Columbia River Road August 12, 2008 1930 Hrs Updat
Incident: Columbia River Road Wildfire
Released: 8/12/2008
Firefighters worked extremely hard today, fighting the Columbia River Road Fire, and have made very good progress burning out unburned pockets near fire lines, blackening fire lines and mopping up throughout the fire. Ground crews required little air support today, as the fire was not as active.
A night shift tonight will secure those lines and improve on the progress made today. They will be paying attention to hot spots that can still cause short-range spotting.
Fire managers have "guarded optimism" about containing the fire. Several dozers and hot shot crews will be demobilized from the fire tomorrow.
Firefighters will continue to mop up hot spots within 200 feet of fire lines throughout the fire tomorrow. Mop-up has proceeded rapidly in the southern and eastern portions of the fire. The fire's movement has been mostly terrain-driven, travelling up-hills and up-valleys.
Today's weather included gusts to 5 to 9 mph which coincided with the active afternoon burning period. Temperatures exceeding 100º F are forecast for later this week.
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 roads leading into the fire areas from Hwy 155 are all closed to non-residents. This includes an area from Coyote Canyon Road to Haley Creek Road. A contingency plan that includes the scenario of the fire threatening Hwy 155 has been developed and would be implemented by local law enforcement authorities if needed.
The 20 threatened homes within the fire area remain under an Evacuation Level 1 advisement. Protection lines have been installed and mop-up is progressing. Residents are aware of the fire and are not restricted from their homes.The South perimeter of the fire is well contained and is being mopped up. Mop-up standards describe that within 500 feet of any structure and within 200 feet of the fire perimeter will be completely extinguished and cool.
Coordination is occurring between the Colville Confederated Tribes, State, Federal, and local agencies to ensure that this fire is safely brought under control.
