August 11,2008 0800 Hrs Update
Incident: Columbia River Road Wildfire
Released: 8/11/2008
Hundreds of firefighting personnel are working diligently to contain and control the Columbia River Road Fire. Although the SW, S, and SE perimeters have been well secured, heavy timber, steep terrain and very dry fuels make containment challenging on the W near the Whitmore Lookout; on the N at a ridge between Kartar Road and the Dan Nason Road; and on the NE near Summit Lake Road. The recent relatively cool, moist weather conditions are forecast to become increasingly hot and dry starting today. Active fire behavior is expected and the containment lines are likely to be tested this afternoon and, increasingly, in the next few days.
Last night's crews made good progress in extending and strengthening containment lines on the W and NE. Today's Day Shift is well positioned for additional productive work that will include burning out near the Whitmore Lookout. On the N perimeter, 2 Hot Shot crews will work to close the gap between cat lines constructed last night. Heavy fuels and steep terrain make this segment particularly challenging.
The effort on the ground is supported by a wide variety of aircraft. Heavy air tankers from Moses Lake and a single engine air tanker from Omak have been applying retardant regularly. CL 215s from Deer Park have been scooping water from the Columbia River and Omak Lake. Three helicopters are part of the effort today and more have been requested.
The 20 threatened homes within the fire area remain under an Evacuation Level 1 advisement. Roads near and inside the fire are closed to non-residents. The Columbia River Road is closed between Omak (at Cameron Lake Road) and Nespelem (Schoolhouse Loop Road). The Coyote Canyon Road is closed at Highway 155. Highway 155 remains open.
The weather is forecast to become increasingly warm and dry. Temperatures today (mid-70's on the ridges and mid-80's in the valleys) are approximately 7º warmer than yesterday. The minimum relative humidity will be approximately 5% lower today than yesterday. Temperatures exceeding 100º F are forecast for later this week.Coordination is occurring between the Colville Confederated Tribes, State, Federal, and local agencies to ensure that this fire is safely brought under control.
