Incident Publication

PENDLETON, Ore. (September 20, 2021) — Proactive hazardous fuel treatments on the Pomeroy Ranger District of the Umatilla National Forest were instrumental in changing fire behavior and slowing the advance of the Lick Creek Fire, which burned approximately 80,421 acres. These treated acres were critical in providing fire managers suppression options, which kept the wildfire shorter in duration, less costly, safer for firefighters, and reduced the severity of the burn in treated areas.

The thinning treatments happened over the course of a decade and were designed to protect infrastructure on the District (such as campgrounds or recreation residences) and to make the landscape more resilient to large-scale disturbances like wildfires, insects and disease by reducing fuels in strategic locations and in areas that historically experienced low severity fires. Overall, within the surrounding fire area, the Pomeroy Ranger District has treated more than 35,000 acres, including 78 million board feet (MMBF) of timber harvest sold and approximately 27,000 acres of prescribed burning.

On July 7, 2021, multiple new fires were reported in Asotin County following widespread thunderstorms with no precipitation after an extended period of record-breaking drought conditions in June. Several new starts were reported southwest of Asotin, Washington and grew rapidly due to hot and dry conditions and strong afternoon winds. Two of the fires (Lick Creek Fire and Dry Gulch Fire) burned together and a third fire (Silcott Fire) spread toward the community of Asotin, prompting multiple evacuations. Over the next several days, wind shifts pushed the Lick Creek Fire to the south and southwest, with parts of the fire burning into previously treated areas along Forest Service Road (FSR) 42, Iron Springs to the west and Forest Service Road 43, Cloverland Road to the east. Once the fire burned into the treated areas, the fire behavior moderated, reducing flame lengths and allowing firefighters time to safely and effectively stop the fire’s spread using the strategically located fuels treatments along ridges and roads as control lines.

The hazardous fuel treatments represent numerous vegetation management projects that have been completed on the Pomeroy Ranger District over the years. For example, treatments along Forest Service Road (FSR) 42 were completed as part of the Upper Charley Subwatershed Ecosystem Restoration Project (Upper Charley)- to reduce fuels and the risks of stand replacing wildfire to the area. The project treated 6,900 acres, including 4,600 acres of prescribed burning and 25 MMBF of timber sold from three timber sales (Charley Timber Sale, which was completed in 2003; Sweeny Timber Sale, which was implemented in 2008; and Big Fir Timber Sale). Prior to treatment, the project areas consisted of dense, overstocked mixed conifer stands loaded with dead and down fuels. After the treatments were completed, the stands were open and more resilient.

Fuel treatments like those in the Upper Charley project were implemented across much of the Lick Creek Fire’s footprint. In many areas, treatments effectively moderated fire behavior and reduced the time required to prepare roads for use as control lines. In addition to providing more opportunities for firefighters to safely engage and contain the fire, the fire thinned out the underbrush, small trees and shrubs, while leaving many of the large trees still intact. The Lick Creek Fire was declared 100% contained on Aug. 27.

Active management is an important part of creating a resilient landscape that has the capacity to resist or recover from disturbances, including wildfire. Fuel treatments are not a guarantee of this success, but areas that are treated tend to burn at a lower severity, improving the likelihood that, even if a fire burns through an area, the Forest will recover more effectively from the wildfire.  Additionally, these types of treatments can increase options for fire managers and firefighters to safely engage a fire and support local infrastructure, which in turn facilitates future active land management.

The Forest will continue to monitor treatment activities and benefits from the Lick Creek Fire utilizing an interagency system called Fuel Treatment Effectiveness Monitoring (FTEM).  This learning tool allows agencies to better understand the effects of fuels reduction projects on wildfires across the landscape so we can tailor future treatments to further increase the forests resiliency to natural disturbance.

For more information about the Lick Creek Fire, please visit: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/. For more information about projects on the Umatilla National Forest, please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla/.  

The latest fire information will be posted on the Blue Mountains Fire Information Blog. To receive updates on fires in the Blue Mountains, follow our blog at http://bluemountainfireinfo.blogspot.com/.

UPDATE: 1:00AM July 8, 2021
 
Incident: The Asotin Complex is made up of two fires: one is the Dry Gulch fire, which has been burning in the Dry Gulch area west of Asotin Creek Road. The other is the Silcott fire, which started in the area of Silcott Grade Road west of the city of Clarkston. Southeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the two fires at 11:30 pm on July 7th. They are working in cooperation with Asotin County Fire District 1, the Washington State Patrol-Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management, WA DNR, and the US Forest Service. 
Containment: 0% 

Evacuations:

Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in place for residences on Asotin Creek Road west of the Cloverland fork. 

Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are in place for Cloverland Road and streets off of Cloverland Road, as well as the Harlow Ridge area. In Clarkston Heights, the areas south of Peola Road and Critchfield Road south to Asotin Creek are also at Level 2. 

