Single Publication

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 

Boulder Mountain Fire Information 509-508-3389 (8am-8pm) | 2022.bouldermountain@firenet.gov 

Quick Facts

Fire Location: 9 miles NW of Cusick, WA in Tacoma Creek and Boulder Mtn.

Size: 2,305 acres

Containment: 50%

Start Date: 8/31/22

Cause: Under Investigation

Incident Commander: Mike Johnston, Great Basin Type 2 Incident Management Team #7

Personnel: 541

Online Links

InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8382/ 

Facebook: @NeWFireInfo 

Washington State Department of Natural Resources: www.dnr.wa.gov/wildfires 

Colville National Forest: www.fs.usda.gov/colville 

Air Quality Informational: https://www.airnow.gov/ 

Summary: The Boulder Mountain Fire was detected on Wednesday August 31st, 2022, at approximately 6:00 pm. The fire is located in the Tacoma Creek and Boulder Mountain area, 9 miles Northwest of Cusick, Washington. A mix of State, Federal and Private land is impacted. The terrain is difficult, and the fire is burning in heavy timber, slash, and beetle infested trees. Cause of the fire remains under investigation. 

Weather|Anticipated Fire Behavior: SW wind yesterday was a favorable asset as it helped to push active fire back into the burn area. Higher humidity, higher moisture content in the air will benefit fire fighters today as well. There is a potential for rain throughout the day with thunderstorm activity possible and initial attack crews are prepared to respond if necessary. Rain could produce a temporary reprieve from fuels driven fire behavior, problem fuels on this fire have been the older timber types. A significant factor has been the dryness of the dead and downed heavy fuel component. Any dead log over 8” diameter is considered a 1000-hour fuel. The fuel moisture in a 1000-hour log has an approximate 41-day time lag for it to mostly catch up to large changes in atmospheric moisture. Compare that with a blade of dry grass which is a 1-hour fuel.  While rain is most welcome, the timber fuel type will take some time to react to the current changing weather. 

Actions: Firefighters continue to make good progress; containment is up to 50% as of this morning. The work on the southern edge is going well and resources will focus on that area again today with the intent of ensuring the fire edge is holding. Throughout the burn area mop up targeting remaining hot spots is in full force.  Patrolling of the perimeter continues confirming that line threats have significantly diminished. The forecast shows improved visibility, but potential storms may still impact air support.  

Important Information: Knowing that many are making weekend plans for fall camping, hiking, and perhaps hunting, a quick reminder - the Boulder Mountain Fire Closure area affecting the Colville National Forest is still in effect. These areas are closed to the public, roads and trails included. Please be familiar with the closure before venturing out. Colville National Forest - Home (usda.gov)