Single Publication

Update for Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATIONS:  Please see the map for UPDATED (8/2/24) evacuation areas. The evacuation center located at the Republic Fairgrounds is closed for humans, but is still accepting animals.  For questions on evacuations contact the Colville Confederated Tribes EOC– (509) 634-7350.

• Closed/Open Roads (see Quick Facts charts for specifics):

  • Bridge Creek Road is open.

  • Peter Dan Road/Manilla Creek Road and Buffalo Lake Road are open to local resident traffic only. 

  • Keno Mine Road is closed

  • SanPoil Road is closed

  • 30 Mile Road is closed

  • All roads within the fire area are closed, except those that are listed as open to local resident traffic only.

Swawilla Fire

Fire weather Behavior Analyst stated the strategic burning operation continues to be moving along successfully as it “robbed it (the fire) of its fuel source”. Fire fighters carefully brought fire down to Jack Creek last night, and today a UAS (Unmanned Aircraft System/drone) will be used to ignite unburned areas within the Jack Creek drainage, helping to secure that containment. They also were able to establish containment to Keller Butte Ridge Road. Today, fire crews will continue firing operations along the east/west dozer line above Meadow Creek as part of a contingency holding line. Fire engines will patrol and mop up hot spots along Hwy 21 and will continue securing private property and residences throughout today’s shift.  Another helicopter, Type 2, will be arriving today, with its first operational shift either today or Saturday. 

Bridge Creek Fire

Firefighters are concentrating efforts to cool down and extinguish a few areas of lingering heat in the northeast portion of the fire. Managers will continue reassigning resources from Bridge Creek to Swawilla to help with suppression efforts.  

Fire Weather 

Today a red flag warning will be issued today not for wind conditions, but for extreme hot and dry conditions. Temperatures will increase to 104 degrees in Keller and humidity levels will drop in the teens. The weather will be unstable for the next few days which should lift smoke and clear the air some this afternoon. Firefighters may see some crown fire and an uptick in overall fire behavior. 

Safety Message

Although the majority of smoke should lift today, ignition of pockets of unburned areas within the fire may put up some increased smoke today. This may  impact driving visibility. Visit airnow.govfor air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and poor visibility. 

Boaters should avoid emergency firefighting aircraft using any waterbodies to acquire water to suppress fires. 

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). 

Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

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