Incident Publication

 Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update 
Saturday, August 14, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics: 
Size:  32,298 acres 
Containment:  15% 
Total Personnel: 499 
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics: 
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment:  96% 
Total Personnel: 27 
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning  

Changes in Weather Are Expected to Increase Fire Activity

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Yesterday, the Green Ridge Fire pushed south to the west side of Mount Misery, increasing the total acres to 32,298.  The fire remains 15% contained. Crews have been patrolling and improving lines on the north and west sides of the fire in Divisions G, K, and M. Crews and bulldozers continued strengthening contingency lines along roads and ridges north of the 22 (4022) Road yesterday. Fire activity was minimal in Division M on the north edge of the fire where successful firing operations took place earlier this week. On Saturday, firefighters continued to scout for possible contingency lines south of the Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires. 

Today, crews will continue patrolling and strengthening lines in Divisions G, K, and M on the west and north sides of the fire. Hand crews and heavy equipment will continue to be used to secure contingency lines to the north in Division H and to the southeast of the Green Ridge fire perimeter. Firefighters are looking for roads, ridges, or other natural features that can be improved to create fire lines in the coming days. Winds out of the northwest are expected to push the fire southeast as it follows the terrain. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 96% contained, with the remaining 4% of unsecured line on West Mountain Road on the southeast portion of the fire. The Lick Creek Fire currently has one Type 4 engine, one Type 6 engine, one bulldozer, one tactical water tender, and 8 support water tenders assigned to the incident. With the low relative humidity and dry fuels, smoldering and torching within the fire’s interior will continue. On Saturday, crews detected a spot fire outside of the Lick Creek Fire perimeter and were able to successfully insert resources into the area and stop its spread. Crews will continue to improve and monitor the containment lines, shifting to help firefighting efforts on Green Ridge where needed. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Winds are expected to increase this afternoon, with 8-12 mph winds from the west to northwest, with gusts to 17 mph. Little change in the temperature and humidity is expected today; hot and dry conditions are expected to continue. Temperatures will be 85-90 degrees along the ridges and in the mid-90s in the valley bottoms. Smoke will continue to be dense throughout the day. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopens most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closes all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in the Pomeroy Ranger District will remain closed to entry. the order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Level 1 evacuations were added on Thursday for Grouse Flats in southern Garfield County. For more information on evacuations in Garfield County, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xFyM4. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. Wallowa County, Oregon currently has Level 1 evacuations in place for Grouse Flats. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yv2sypd4.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964 
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021 

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238 
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/  
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire  

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update 
Sunday, August 15, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 
 
Green Ridge Fire Statistics: 
Size:  34,644 acres 
Containment:  15% 
Total Personnel: 505 
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics: 
Size:  80,421 acres  
Containment:  97% 
Total Personnel: 28 Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021
Cause: Lightning  

Increased Winds Expected Today and Tomorrow Ahead of Cold Front

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: On Saturday, the Green Ridge Fire continued to move to the south, reaching the north side of Misery Ridge and the west side of Mount Misery. The fire grew to 34,644 acres and remains 15% contained. Crews have been patrolling and mopping up the fire’s perimeter along the Kendall Skyline Road on the fire’s southwest edge as well as along the 22 (4022) Road from Tucannon Road to the Lick Creek Fire perimeter. Crews have continued to search for pockets of heat and engage where it is safe to do so in Branch I on the northern and western edge of the fire. Fire activity was minimal on the north and west sides of the fire in divisions G, K, and M on Saturday. In Division P, on the south side of the fire, firefighters continued to scout for possible contingency lines. 

