequency is daily by 0700.

Northwest Activity Summary

Cool and moist in the last 24 hours. Widespread precipitation throughout Washington and Northwest Oregon. Light scattered precipitation in Southwest and Eastern Oregon. No lightning yesterday. Light initial attack with the largest fire reported in North-central Oregon in grass at over 200 acres. Continued interior growth on the Rail fire. Preparedness level dropped to PL2.

Preparedness Levels

Current:

Northwest	2 (9/2)
National	4 (8/19)

Northwest PL Forecast

2	2	1
3-day	10-day	30-day

Northwest Fire Activity
Large Fire Summary
New large fires: 0
Large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 2 (OR: 1, WA: 1)

New Fires and Acres13 fires for 247 acres643 acres growth on existing large fires
OR: 7 fires for 243 acres
WA: 6 fires for 4 acres

Northwest IMT Activity
NIMOs committed: 0
Type 1 IMTs committed: 0
Type 2 IMTs committed: 1

National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: 126 new fires
New large incidents: 11
Large fires contained: 2
Uncontained large fires: 19

National IMT Activity
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 6
Type 2 IMTs committed: 7

Northwest Current Incident Details

Incidents not Previously Reported: 0

Incidents Previously Reported: 2

Rail OR-WWF-000582. IMT2. NW Team 13 (Gales). 5 miles W of Unity, OR. Start 7/31. Full Suppression. Cause: Unknown. 41,607 acres (+643). 75% containment. Timber. Moderate fire behavior. Continued burning of interior fuels. Road, trail and area closures. Mop-up and suppression repair ongoing. Evacuation notices.

Cayuse Mtn. WA-SPA-000024. IMT3. 8 miles SW of Wellpinit, WA. Start 8/21. Full Suppression. Cause: Human. 18,116 acres (+0). 95% containment. Timber and grass. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Continued mop-up around interior structures. Evacuation notices. Road and trail closures.

Northwest Fires Utilizing Monitor, Confine, Point Zone Protection Suppression Strategies (YTD) (link)

Lists fires (of any size) that singly utilize Monitor, Confine or Point Zone Protection suppression strategies, or use Multiple Suppression Strategies (which may also include a Full Suppression component)

Northwest Fire Potential Summary

Fire danger is on the downswing as cooler and wetter weather settles over the region with a series of cold fronts. Significant Fire potential is expected to decrease through the first week of September despite occasional lightning and periods of wind.

More info, see NW 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast, and National 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast

National Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR): http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf

Other GACC Morning Reports:

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9/02/16 Reduction in Closures in Vicinity of the Rail Fire

On September 1, 2016 two changes in the Evacuation Advisory and Closures around the Rail Fire were announced.

The Grant County (Oregon) Emergency Manager has lifted the Level 3 Evacuation Advisory in the area of the Elk Creek Campground and Bear Creek Meadow. A Level 1 Evacuation Advisory is in effect for the area of Summit Rock, Elk Creek Campground and Hunters Creek Campground. Please see the attached document for more detail. A "Level 1 Advisory" makes residents aware that a danger exists and recommends monitoring media outlets for information.

The Wallowa-Whitman National Forest and Malheur National Forest published Fire Closure Order 2016-0616-Whitman-05 which supersedes Order No. 2016-0616-Whitman-O4 (August 30, 2016). The new Order describes the Area that is closed around the Rail Fire. It has not changed from prior actions. It also names many roads that are closed within and adjacent to the closed area. The difference between the new and prior order is that, previously, many roads leading to the closed area were also closed. They have reopened up to the Closure Area Boundary. Some Roads are the area closure boundary: Road 13 is open; Road 16 is closed between Road 13 and Road 1640. Please see the attached document for full detail and a map.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

9/01/2016 Cayuse Mountain Fire Update

Yesterday, fire personnel at the Wellpinit Lookout were able to spot several small lightning-caused fires that started on the Colville Reservation. Firefighters were sent to help out with the initial attack on those fires. Today, firefighters will focus on securing containment lines near the Matthews Lake area, which is still showing some smoke. In other areas, mop up around structures and along the fire perimeter continues. Firefighters are available to assist with initial attack if needed.

A moist cold front will pass through the region increasing the chance of rain on the fire area late tonight and tomorrow morning.

The Spokane Tribe of Indians Pow Wow begins today in Wellpinit.

Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations are still in place. Residents in Level 1 areas (READY) should assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place, plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action. Residents in Level 2 areas (SET) should pack emergency items and stay aware of the latest information from local media, fire departments, and public safety. More information on READY SET GO can be found at http://www.wildlandfirersg.org/
Road closures also remain in place. They include Elijah Road, Flett Road, Mathews Lake Road, Jacobs Road, Brandom Road, and Wynecoop-Cayuse Road. Drivers in the area are asked to use extreme caution as non-paved roads have numerous hazards including holes, snags and falling trees. Schools in Wellpinit, WA are open now, so drivers are urged to be alert for the presences of children and school buses.
Fire information and daily updates are posted on Inciweb at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4986/ and on the Rawhide Press Facebook page and website at www.spokanetribe.com. The fire email address is cayusemountainfire@gmail.com . The fire information phone numbers are 509-416-6056.

Start date: Aug. 21, 2016
Current Size: 18,116 acres
Percent Containment: 95%
Structures lost: 14 houses, 9 other structures
Location: Wellpinit, WA on the Spokane Indian Reservation

9/01/2016 Rail Fire Update

SW Winds still testing southeast firelines

Unity, Oregon – Southwest winds and dry weather have continued stoking the fire burning through logs and brush on interior portions of the 41,614-acre Rail Fire. By mid-afternoon yesterday the fire fighters were experiencing winds over 30 mph, gusting to 40, and the smoke had consolidated into a broad column that was widely visible to surrounding communities. Several small spot fires ignited across the fireline in the area between Table Rock and Bull Run Rock. The embers are landing to the lee of a ridge. Ground crews and helicopters, responding quickly, have successfully prevented further spread.

Last night’s night shift, somewhat reduced when a crew was diverted to assist with a new fire on private forest land near Baker, focused on patrolling, holding and mopping up the newest containment line segment that closes off the fire’s southern edge. The adjacent interior fuels have burned and that line is about 400 feet wide.

Although the weather is definitely on a more humid, cooling trend, the SW winds that are delivering the new system will continue to support active burning with potential spotting until there is significant rain or the ember-producing interior pockets of trees and logs are consumed. The largest interior unburned island is about 1,000 acres.

There is a 10% chance of slight wetting rain on the northern part of the fire tonight. Nighttime temperatures will dip into the low 30’s starting Friday night. The Logistics section is preparing extra hot food and heated meeting tents in support of several hundred firefighters camped close to the fire area at 5200 ft.

This morning, Forest Road 13 reopened to public travel and firewood loading for people with valid Malheur National Forest firewood permits. As more people approach the forest for holiday recreation and hunting, we remind them that the vicinity of the Rail Fire remains closed, as are many roads that approach it, including Forest Road 16. Please be alert for firefighters and vehicles and be especially cautious because all of eastern Oregon is extremely dry.

Northwest Incident Management Team 13-Brian Gales, Incident Commander

Fire at a Glance
Size: 41,614 acres
Containment: 70%
Location: 5 miles west of Unity, Oregon
Cause: Under Investigation
Personnel: 780
Resources:
17 Crews
17 Engines
6 Dozers
34 Water tenders
1 Masticator
5 Skidders/Skidgins
Aircraft:
4 Type 1 heavy helicopters
1 Type 2 medium helicopter
2 Type 3 light helicopters
Closures:
The fire area and nearby roads including FR16 are closed. The closure order can be found at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4914/
(Click “Maps” for the closure map). FR13 reopened on Thursday September 1, 2016. Firewood loading allowed.
Fire Information:
(541) 446-3592
Railwildfire@gmail.com

9/01/2016 NWCC Current Large Fire Map

9/1/2016 NWCC Large Fire Brief

Morning Brief

Date/Time Stamp: Thursday, Sept 1, 2016, 06:50

Posting frequency is daily by 0700.

Northwest Activity Summary

Dry windy conditions on the east side. Limited lightning in the Blue Mountains and the Skagit Valley. Widespread precipitation west of the Cascades, excluding Southwest Oregon. Light initial attack. No new large fires. Existing large fires reporting increased containment with limited growth interior on the Rail fire.