Shelter: Evacuees are able to take shelter at Lincoln Middle School in Clarkston. The shelter is being staffed by Red Cross Volunteers. Livestock and large animals can be evacuated to the Livestock Market at 3200 E Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501.

Road Closures: Asotin Creek Road north of the Cloverland fork is closed. 

Structures: One property lost multiple outbuildings, but we are currently not aware of any primary residences lost. Structures threatened: 300.

Facebook page name for updates: Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team. https://www.facebook.com/sewaimt  

Asotin Creek Road north of the Cloverland fork is closed.

Containment: Silcott: 10%; Dry Gulch: 0% 

Size: 27,929 acres (estimate)

Resources: 4 Strike teams

5 single engines additionally

3 Hand crews

2 Tenders

2 Dozers

Air Attack

3 Helicopters available

Known structures lost: 6 outbuildings

Structures threatened: 450

Last night: Firefighters worked to maintain containment lines and on structure protection. Today: Fireline resources are focused on securing the edge of the fire, structure protection, mopping up around structures, and strengthening and building on the control lines that they have already established. Most of the smoke visible today is from the more southern Lick Creek fire. Interior pockets of the fire are putting up significant smoke. The Dry Gulch fire merged into Lick Creek this morning. 

Road closures: Asotin Creek Road remains closed after the Cloverland fork
(Clarification: There is NO road closure at Peola and McGuire)

Evacuations: Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in place for residences on Asotin Creek Road west of the Cloverland fork. Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are in place for Cloverland Road and streets off of Cloverland Road, as well as the Harlow Ridge area. In Clarkston Heights, areas south of Peola Road and Critchfield Road intersections to Quail Ridge/Swallow’s Nest Golf Course are at a Level 2.

Shelter: Evacuees are able to take shelter at Lincoln Middle School in Clarkston. The shelter is being staffed by Red Cross Volunteers. Livestock and large animals can be evacuated to the Livestock Market at 3200 E Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501.

UPDATE: 9:30PM July 8, 2021‬

Incident Summary: Southeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team 2 is working in cooperation with Asotin County Fire District 1, the Washington State Patrol-Fire Marshal’s Office, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), WA DNR,  US Forest Service and the Asotin County Sheriff and Emergency Management to manage the response to the Silcott and Dry Gulch fires. The Dry Gulch fire has been burning in the Dry Gulch area west of Asotin Creek Road. The Silcott fire started in the area of Silcott Grade Road west of the city of Clarkston. 

Containment: Silcott: 10%; Dry Gulch: 0% 

Size: 27,929 acres (Total, Dry Gulch/Lick Creek at 19,346 & Silcott at 8,633 acres)

Start Date: 7/7/2021

Resources: 4 Strike teams

5 single engines additionally

4 Hand crews

2 Tenders

2 Dozers

Air Attack

3 Helicopters available

Known structures lost: 6 outbuildings.

Structures threatened: 450

Today: The Silcott Fire remained primarily within its existing perimeter throughout the day.  Fire crews worked throughout the day to secure containment lines. Winds mainly moved the Dry Gulch fire in a southwest direction; however in the afternoon, the fire moved eastward and crossed parts of Asotin Creek Road near Campbell Grade Road.  FIrefighters are working into the night to contain the spot. Resources focused on securing the edge of the fire by improving containment lines, securing and mopping up around structures, and building control lines to complete the perimeter around the fire.

Nightshift: Crews will be continuing to build containment lines, patrolling for hot spots and being ready for expected weather if it impacts the fires.

Evacuations: Level 3 (Go Now) evacuations are in place for residences on Asotin Creek Road west of the Cloverland fork. Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are in place for Cloverland Road and streets off of Cloverland Road, as well as the Harlow Ridge area. In Clarkston Heights, areas south of Peola Road and Critchfield Road intersections to Quail Ridge/Swallow’s Nest Golf Course are at a Level 2.

Shelter: Evacuees are able to take shelter at Lincoln Middle School in Clarkston. The shelter is being staffed by Red Cross Volunteers. Livestock and large animals can be evacuated to the Livestock Market at 3200 E Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501.

Web Updates: The InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7616/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sewaimt) are updated as information becomes available.

INFORMATION RELEASE: 2:30PM July 9, 2021

The Asotin County Sheriff’s Office, Fire Department, Public Works, and Emergency Services have collaborated to release the following updates to evacuation zones due to wildfires:  

Evacuations: 

Level 3 (Go Now) are still in place for residences on Asotin Creek Road west of the Cloverland fork. This also includes Back Road and Bowman Road. 

Level 2 (Get Set) evacuations are in place for Cloverland Road and streets off of Cloverland Road, as well as the Harlow Ridge area, George Creek Road, and Hostetler Road.

Level (Be Ready) 1: In Clarkston Heights, the areas south of Critchfield Road until Morgan Road and Maguire Gulch are now at Level 1. Peola Road, Silcott Wye Road, and the surrounding roads are also at a Level 1.