Today, afternoon winds out of the southwest are expected to push the fire northeast towards established lines in Division M. Firefighters will be in place on the northern end of the fire to patrol existing lines and engage in any threats to the lines in Division M. Firefighters will secure and scout for additional contingency lines to the north of the fire in Division H and to the southeast of the Green Ridge fire perimeter in Division P. Some firefighting resources are starting to be positioned in Div P to begin constructing indirect fire lines in the coming days once scouting is complete. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and containment increased to 97%, with the remaining 3% of unsecured line on the southwest edge of the fire’s perimeter. The Lick Creek Fire currently has 2 two Type 3 engines, one Type 4 engine, one Type 6 engine, one bulldozer, one tactical water tender, and eight support water tenders assigned to the incident. On Saturday, favorable west-northwest winds pushed heat and smoke into the interior and away from established fire lines. Interior fuels continue to smolder within the fire perimeter with occasional torching. On Sunday, assigned resources will continue to improve and monitor containment lines, shifting to help firefighting efforts on Green Ridge where needed during periods of increased fire activity. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Winds are expected to increase this afternoon ahead of a passing cold front. West southwest winds are expected to be 8-12 mph, with gusts to 20 mph. The wind is expected to clear the heavy smoke out of the area. Temperatures will be in the 80s along the ridges and in the mid-90s in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in the Pomeroy Ranger District will remain closed to entry. the order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Level 1 evacuations were added on Thursday for Grouse Flats in southern Garfield County. For more information on evacuations in Garfield County, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xFyM4. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. Wallowa County, Oregon currently has Level 1 evacuations in place for Grouse Flats. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yv2sypd4.  

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964 
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov  
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021 

Lick Creek Fire Information: 
 Information Office: (509) 780-6238 
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire 

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Monday, August 16, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size:  36,328 acres 
Containment:  19% 
Total Personnel: 494 
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning
 
Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment:  97% 
Total Personnel: 28
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Green Ridge Fire Containment Increases to 19% Despite Increased Winds

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Despite increased wind speeds yesterday, the Green Ridge Fire saw little growth and containment increased to 19%. The fire is currently 36,328 acres, with the additional acreage gained on the southern portion of the fire in Branch II. Yesterday’s gusty winds tested the fire line along the 22 (4022) Road in Division M and fire lines held, keeping the fire in its existing footprint to the north. Divisions G and K were combined into Division K in Branch I. Division K now includes the area along the Kendall Skyline Road and the western portion of the 22 (4022) Road. The area in the southeast corner of the fire near Oregon Butte is now Division W, replacing Division A. The area south of the fire previously known as Division P is now Division S. Division P is currently the area to the south of the Lick Creek Fire. Please see attached map to see the new division breaks on the landscape. Additional containment line was added on the southeast perimeter of the fire on the Kendall Skyline Road and on the eastern portion of the fire along Mountain Road where the Lick Creek Fire and the Green Ridge Fire burned together. 

Today, the fire is expected to continue moving to the south burning unburned pockets of fuel between the fingers that have burned south towards Mt. Misery, Diamond Peak and other points along the fire’s southern perimeter. Firefighters will continue to patrol and improve the fire lines in Division K, engaging in areas where the fire still retains heat along the line. Firefighters will also continue to patrol the fire lines in Division M, prepared to engage any possible growth from the fire’s existing boundary. In Branch II, firefighters will continue to scout for possible contingency lines to the southeast of the Green Ridge fire perimeter in Division P. Construction of indirect fire line is expected to begin later this week. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. The remaining uncontained line is on West Mountain Road, east of Misery Springs campground. Fuels are expected to smolder and torch within the interior of the fire perimeter, which might result in increased smoke. Firefighters will continue to monitor containment lines and mop up any interior pockets of heat where it is safe to do so. 

Weather & Smoke Information: A cooling trend is expected to begin today with gusty west-southwest winds. These gusty winds are expected to reduce the smoke density in the area. West-southwest winds are expected to be 9-13 mph, with gusts to 25 mph. Temperatures will be 75-80 degrees along the ridges and 86-91 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in the Pomeroy Ranger District will remain closed to entry. the order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Level 1 evacuations were added on Thursday for Grouse Flats in southern Garfield County. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yv2sypd4. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information:
 Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire 

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update 
Wednesday, August 17, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 
 
Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size:  37,599 acres 
Containment:  19% 
Total Personnel: 520
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment:  97% 
Total Personnel: 27
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Fireline on the Northern Perimeter Holds Against Gusty Winds

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire is currently 37,599 acres and is 19% contained. The last 48 hours have tested fire lines in Division M, on the 22 (4022) Road, with gusty southwest winds. Those lines held and Division M remains in the same footprint as before the increased winds over the last few days, demonstrating the effectiveness of the firing operation and fire line in place on the 22 (4022) Road. Yesterday, the north side of the fire saw minimal activity in Divisions K and M, spanning from the Kendall Skyline Road to the existing containment line on the north end of the Lick Creek Fire scar. The Green Ridge Fire continued to move slightly to the south in Division W, extending just south of Oregon Butte. The majority of the fire’s growth yesterday was on the southern perimeter where unburned pockets of fuel burned between previously burned areas in Division S. 

