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

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Sunday, August 22, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,351 acres 
Containment:  35% 
Total Personnel: 351
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: 14
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Green Ridge Fire Activity Slows with Cooler Temperatures and Precipitation

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: Over the past 48 hours, the fire area received between 0.25 to 0.50 inches of rain which slowed fire activity. The Green Ridge Fire saw minimal growth, increasing to 39,351 acres and remaining 35% contained. There was no growth on the north and west sides of the fire yesterday in divisions M and K. Crews completed the work in Divisions P and S on the shaded fuel breaks along Hansen Ridge Road on the southeast side of the fire. Over the last two days, fire behavior has significantly decreased due to the high relative humidity and wetting rain over much of the fire area. 

A warming trend will begin today which will bring lower relative humidity and a return to seasonal temperatures this week. The warmer, drier weather will begin drying fuels, which is expected to result in increased fire behavior through the first half of the week. Crews will continue mop up operations looking for areas of heat and engaging where it is safe to do so in divisions K and M on the north and west sides of the fire. With the completion of line preparation in Branch II, some resources will be transitioning to Branch I to assist with mopping up and patrolling the line. Three suppression modules and overhead positions will remain in Branch II, monitoring the southern perimeter of the fire. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: There are no 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 last 48 hours of rain and cooler temperatures have helped moderate fire behavior. The fire will continue to burn available fuels on the interior of the fire and smoke will be visible as fuels dry in the coming days. Firefighters will continue patrolling and improving containment lines along the fire’s perimeter, assisting with firefighting efforts on Green Ridge fire when needed.

Weather & Smoke Information: A warming trend is expected to start today, with sunny skies and increased winds. West-northwest winds are expected to be 10-15 mph, with gusts to 25 mph. Temperatures will be 65-70 degrees along the ridges and 70-75 degrees in the valley bottoms. Skies will clear out overnight with a strong inversion developing as ridge top winds will continue to gust into the overnight leaving smoke and haze trapped in the valleys into the morning. 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
Monday, August 23, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,422 acres 
Containment:  35% 
Total Personnel: 229
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: 14
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Drier conditions and cooler temperatures expected over Green Ridge Fire

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire is 39,422 acres and is 35% contained. Fire activity on the Green Ridge Fire was minimal again on Sunday as residual moisture from weekend rains tempered fire activity. Crews continued patrolling sections of uncontrolled line in divisions M and K to remove heat from the fire’s edge and ensure the fire stays within its current perimeter. Crews began removing hose and other equipment from contained fire lines on the north side of the fire.

On Monday, crews will remain vigilant and continue working towards containment on in divisions M and K. Winds are expected to increase through the day as the cold front moves over the area. A drying trend will begin today which will bring lower relative humidity and a return to warmer seasonal temperatures this week. The warmer, drier weather will begin drying fuels, which is expected to result in increased fire behavior through the first half of the week. Crews in divisions K and M on the north and west sides of the fire will continue mop up operations looking for areas of heat and engaging where it is safe to do so. Three fire suppression modules will be working in divisions P and S on the south side of the fire. These crews will be monitoring fire activity and engaging any new fires or spots that emerge in the area. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. Interior fuels will continue to smolder, and some smoke may be visible as fuels dry from the weekend’s precipitation. Firefighters will continue patrolling and improving containment lines along the fire’s perimeter, assisting with firefighting efforts on Green Ridge fire when needed.

Weather & Smoke Information: Temperatures are expected to be cooler on Monday with lower relative humidity as a weak cold front passes over the area. West-northwest winds are expected to continue at 10-15 mph, with gusts to 25 mph. Temperatures will be in the low 60s along the ridges and high 60s in the valleys. 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
Tuesday, August 24, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,471 acres 
Containment:  35% 
Total Personnel: 227
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: 7
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Drying trend to continue over Green Ridge Fire on Tuesday

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire is 39,471 acres after 49 acres of growth on Monday. The fire is 35% contained. Despite sunny skies and drier conditions on Monday, fire activity was minimal again due to fuel moistures remaining high. Crews continued mopping up sections of uncontrolled line in divisions M and K. Containment did not increase on the Green Ridge Fire on Monday, but firefighters are becoming increasingly confident that additional portions of fire line in divisions M and K will soon be contained.

On Tuesday, crews will continue efforts mopping up the fire’s edge in divisions M and K. Winds are expected to increase through the day as the cold front moves over the area. A drying trend will continue today which will bring lower relative humidity and a return to warmer temperatures. The warmer, drier weather will continue through the week, which is expected to result in some increased fire behavior. Crews in divisions M and K on the north and west sides of the fire will continue mop up operations looking for areas of heat and engaging where it is safe to do so. Three fire suppression modules will be working in divisions P and S on the south side of the fire. These crews will be monitoring fire activity and engaging any new fires or spots that occur. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. Interior fuels are expected to dry in the coming days and smoke may be visible in the coming days. Firefighters will continue patrolling and improving containment lines along the fire’s perimeter, assisting with firefighting efforts on Green Ridge fire when needed. The section of still uncontained line is burning in mixed conifer that is susceptible to spot fires. Until the heat diminishes in this area, it is unlikely that this section of line will be considered contained. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Temperatures are expected to be warmer on Tuesday with lower relative humidity. West-northwest winds will blow from 5-8 through the morning then give way to north-northeast winds in the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the mid-to-high 60s along the ridges and low 70s in the valleys. 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: Evacuations in Garfield and Columbia Counties have been amended. The Level 3 evacuation area north of the Green Ridge Fire has been changed to a Level 2. This area includes Clearwater Tower, Stentz Springs, and Rose Springs. With these changes, Garfield County and Columbia County currently have Level 1 and 2 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

COLUMBIA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE 341£1ST AINSTREIT; SUITE1
DAYTON, WASHINGTON 99328

(509) 382-1100 Business

(509) 382-2518 Dispatch

(509) 382-4165  Fax

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 
Joseph Helm
 SHERIFF 

COLUMBIA COUNTY, Washington- August 24, 2021

GREEN  RIDGE  FIRE - EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGE FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY

The Level III evacuation notice for the following areas has been reduced to Level II:

• Beginning at the north Umatilla National Forest boundary, from Tucker Road to the Garfield County line boundary. The west side continues to follow the west forest boundary south to where Walla Walla Rd and N Touchet Road intersect, diagonal to Midway Campground at Skyline Drive. It will continue east through the Horse Ridge Trail to the Garfield County line.