Shelter: Evacuees are able to take shelter at Lincoln Middle School in Clarkston. The shelter is being staffed by Red Cross Volunteers. Livestock and large animals can be evacuated to the Livestock Market at 3200 E Main St, Lewiston, ID 83501.

Web Updates: The InciWeb site (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7626/) and Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sewaimt) are updated as information becomes available.

Incident Names and Sizes: Delta Fire (approximately 5-7 acres) and Astray Fire (approximately one-half acre)

Fire Locations: Delta Fire is in northeastern Minnesota, Lake County, Township 63 North, Range 9 West, Section 13. The Astray Fire is in northeastern Minnesota, Lake County, Township 63 North, Range 10 West, Section 34

Astray Fire Description: The Astray Fire was also reported by areal detection and is one and one-half miles east of Clearwater Lake, within the BWCAW. The fire was reported at two-tenths of an acre and has grown to one-quarter to one-half an acre in red and white pine. The fire is located 11 miles east of Ely and is presumably started by lightning.

Current Status for Both: Air resources suppressed both fires, knocking down the intense fire behavior. Crews are engaged and have begun suppression actions on both fires. The fires are smoldering and creeping with some spotting.

Planned Actions: Firefighters will continue to work the fires by installing hose lays and suppressing it. Firefighter and public safety are the most important priorities in all wildfire response.

Figure 1. Aerial photo of the Delta Fire at initial attack

Resources: The Superior National Forest has additional crews and engines available to assist.

Closures: None at this time.

Description: On July 7, 2021, two wildfires were reported on the west zone of the Superior National Forest, one within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in Lake County. Northeastern Minnesota has been experiencing drought conditions with frequent thunderstorms and lightning.

• The Delta Fire is approximately 10 acres in size and burning in heavy blowdown with Spruce budworm killed balsam fir. The fire is located south of Snowbank Lake on the Kawishiwi Ranger District, approximately 19 miles east of Ely. It is believed to be caused by lightning.

• The Astray Fire is approximately one-quarter acre in size and located inside the BWCAW, east of Clearwater Lake. The fire is within mixed timber and blowdown. It is located 11 miles east of Ely and is presumed started by lightning.

Status and Resources:

DELTA FIRE:  Yesterday afternoon the fire was detected burning in blowdown with numerous spot fires. Aircraft initially responded with water drops on the intense fire activity, thus allowing firefighter crews safe access from the ground. Due to the thick blowdown, firefighters are cutting out safety zones, escape routes, and establishing a helispot for safety and gear transport. Crews will then suppress hot spots and work on establishing a fire line around the fire’s perimeter. Current fire activity is smoldering and creeping.  Currently, six firefighters, one light helicopter, two off-Forest engines, and one local fire engine are assigned to the fire. More staff may be directed to the fire as needed.

Status and Resources:

Delta Fire: Firefighters are conducting suppression tactics by securing the south line using chainsaws and working west. Additionally, they are working on numerous spot fires outside the main fire area and tying them with the main fire. The fire is active and spotting. Currently, various aircraft, thirteen firefighters, two off-Forest engines, and one local fire engine are assigned to the fire. More staff may be directed to the fire as needed.

Astray Fire: Aircraft is assisting this fire. A detection flight is scheduled to obtain more information on the fire due to its remote location. Crews are installing hose lays with pumps for suppression. The fire is burning in deep duff.

Picketts Fire: Aircraft knocked much of the active fire yesterday. Two engines are staffing the fire, one from Pennsylvania and the other from Wisconsin. Firefighters will continue to suppress the fire.

Hassel Fire: Three firefighters and two BIA engines are currently suppressing this fire. The fire has burnt over the original containment lines . Additional firefighters will be sent in today to help work this fire.

Planned Actions: Due to the four wildfire incidents in a short time period and the continued drying trend, a MN Incident Command Systems Team is scheduled to take unified command over the fires beginning this afternoon. The Forest has ordered additional resources for initial attack and existing wildfires, including a Type 3 engine, a taskforce leader, and additional firefighters from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. However, obtaining fire resources is proving challenging due to national and local resource shortage. Forest visitors should continue to be aware of the dry conditions and expect to see aircraft being used for fire response and detection.

Closures/Campfire Prohibited: Currently, the following BWCAW entry points are closed:

EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR
RESTRICTING OCCUPANCY AND USE, TO WIT:
SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST
DELTA FIRE
Pursuant to the provisions of 16 U.S.C. § 551, and 36 C.F.R. §§ 261.50 (a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited in the Superior National Forest, due to hazards on portions of lands, roads and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA W) entry points and trails in Lake County, Northeastern Minnesota. These restrictions go into effect at 12:01 p.m. on Friday July 9, 2021.
The following are prohibited:
It is prohibited to enter the following entry points and roads which are posted closed. 36 CFR 261.53(e) Special Closures, Public Health or Safety.