Preparedness Levels

Current:

Northwest	3 (8/1)
National	4 (8/19)

Northwest PL Forecast

3	2	1
3-day	10-day	30-day

Northwest Fire Activity
Large Fire Summary
New large fires: 0
Large fires contained: 0
Uncontained large fires: 2 (OR: 1, WA: 1)

New Fires and Acres20 fires for 62 acres179 acres growth on existing large fires
OR: 5 fires for 30 acres
WA: 15 fires for 32 acres

Northwest IMT Activity
NIMOs committed: 0
Type 1 IMTs committed: 0
Type 2 IMTs committed: 1

National Fire Activity
Initial attack activity: 100 new fires
New large incidents: 1
Large fires contained: 4
Uncontained large fires: 21

National IMT Activity
Area Command Teams committed: 0
NIMOs committed: 1
Type 1 IMTs committed: 8
Type 2 IMTs committed: 7

Northwest Current Incident Details

Incidents not Previously Reported: 0

Incidents Previously Reported: 5

Rail OR-WWF-000582. IMT2. NW Team 13 (Gales). 5 miles W of Unity, OR. Start 7/31. Full Suppression. Cause: Unknown. 40,964 acres (+179). 70% containment. Timber. Moderate fire behavior. Continued burning of interior fuels. Road, trail and area closures. Mop-up and suppression repair ongoing. Evacuation notices.

Cayuse Mtn. WA-SPA-000024. IMT3. 8 miles SW of Wellpinit, WA. Start 8/21. Full Suppression. Cause: Human. 18,116 acres (+0). 95% containment. Timber and grass. Minimal fire behavior. Continued mop-up around interior structures. Evacuation notices. Road and trail closures.

Suncrest WA-SES-000459. ICT4. 2 miles NE of Leavenworth, WA. Start 8/27. Full Suppression. Cause: Unknown. 390 acres (+0). 100% containment. Timber, brush and grass. Minimal fire behavior. No growth expected. Evacuation notices. Last report on Morning Brief unless significant activity occurs.

Deep North WA-NES-000802. ICT4. 25 miles NE of Colville, WA. Start 8/21. Full Suppression. Cause: Unknown. 596 acres (+0). 100% containment. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior. Continued line improvement, mop-up and suppression repair. Last report on Morning Brief unless significant activity occurs.

Gold Canyon OR-710S-000650. IMT3. 2 miles S of Selma, OR. Start 8/30. Full Suppression. Cause: Under Investigation. 60 acres (-60). 20%. Timber. Minimal fire behavior. Some interior burning. The fire is lined. FMAG authorized 8/30. Not included in large fire tally. Last report on Morning Brief unless significant activity occurs.

Northwest Fires Utilizing Monitor, Confine, Point Zone Protection Suppression Strategies (YTD) (link)

Northwest Fire Potential Summary

Large fire potential is on a downturn due to cooler, wetter weather setting in. A corresponding decline in fire danger across the geographic area will reduce the threat of new large fires and flareups on existing incidents. While some lightning and gusty winds are possible, the overall combination of environmental conditions does not favor large fire ignition or significant growth as we go into the Labor Day weekend and next week.

More info, see NW 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast, and National 7-Day Significant Fire Potential Forecast

National Incident Management Situation Report (IMSR): http://www.nifc.gov/nicc/sitreprt.pdf

Other GACC Morning Reports:

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9/1/2016 Buck Creek Fire Update

Contact: Fire Information, 509-679-9294

District Ranger, Jeff Rivera, 509-548-2553

September 1, 2016 6:30 a.m.

For immediate release

Mixed intensity benefitting long-term forest health

Leavenworth, WA-- Despite cooler temperatures and increased moisture, the Buck Creek Fire experienced beneficial new growth across the forest floor. It grew to approximately 3,400 acres and Saul remains around 464 acres in size. Currently firefighters are reporting mixed intensity burning, where some trees die and many trees survive. This mosaic burn pattern on the landscape decreases fuel loading and can lower the risk of catastrophic fires and thick, lingering smoke in the future.

“Using natural wildfire ignitions to burn heavy fuels and thin the forest under predetermined fuel moisture and weather conditions is an ideal and safe way to begin to ‘reset’ the natural burn patchwork that once existed on this landscape,” said US Forest Service Research Landscape Ecologist, Paul Hessburg.

Wildfires are beneficial to forest health as well as wildlife. Snags caused by the fire will create new habitat for many species, and new plant growth in the fall and next spring will help generate more grazing opportunities for wildlife. In addition, winter avalanches over time carry unstable debris into the valley bottoms and create pools, ripples and natural fish habitat in creeks and streams.

Weather predictions for the next several days is calling for cooler temperatures and chance of wetting rain in the fire area. Fire managers are projecting minimal fire behavior in the coming days with creeping and smoldering on the ground and isolated torching where the fire gets into heavy fuel. It is possible residents and visitors will see an ebb and flow of smoke over the next couple months as temperatures fluctuate.

