Single Publication

(MOCLIPS, Wash.) – The Margarita Fire started August 2nd at approximately 12:30am on the Quinault reservation, approximately 1.5 miles NE of Moclips. It is mostly burning in a timber sale unit that is a mix of cedar slash and standing trees, surrounded by heavy timber. Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire on August 4th.

The fire is currently 61 acres and 30% contained. The fire continues to burn through heavy slash fuels and standing timber. Yesterday, crews burned out fuels along the north edge of the fire to secure the fire line where it crossed the M-800 road. They also cleaned up the dozer line at the east edge of the fire and cooled hot spots along the south side. Firefighters “tied in” the fire line at the southeast part of the fire perimeter. Meaning, they connected the hand line at the south to the dozer line at the east side. Two additional engines and two tree falling groups came in last night to support firefighting efforts. As of yesterday evening, 102 people, eight engines, and two helicopters are working to suppress the fire.

The objective today is to continue mopping up and improving fire lines. Specifically, the focus is on mopping up at the northeast corner of the fire and cooling or removing tree stumps at the northwest corner. Crews on the east side of the fire will continue to improve dozer line to make it more secure. Up to four engines and a water tender will continue cooling hot spots along the south side of the fire.

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.

Weather today is expected to be cloudy in the morning, becoming partly sunny in the late afternoon. The high temperature is forecast to be 69 degrees. Winds will be out of the northwest, increasing to 7-12 mph in the afternoon. There is a chance of very light rain overnight.

You can support firefighting efforts by ensuring there is one less spark. Nearly 85% of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans. Aside from intentional arson, human-caused fires result from campfires left unattended, debris burning, equipment use and malfunctions, and negligently discarded cigarettes. The weather forecast calls for increasingly warmer and drier conditions starting mid-week. Please take care to ensure our firefighters can get the rest and recovery time they need once the Margarita Fire is put to bed.