Manila Creek Fire Update - September 19
Incident: Manila Creek Wildland Fire
Released: 9/19/2007
CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF THE COLVILLE RESERVATION
MANILA CREEK UPDATE
September 19, 2007 - 10:00 AM
ACRES: 26,805
CONTAINMENT: 100%
FIRE CAUSE: Under Investigation - Suspected Arson
FIRE LOCATION: The Manila Creek fire is burning 7 miles southwest of the town of Keller, Washington, on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. The fire cause is under investigation and arson is suspected. If you have any information, please contact the "We Tip" Hotline at: 1-800-472-7766. All calls are anonymous-not just confidential.
SPECIAL EVENTS: A community meeting was held last night in the town of Keller at the Keller School Cafeteria. This was the second informational meeting for the public. Representatives from the Confederated Tribes of Colville, emergency management and law enforcement personnel from the Colville, staff from Mount Tolman Fire Center, and members of the Washington Incident Management Team 2 updated the public on the fire situation. The meeting was well received and many who attended were able to have their questions answered.
FIRE ACTIVITY: Fire activity will be minimal today. Some interior pockets of fuel will continue to burn and smolder within the containment lines. Emphasis on the Peter Dan/Manila Creek Road will continue with fire crews removing dangerous trees in preparation to re-open the road. Hand-held infrared devices are being utilized to find hot spots and assist mop-up operations 600 feet around structures and 200-400 feet along roads and the fire's edge. Helicopters will be flying observation missions to patrol and monitor the fire overhead. Several crews will begin the demobilization process with some firefighters being reassigned to other fire locations.
WEATHER: Partly cloudy, with a slight chance of showers-mainly before noon. Highs 63 to 72 degrees. Relative humidity 25 to 34 percent. Ridge top winds northwest 5 to 10 mph in the morning, then becoming northeast and increasing 10 to 15 mph with gusts around 20 mph. Slope and valley winds northwest 3 to 7 mph in the morning, then becoming north 8 to 12 mph with gusts around 15 mph.
EMERGENCY NOTICES: Mandatory evacuations remain in place for structures along the Peter Dan/Manila Creek Road and the Old Manila Creek Road. Mount Tolman Fire Center and residences along HWY 21 and south of Manila Creek Road are now at a Level 1 Advisory. The Swawilla Basin has been reduced to a Level 1 Advisory.
ROAD CLOSURES: Peter Dan/Manila Creek Road between Highway 155 and 21, Old Manila Creek Road, Meadow Creek Road, Lower Jack Creek Road, Upper Jack Creek Road, Keller Butte Road, Joe Moses Road, Buffalo Lake Road to Keller Butte Road.
COOPERATING AGENCIES: The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, the Department of Natural Resources and the Washington Incident Management Team 2 are working closely with the communities affected by the Manila Creek Fire.
RESOURCES: 18 Crews, 4 Helicopters, 45 Engines, 4 Dozers, 28 Water Tenders, 150 Overhead, Total Personnel - 785
The Washington Incident Management Team 2 appreciates the support and patience from the public received during the Manila Creek Fire.
