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Important Message: For the second time in two days, a civilian drone entered the restricted airspace over the Tiger Creek Fire, forcing fire managers to halt aerial firefighting operations and once again cause a critical delay in wildfire suppression efforts. According to Marshall Wallace, Region 6 Unmanned Air Support (UAS) Specialist, “Due to the drone incursion, operations had to halt air operations for at least 30 minutes until the airspace was confirmed clear.” When drones fly within the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR), airtankers and helicopters cannot safely operate. These suspensions put lives, property, and natural resources at risk by allowing the fire to grow and spread beyond containment lines. Wallace continued, “While the safety of the crews remains the number one priority, a violation of a TFR can result in a $10,000 fine from the FAA.”  

Current Situation:  The fire remains at 534 acres and due to the hard work of firefighters on the line containment has increased to 53 percent with 392 firefighting resources still assigned. As of Saturday, crews have completed line construction around the entire fire. The steep, difficult terrain will be patrolled daily with direct handline containment continuing to increase. Firefighters will begin the task of collecting over four miles of hose lay around the fire. On Saturday, road crews began repairing and grading all gravel and dirt roads leading to the fire. Thank you to the community for your continued support and cooperation as we work to keep everyone safe. 

Closures and Restrictions: Access through Forest Service Road (FSR) 65 up through FSR 64 to the junction with Indian Camp is closed. Government Mountain Road/FSR 6511 is closed from North Fork Walla Walla trailhead to the junction with FSR 65 at Tiger Saddle. Government Mountain Rd/FSR 6511 is open from the west to North Fork Walla Walla trailhead. The current fire danger rating is MODERATE and public use restrictions phase A for Umatilla National Forest are in effect. For more information regarding restrictions, please contact Umatilla National Forest Toll-free Information Hotline: 1.877.958.9663.  

Weather: Beginning today, a warm and dry trend will settle in for the next few days with highs in the 60s to 70s and light northwest wind at three to six miles per hour.  For the next few days, humidity likely will stay around 15 to 30 percent. Cloud cover will begin to move in Tuesday with a chance of rain in the fire area. There is a chance of snowfall at higher elevations beginning Wednesday into Thursday.   

Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good to moderate. Some residents along Mill Creek may experience smoke as the fire continues to burn. Check out https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more information.