We have been getting lots of calls about the smoke impacting local communities from the White River, Irving Peak and Minnow Ridge fires burning 14-16 miles north and northwest of Plain, WA. There was increased fire behavior on Monday and Tuesday due to the hotter and dryer weather, and we may see the fires become a bit more active this afternoon as temperatures increase.
The total acreage for all of the fires is 7,950 acres. The Irving Peak and White River fires are less than a half mile from each other. Fire activity is mostly staying on the ground.
White River Fire: 3,604 acres 10% contained Irving Peak Fire: 3,406 acres 7% contained Meander Fire: 9 acres 0% contained Minnow Ridge Fire: 931 acres 0% contained (an increase of 281 acres) We are continually assessing and reassessing fire suppression strategy. Fires are still within the area containment lines. The containment lines that are in place are located at the best options geographically due to the terrain. Weather: A cold front is expected tonight which should reduce fire activity due to increased relative humidity and lower temperatures. Smoke: The east wind on Tuesday scoured out the air making the smoke more visible today. The cold front tonight will put a cap over the area keeping the smoker layer in, so we will see more smoke in the valleys. We will see varying amounts of smoke from these fires until there is a season ending event. Resources: 50 personnel, one helicopter at Fish Lake, a second helicopter at Pangborn Airport.