Single Publication

NEWS RELEASE

JUL. 27, 2024

South Columbia Basin and Upper Cemetery Fires Update

DNR and Fire District Crews Battle Multiple Fire Starts Around Spokane Area

CHENEY,WA—Crews from the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Spokane County Fire Districts 3 and 10, and regional fire partners from around Spokane and Lincoln counties responded to multiple fire starts in the Spokane area on Friday, July 26.

The South Columbia Basin Fire was first reported on Friday at approximately 1:30 p.m. near Tyler, adjacent to the Columbia Basin Highway. The fast-moving fire burned timber and grasses, threatening multiple homes and structures. Crews from Spokane County Fire District 3 and DNR responded and engaged in structure protection and suppression activities. Air support was ordered, with helicopters and fixed-wing air tankers responding.

The South Columbia Basin fire is estimated at 220 acres, and forward progression was halted Friday evening. Today, DNR and Fire District 3 crews will work to ensure that all structures are properly identified and secured and the surrounding area mopped up. Firefighters will continue to construct containment lines around the fire’s perimeter.

The Upper Cemetery fire (Hill fire) was first reported Friday at 5:00 p.m. on the west side of Spokane, adjacent to Government Way near Palisades Park. Crews from DNR, Fire District 10, and regional partners responded with ground resources and heavy equipment and immediately ordered an aggressive air attack. Aircraft included water scooper aircraft and helicopters. Incident commanders also ordered retardant drops from large air tankers to slow the fire’s progression and allow firefighters better access.

The Upper Cemetery fire is estimated at 90 acres and is burning in steep terrain and heavy timber. A previous forest health treatment was conducted in the area and aided in slowing the fire's spread. The fire’s forward progress was stopped Friday evening. Today, crews will continue constructing a containment line and securing the fire’s perimeter. Due to large debris piles within the fire’s interior, smoke columns may be visible throughout Saturday. Visible smoke columns do not indicate the further spread of the fire.

Approximately 130 personnel will work both fires throughout the weekend, utilizing multiple engines and heavy equipment. Ground crews will have air support as needed. A Type-3 Incident Management Team has been ordered to manage both fires. Northeast Washington Incident Management Team 3 assumed fire command at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, Andrew Stenbeck will act as Incident Commander.

Today’s weather in the fire areas calls for temperatures in the 80s with a minimum humidity of 17 percent. Winds will be breezy today and tomorrow, with average speeds of 5-8 miles per hour and gusts up to 15 miles per hour Saturday afternoon. Winds have the potential to increase fire behavior.

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ryan Rodruck
Communications Manager 
Cell: 360-584-3916
ryan.rodruck@dnr.wa.gov

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