The fire is expected to continue burning southward today consuming unburned pockets of fuel along the fire’s southern perimeter in divisions W and P. With the fire line successfully holding in divisions M and K through the wind event over the last 48 hours, a number of firefighting resources will be strategically transitioned to the southern perimeter of the fire. There will still be firefighters in place in divisions K and M on the northern and western fire lines in to patrol and engage any existing pockets of heat. Indirect line construction will begin in Division P today to the south of the Lick Creek Fire scar. Heavy equipment is expected on the roads today with the transition of firefighting resources from Branch I to Branch II. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. The uncontained 3% of fire line is east of Misery Springs campground on West Mountain Road. Torching and smoldering within the interior of the fire perimeter is expected to continue as the fire continues to burn unburned pockets of fuel from within the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters will continue to mop up along the fire’s perimeter and monitor containment lines. 

Weather & Smoke Information: The cooling trend is expected to continue today, which will be accompanied by moderate northwest winds. These gusty winds are expected to help with smoke dispersion across the area. West-southwest winds are expected to be 7-14 mph, with gusts to 20 mph. Temperatures will be 60-65 degrees along the ridges and 68-73 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in the Pomeroy Ranger District remain closed to entry. the closure order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yv2sypd4. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information: 
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information: 
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire 

Rocky Mountain Team Black will be hosting a community informational update on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires Wednesday August 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Laundry Shower House (across from the Wenaha Bar & Grill) in Troy, OR. 
 
Operations staff will give a brief update on the fire followed by an opportunity for the community to meet with incident managers and agency officials as well as ask questions about the fires. 

This event will not be livestreamed due to constraints on bandwidth at the meeting site. 

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Wednesday, August 18, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size:  38,410 acres 
Containment:  26% 
Total Personnel: 541
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment:  97% 
Total Personnel: 27
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Cooler, Wetter Weather Expected to Calm Fire Behavior

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Yesterday, containment on the Green Ride increased to 26%. The additional containment line was added along the Rattle Snake Fire burn scar in Division K on the north end of the fire and to the west on the 22 (4022) Road in Division M. The fire is currently 38,410 acres. The fire’s growth yesterday was primarily on the south side of the fire in Division S. The fire continued to burn to the south along the drainages in Branch II, burning in unburned pockets of fuel. Yesterday, the fire remained within the existing fire perimeter on the west and north sides of the fire in divisions K and M, as the established fire lines held in Branch I. 

With cooler weather and a chance of precipitation today, fire behavior is expected to calm across the fire area. Firefighters will continue to hold and improve completed containment lines in Division K and Division M, while improving the lines on the remaining uncontained fire line in this area. With firefighting resources continuing to transition from the north in Branch I to south in Branch II, heavy equipment will continue to be on the roads today. Crews will continue improving the Hansen Ridge Road on Forest Service, state, and county property to create a contingency line to prevent the fire from moving east. The fire is expected to continue slowly moving to the southeast with the expected northwest winds today.

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. Fire will continue to smolder as interior fuels continue burning over the next few days. The fire is not expected to grow outside of its existing footprint. Firefighters will continue to mop up along the fire’s perimeter and monitor containment lines and continue to support the Green Ridge fire with resources as requested and available. 

Rocky Mountain Team Black will be hosting a community informational update on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires today at 6:30 p.m. at the Laundry/Shower House (across from the Wenaha Bar & Grill) in Troy, OR. Operations staff will give the community a brief update on the fire followed by an opportunity for the community to meet with incident managers and agency officials as well as ask questions about the fires. This event will not be livestreamed due to constraints on bandwidth at the meeting site.

Weather & Smoke Information: Today is expected to be cloudy and cool. There is a 70% chance of rain over the fire area. Northwest winds are expected to be 5-10 mph, with gusts to 17 mph. Temperatures will be 57-63 degrees along the ridges and 67-75 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in Washington on the Pomeroy Ranger District remain closed to entry. The closure order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://tinyurl.com/yv2sypd4. 

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire

Rocky Mountain Team Black will be hosting a community informational update on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires on Thursday August 19 at 7:00 p.m. at the Anatone Community Hall in Anatone, WA. 

Operations staff will give a brief update on the fire followed by an opportunity for the community to meet with incident managers and agency officials as well as ask questions about the fires. 

This event will not be livestreamed due to constraints on bandwidth at the meeting site. 

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Thursday, August 19, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 38,787 acres 
Containment:  29% 
Total Personnel: 504
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment: 97% 
Total Personnel: 22
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Containment Continues to Increase on the Green Ridge Fire

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: On Wednesday, containment on the Green Ridge Fire increased to 29%. The fire is currently 38,787 acres. The additional containment line was added in Division M on Skyline Dr continuing up to the Panjab Campground, where it ties into previously contained line. The increased acreage was gained on the uncontained fire line on the southern perimeter the fire in Branch II. Fire activity was minimal yesterday, with no new growth in divisions K or M. Precipitation fell on the east side of the fire on Wednesday afternoon, helping minimize the fire’s growth.

With lower relative humidity and higher temperatures than yesterday, a slight uptick in fire behavior is expected today. The fire is expected to slowly continue creeping and smoldering upslope in divisions W, S, and P, pushed by the upslope winds from the northwest. With severe fires burning across the west, firefighting resources are scarce. With the limited number of resources on the Green Ridge Fire, firefighters are focusing efforts on the area of highest priority and where there is a high probability of containment actions being successful. Currently, the highest priority area is the uncontained southeast perimeter of the fire. Crews will be in place in Branch II, improving the Hansen Ridge Road on Forest Service, state, and county lands to create a shaded fuel break as a contingency line. Crews will continue to hold and improve on the fire line in Branch I along the 22 (4022) Road, strengthening the fire line along the remaining uncontained perimeter and patrolling the contained fire line. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained.  Today’s northwest winds are expected to push the heat and smoke towards the interior of the fire. Interior fuels are expected to continue to smolder and burn minimally throughout the day. Firefighters assigned to Lick Creek fire will provide support to the Green Ridge fire when needed and continue to monitor and improve containment lines along the fire’s perimeter. 

Rocky Mountain Team Black will be hosting a community informational update on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires today at 7:00 p.m. at the Anatone Community Hall in Anatone, WA. Operations staff will give the community a brief update on the fire followed by an opportunity for the community to meet with incident managers and agency officials as well as ask questions about the fires. This event will not be livestreamed due to the informality of the event.

Weather & Smoke Information: Weather is expected to be mostly sunny today, warming slightly from yesterday. Northwest winds are expected to be 4-8 mph, with gusts to 17 mph. Temperatures will be 64-70 degrees along the ridges and 77-83 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in Washington on the Pomeroy Ranger District remain closed to entry. The closure order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://arcg.is/0mrCe1. 

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
 Friday, August 20, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,235 acres 
Containment:  31% 
Total Personnel: 462
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning
 
Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment: 97% 
Total Personnel: 18
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Green Ridge Fire Containment Increases on Thursday 

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: On Wednesday, containment on the Green Ridge Fire increased to 31%. The additional containment line was added on the 22 (4022) Road continuing from the previously contained line to the east of Camp Wooten in Division M. The fire is currently 39,235 acres. There was no change to the existing fire footprint in divisions K and M on the west and north sides of the fire. The fire’s minimal growth was from the uncontained fire line on the southern perimeter the fire in Branch II. Crews neared completion of the road preparation and shaded fuel breaks along the Hansen Ridge Road in Division P.

Today, firefighters will finalize a strategic plan for the areas to the south and east of the fire that identifies contingency lines with the highest probability of success given the limited probability of being impacted in the next ten days. With cooler temperatures and possible precipitation on the fire, a slight reduction in fire behavior is expected today. The fire will continue creeping and smoldering upslope through the day on the south side of the fire in divisions W, S, and P. Today, crews will continue looking for hot spots near the fire line along the remaining uncontained perimeter and patrolling the contained fire line in Branch I along the 22 (4022) Road. Crews will continue working on the south side of the fire in Branch II, improving the road preparation and shaded fuel breaks in Division P along Forest Service, state, and county lands in the Grouse Flat area.

