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 50% contained. Crews yesterday mopped up approximately 50 feet in from fire lines. Mopping up is extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, felling snags, and trenching logs to prevent rolling after an area has burned, to make a fire safer and help reduce residual smoke. Some of the heavy timber inside the fire area will continue to burn due to
substantial safety concerns with puting firefighters into those areas. There have been no injuries to date on the Margarita Fire and we are working hard to keep everyone healthy and safe! Heavy equipment broke up and scatered slash piles to help reduce the threat from unburned material inside the fire area. Some of the heavy equipment completed its work and will depart the fire area today. As of yesterday evening, 119 people, eight engines, and two helicopters were working to suppress the fire.

The objective today is to continue improving and reinforcing fire lines, mopping up and scatering fuels within the fire perimeter. The east edge of the fire contains many tall, dangerous trees and snags, and mop up in this area is hindered because of the extreme risk to firefighters. Additional work today will reduce and spread out fuels outside the eastern containment perimeter to decrease the chance of fire escape in that location.

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 forecast to be partly sunny with a high temperature of 68 degrees. Winds will be out of the west 5-6 mph. Light rain is predicted tonight, totaling approximately 0.15 inches.

You can support firefighting efforts by continuing to drive safely in the fire area, along Highway 109 and the Moclips Highway. Please look out for fire personnel entering and exiting the roads.