Single Publication

Update for Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires                                   July 24, 2024

IMPORTANT!

Evacuation Level 2 (SET) for:

• The Town of Keller and surrounding community

• General vicinity of Buffalo Lake and Lake McGinnis

See Inciweb Site for exact locations and evacuation boundaries 

PUBLIC MEETING Wednesday July 24, 7 PM at KELLER COMMUNITY CENTER

FIRE ACTIVITY: Wednesday, the winds will be 5-9 mph from the SW starting about 10am. Gusts will be up to 20 mph after 10 am. Thursday, there will be cooler temperatures, however 7-13 mph winds will be westerly and increase to 16-21 in the afternoon with gusts up to 35 mph.

Fire Behavior Analyst Eric Trimble said “Due to the forecasted weather, dry fuels, and topography, there is a high probability that the fire will impact the communities in and around Keller Washington.”  Based on computer modeling, this may happen in the next two or three days. 

Swawilla Fire

The Swawilla Fire has progressed down to State Highway 21 but is holding on the Old Swawilla Road on the west shoulder of the fire. The fire remains active on the east side and has made it to French Johns Lake.  There will be a focus on structure assessment and protection along the affected Hwy. 21 corridor.  On the north and west side of the fire, firefighters will try to extend existing roads and older firelines, which will reduce the amount of new fireline. 

Air support has been limited because of low visibility due to smoke. However, when visibility allows, a Type 1 and Type 3 helicopters have been used to assist with fire suppression. In addition, an infra-red flight was conducted, which assists with mapping the fire perimeter.  

Night crews conducted a swing shift Tuesday night and will be conducting full night shifts as long as it is needed, and fire weather makes it necessary to do so. 

An evacuation center has been opened at the Lake Roosevelt High School gym in Coulee Dam. 

With the increase in people and resources to fight the fire, the firefighters will be moving some of their equipment from the camp in Keller to Owhi Flats near the intersection of Cache Creek Road and the Agency Cutoff Roads. Fire suppression crews will continue efforts in the Keller area.

Bridge Creek Wildfire

Firefighters are monitoring the line on the Bridge Creek fire, improving the fire line where snags may fall on Bridge Creek Road and conducting priority structure protection. 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV,https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts