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Margarita Fire Update August 5, 2023

Fire Information Line: 360-605-0142

Incident Commander trainee Kit Moffitt

(MOCLIPS, Wash.) – The Margarita Fire started August 2nd at approximately 12:30am. It is mostly burning in a timber sale unit that is a mix of cedar slash and standing trees, surrounded by heavy timber. The Quinault Indian Nation requested support and the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team responded, assuming command of the fire yesterday.

The fire is currently 68 acres and 0% contained. Crews have started constructing control lines around the fire perimeter. However, containment is when the control lines are constructed such that fire officials are confident the fire should not cross at that point. Heavy equipment arrived yesterday, helping to clear vegetation. They worked primarily at the north and east edges of the fire. Aerial support continued with helicopters helping to cool hot spots, which are mostly at the south edge of the fire. As of last night, 34 personnel and four engines were assigned to support Margarita Fire suppression efforts.

The objective today is to continue fire line construction with hand crews, heavy equipment, and aerial support. Additional heavy equipment, a water tender, and hand crews are projected to arrive today. With the favorable weather conditions, the fire is laying down, giving firefighters an opportunity to work safely near the fire’s edge, establishing control lines and working toward containment.

The only evacuation warning is a Level 2 – Get Set – for the community of Quinault Village, also known as Moclips Estates. Residents should have essentials packed and be ready to go if conditions change. We do not currently anticipate additional evacuations. Stay tuned to the Quinault Police and Grays Harbor Sheriff for any updates. You can sign up for an alert system at https://shorturl.at/lqQUX

Weather today is expected to be sunny with patchy fog in the morning. The high temperature is forecast to be 71 degrees. Winds will be out of the northwest at 6-8 mph.

You can support firefighting efforts by ensuring you don’t interfere with air operations. Please do not fly drones over the fire area and if you are recreating at Moclips River, please avoid the helicopters while they are dipping water.