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. There are no new changes to report on Lick Creek and no future changes in the fire’s perimeter are expected. The remaining 3% of containment on the Lick Creek Fire will come as Green Ridge Fire burns around the currently uncontained areas. Today’s continuing northwest winds are expected to push the heat and smoke towards the interior of the fire. Interior fuels are expected to continue to smolder throughout the day. Firefighters assigned to Lick Creek fire will provide support to the Green Ridge fire when needed and continue to monitor and improve containment lines along the fire’s perimeter. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s weather will be cooler than yesterday with higher relative humidity and a chance for thunderstorms in the afternoon. There is a 60% chance of rain today. Northwest winds are expected to decrease slightly to 4-8 mph, with gusts to 14 mph. Temperatures will be 60-65 degrees along the ridges and 67-72 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in Washington on the Pomeroy Ranger District remain closed to entry. The closure order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://arcg.is/0mrCe1. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Saturday, August 21, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,235 acres 
Containment:  35% 
Total Personnel: 474
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning

Lick Creek Fire Statistics:
Size:  80,421 acres 
Containment: 97% 
Total Personnel: 13
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Green Ridge Fire Containment Increases to 35% 

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: On Friday, the fire saw wetting rain and containment increased to 35%. An infrared flight was not available last night, so there is no change in acreage today; the fire remains 39,235 acres. The additional containment was added in Division M along the 22 (4022) Road on the northern fire perimeter. Fire activity was minimal in divisions M and K on the north and west sides of the fire yesterday. Crews completed the shaded fuel break that will be used as a contingency line on the southeast side of the fire in Branch II. Fire behavior decreased yesterday with the high relative humidity and wetting rain over much of the fire area last night. 

With continued cooler temperatures and a 50% chance of continued precipitation on the fire, minimal fire behavior is expected again today. Crews will be taking advantage of the cooler wetter weather to continue mopping up the uncontained edges of the fire in divisions M and K to further increase containment on the uncontained portions of fire line. In these areas, firefighters will be mopping up the fire perimeter of the fire looking for pockets of heat and engaging where it is safe to do so to increase certainty that the fire will not move from its current footprint in those areas. In Branch II, crews will continue work in the area of the shaded fuel break chipping limbs and branches to clean up work that was completed yesterday on the south side of the fire in Division P north of the Grouse Flat area. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: There are no new changes to report on Lick Creek and no future changes in the fire’s perimeter are expected. The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. The remaining 3% of containment on the Lick Creek Fire will come as Green Ridge Fire burns around the currently uncontained areas. Yesterday’s wetting rain over the fire helped moderate fire behavior, but the fire will continue to smolder well into the interior of the fire today and in the coming days. Firefighters assigned to the Lick Creek Fire will provide support to the Green Ridge fire when needed and continue patrolling and improving containment lines along the fire’s perimeter. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s weather will be mostly cloudy, with cooler temperatures and lower relative humidity than yesterday. There is a 50% chance of rain today with chances of showers and thunderstorms. Northwest winds are expected to decrease slightly to 3-6 mph, with gusts to 12 mph. Temperatures will be 55-60 degrees along the ridges and 60-65 degrees in the valley bottoms. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF have been amended. The amended order reopened most Umatilla NF lands in Oregon. The order also closed all lands on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Washington; forest lands in Washington on the Pomeroy Ranger District remain closed to entry. The closure order is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County currently has Level 1, 2 and 3 evacuations in place. Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. The Grouse Flats area is currently under a Level 1 evacuation in Garfield County, Asotin County, and Wallowa County, Oregon. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://arcg.is/0mrCe1. 

Temporary Flight Restrictions: A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the Green Ridge Fire and Lick Creek Fire. Wildfires are a No Drone Zone. If you fly, we can’t. Whenever a drone is spotted near the fire all aircraft are grounded until we can be sure the drone is clear of the area. For more information, visit http://knowbeforeyoufly.org.

Green Ridge Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 542-7964
Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov 
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GreenRidgeFire2021

Lick Creek Fire Information:
Information Office: (509) 780-6238
Email: 2021.LickCreek@firenet.gov
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LickCreekFire