The Era of Megafires, a 60-minute, multi-media, traveling presentation hosted by Dr. Paul Hessburg will show at the Snowy Owl Theater in Leavenworth September 7 at 7:00 p.m.

Closures: Fire closures remain in effect for the Buck Creek Fire, which include all campgrounds and trailheads north of Schaefer Creek Campground on FS-6200. This includes the Buck Creek Trail No. 1513, Chiwawa River Trail No. 1550, Phelps Creek Trail No. 1511, Carne Mountain Trail No. 1508, Little Giant Pass Trail No. 1518, Rock Creek Trail No. 1509 and the Old Gib Trail No. 1528. Campgrounds closed include Phelps Creek, Alpine Meadows, Nineteen Mile and Atkinson Flat. Also closed is the Indian Creek Trail No. 1502.

Smoke: Smoke may be noticeable in local valleys, including the communities of Plain and Lake Wenatchee. As the fire continues to spread in the coming weeks, smoke may become noticeable in areas along the Wenatchee, Entiat, Chelan and Methow valleys. All businesses in the affected communities remain open. For more information on smoke and public health, please visit the State of Washington Department of Ecology website at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/enviwa/

Fire Information:

facebook.com/OkaWenNF

twitter.com/OkaWenNF

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4926/

8/31/2016 Suncrest Fire Final Update

This will be the final message from Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 12 about the Suncrest Fire.

Firefighters have completed fire line construction and mop up of the 390-acre fire. Crews have demobilized and commanders are turning control of the incident back to Chelan County Fire District 3 and local units of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service.

Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 12 extends its warmest gratitude to all of you whose support was instrumental in its efforts to put out this fire and protect this gracious community.

Have a safe Labor Day weekend.

Regards,

Joe Smillie

Public Information Officer

8/31/2016 Spokane Indian Reservation Announces Program

To: All Spokane Indian Reservation Residents

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Presentation at Bruce Wynne Room 9/6/2016 @ 5:30 P.M.

Presentation at Westend Community Center 9/7/2016 @ 5:00 P.M.

Presentation at New House Lane 9/8/2016 @ 5:30 P.M.

Fire Management Announces Program to Saves Lives and Property During a Wildland Fire

Fire Management is launching a new program in Wellpinit, Westend, and Ford communities designed to teach individuals who live in high risk wildfire areas how to best prepare themselves and their properties against wildland fire threats. The Ready, Set, Go! Program works collaboratively with existing defensible space education tools, such as Firewise, and provides the tools for our firefighters to educate individuals on preparedness, situational awareness when a fire starts and to go early for the safety of your family and responding firefighters.

The Ready, Set, Go! Program is the result of a nation-wide discussion on how to protect homes and lives in what the fire service calls the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). The WUI is where development meets natural vegetation and the Ember Zone, an area where the wind driven ember fall-out from a wildland fire can threaten property and lives. Major wildland fires have impacted the Spokane Indian Reservation heavily each of the last two years. These fires moved extremely fast and left little time for residents to evacuate and put reservation communities at risk each time.

Ready, Set, Go! is a three step process that allows firefighters to teach homeowners to create their own Action Plan of getting their property wildfire prepped and ready long before a fire is upon you; get set to depart from one’s home; and to understand the role of evacuation in our area. This process significantly increases the safety of the homeowner and family and allows the firefighters to best do their job of extinguishing the fire, thus increasing the chance of saving homes and loves ones.

Follow the simple steps of the program below:

Ready – Be ready, be Firewise. Take personal responsibility and prepare long before the threat of a wildland fire so your home is ready in case of a fire. Create defensible space by clearing brush away from your home. Use fire-resistant landscaping and harden your home with fire-safe construction measures. Assemble emergency supplies and belongings in a safe place. Plan escape routes and make sure all those residing within the home know the plan of action.

Set – Situational awareness. Pack your emergency items. Stay aware of the latest news and information on the fire from local media, your local fire department and public safety.

Go – Act early! Follow your personal wildland fire action plan. Doing so will not only support your safety, but will allow firefighters to best maneuver resources to combat the fire.

Don’t let the first time you educate yourself on Wildland fire be in the aftermath, join with us and be a part of the wildland fire solution today

Contact your Fire Management for information on the Ready, Set, Go! Program.

Fire Terms

Friday, September 2, 2016

Thursday, September 1, 2016