A Level II evacuation notice continues in the following areas:

• Everything northwest of Chase Mountain to where Walla Walla Rd and N Touchet Road intersect within Umatilla National Forest boundary.

A Level I evacuation notice continues for the follow areas:

• North of the Umatilla National Forest boundary following the Maloney Mountain Road turning into Hartsock Grade Road and follows east and south around the Garfield County Line back to the forest boundary.

LEVEL III - Red, GO! Means leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately.

LEVEL II - Yellow, SET You should be alert and ready to leave this area at any time. If you are concerned about your safety or believe you are in danger, do not wait for an official evacuation order - leave immediately.

Level I - Green. READY Be READY for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information.

To prepare for evacuation, you should arrange for transportation or other mobility assistance, relocate livestock or large animals out of the area, and pack essential personal belongings, medications, special dietary items, and infant-care items.

Evacuation Levels are evaluated daily based on current and forecasted fire activity.  Again, the change in current evacuation levels is precautionary.

 These evacuation levels will remain in place until rescinded by the Columbia County Sheriff.

Sheriff Joe Helm
Columbia County, WA

DREW W. HYER
GARFIELD COUNTY SHERIFF
P.O. BOX 338
POMEROY, WA 99347-0338

(509) 843-3494 * FAX (509) 843-1347

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

POMEROY, Washington – August 23, 2021

GREEN RIDGE FIRE – EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGE FOR GARFIELD COUNTY

Effective August 23, 2021, Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has updated the evacuation level 3 area of Clearwater Tower, Stentz Springs and Rose Springs to a level 2.  This evacuation reduction is due to the weather change and fire status as of today. 

Evacuation Levels are evaluated daily based on current and forecasted fire activity.  Again, the change in current evacuation levels is precautionary. 

Level 1: READY - Level 1 evacuations are an Alert. Residents should be aware of a danger that exists. Now is the time to “Get Ready”. Residents with special needs, or those with pets or livestock, should take note and prepare for relocating family members, pets and livestock. Refine your evacuation plans and gather the things you will need if you must evacuate. 

LEVEL 2— Be SET to evacuate at a moment notice. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice.  

LEVEL 3— GO! means leave immediately. Danger to your area is current or imminent, and you should leave immediately.  
 Evacuation Levels are evaluated daily based on current and forecasted fire activity.  Again, the change in current evacuation levels is precautionary. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Garfield County Emergency Management Director, Tina Meier, or Sheriff Drew Hyer at (509) 843-3494.

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update
Wednesday, August 25, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:
Size: 39,490 acres 
Containment:  35% 
Total Personnel: 223
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: 7
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  

Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires hold steady ahead of management change

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire remains 35% contained and is 39,490 acres after 19 acres of growth on Monday. Fire activity was minimal again due on Tuesday despite sunny skies and lower relative humidity across the fire area. Crews continued mopping up sections of uncontrolled line in divisions M and K. Crews completed the removal of equipment and miles of hose from contained portions of line on the north and west sides of the fire so this equipment can be cleaned and redistributed to other incidents across the west. 

On Wednesday, crews will continue the patrol and mop up work that has been ongoing in divisions M and K on the north and west sides of the fire. The drying trend that started earlier this week will continue today and is expected to result in a slight increase in fire behavior and some smoke production. Three fire suppression modules will be monitoring fire activity and engaging any new fires or spots that occur in divisions P and S on the south side of the fire. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek fire remains 80,421 acres and 97% contained. Firefighters will continue patrolling containment lines and addressing hot spots along those lines when needed. Smoke may be visible in the coming days as winds may cause unburned fuels inside the fire’s perimeter to burn.

At 6:00 a.m. on August 26, Rocky Mountain Team Black will transition command of the Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires to Northwest Team 8, another Type 2 Incident Management Team. “Team Black greatly appreciated the cooperation from the local agencies and the warm welcome we received from the community during our time on the Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fires,” said Team Black Incident Commander Troy Hagan. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Increased cloud cover is expected over the fires Wednesday afternoon, which will keep temperatures cooler and relative humidity higher. Winds will blow out of the west-northwest at 5-8 mph with gusts up to 16 mph in the afternoon. Temperatures will be in the high 60s above 5500’ and low to mid 70s in the valleys. Cloud cover is expected to increase this evening leading to higher relative humidity and reduced fire behavior in the coming days. 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: Evacuations in Garfield and Columbia Counties were amended on Tuesday, August 24. The Level 3 evacuation area north of the Green Ridge Fire has been changed to a Level 2 evacuation. This area includes Clearwater Tower, Stentz Springs, and Rose Springs. With these changes, Garfield County and Columbia County currently have Level 1 and 2 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 Fires Update

Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Commander, Kevin Stock

August 26, 2021

NEWS RELEASE
 
Contacts:
Umatilla National Forest: Darcy Weseman (541-278-3722)
Wallowa-Whitman National Forest: Peter Fargo (541-523-1231)