Incident Publication

Pacific Northwest Region  
Umatilla National Forest 
72510 Coyote Road Pendleton, OR 97801 
www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla 
 
Contact:  Darcy Weseman (541) 278-3722

August 12, 2021
 
Umatilla National Forest to further reduce area closure 
 
PENDLETON, Ore. (August 12, 2021) –  With continued reduced initial attack on new fires across the Forest, Umatilla National Forest officials will further reduce the area closure on Friday, Aug. 13, reopening access to most of the Umatilla National Forest lands in Oregon. National Forest lands within proximity to active large wildfires (the Lick Creek, Green Ridge and Elbow Creek fires) will remain closed to public entry.
 
The modified closure prohibits access to all Umatilla National Forest lands in Washington state (on both the Pomeroy and Walla Walla Ranger Districts) and closes lands surrounding the Elbow Creek Fire on the Walla Walla Ranger District in Oregon, which encompasses lands south and east of where Alder Creek intersects with Forest Service Road 62 to the Forest boundary, as displayed on the enclosed map. Public entry is prohibited in the areas identified in the closure, which includes lands, roads, trails and recreational facilities.
 
Visitors planning a trip to areas within the closure should cancel any plans for the next several weeks. These areas remain closed to protect public and firefighter safety as the Forest continues to actively suppress wildfires, while also responding to new smoke reports.
 
A detailed map describing the updated closure area is available at the end of this news release, on the Forest website and at any Forest office. Closure barriers and signs will be posted on the ground. 
 
Fire danger on the Umatilla National Forest is still EXTREME. For areas that will re-open to the public, Phase C Public Use Restrictions will be in effect. Under these restrictions:

• Campfires are prohibited on the Forest. Use liquid and bottle (propane) gas stoves only. 
• No internal combustion engine operation (including chainsaws), except for motorized vehicles. 
• Electrical generators operated under the following conditions are allowed:
• in the center of an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material, or;
• when fully contained within a pickup truck bed that is empty of all flammable material, or;
• when factory installed in a recreational vehicle and the generator exhaust discharge is located in the center of an area at least 10 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• No off-road/off-trail vehicle travel or travel on roads not cleared of standing grass or other flammable material. Vehicle travel is never permitted on currently closed forest service roads where access has been impeded or blocked by earthen berms, logs, boulders, barriers, barricades or gates, or as otherwise identified in a closure order. 
• Smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles and buildings, developed recreation sites, or in cleared areas. 
• Violating closures and fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court, punishable as a Class B misdemeanor with a fine of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or up to six months in prison, or both.

Additional information on the Lick Creek, Green Ridge, and Elbow Creek Fires is available at:

• Lick Creek Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/ 
• Green Ridge Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/ 
• Elbow Creek Fire: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7672/ 

For more information regarding Restrictions, please contact the Information Hotline at (877) 958-9663.

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/.   

More information about the Umatilla National Forest is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/umatilla. 

###

Green Ridge and Lick Creek Fire Update 
Thursday, August 12, 2021, 10:00 a.m. 

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander 

Green Ridge Fire Statistics:  
Size:  26,648 acres 
Containment:  15% 
Location: 30 miles east of Walla Walla 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning

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

Containment on the Lick Creek Fire Increases to 96% 

Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire grew to 26,648 acres on Wednesday and remains 15% contained. Wednesday was the second successful day of firing operations in Division M on the northern edge of the fire. The firing operations are removing unburned pockets of fuel between established fire lines and the fire’s perimeter south of the 22 (4022) Road. If weather conditions allow, firefighters will continue with firing operations again today. Crews continue patrolling and mopping up fire lines on the fire’s southwest edge.

With resources scarce locally, regionally, and nationally, fire managers have strategically allocated our resources across the fire. The northern perimeter remains the priority for resource allocation in an effort to secure the northern fire perimeter. Resources on the south side of the fire continue to scout locations for fire lines and contingency lines south and east of the fire.   Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek Fire remains 80,421 acres and containment increased to 96% on Wednesday. Smoke will continue to be visible as unburned pockets of vegetation inside the fire perimeter are consumed. Crews will continue to patrol lines and mop up any interior pockets of heat as they can safely do so. 

Rocky Mountain Team Black hosted a community meeting in Pomeroy on Tuesday night and Wednesday night in Dayton. Recordings of these community meetings are located on the Green Ridge Facebook page. 

Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s weather is expected to continue with a warming and drying trend. The weather pattern is expected to remain hot and dry though Saturday. Temperatures will have highs between 80-85 degrees along the ridges and 90-95 in the valley bottoms. Winds will be light from the northwest at 5-10 mph. Humidity will drop today, ranging from 15-20%. Smoke information is available on Washington Smoke Blog at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Forest Closures: Closures are in place on the Umatilla National Forest. Currently, all of the Pomeroy Ranger District and portions of the Walla Walla Ranger District near the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires are closed to entry. The full closure order and map is available on InciWeb: https://go.usa.gov/xFXhP. 

The forest closure for some areas on the Umatilla NF will be amended on Friday, August 13. 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 amended order that goes into effect on August 13 is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyhn.

Evacuations: Garfield County elevated evacuation orders for some areas near the Green Ridge and Lick Creek fires on Wednesday August 11. There are currently Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations in place in Garfield County. For more information on evacuations in Garfield County, please visit https://go.usa.gov/xFyM4 for full information.  Columbia County currently has Level 3, Level 2, and Level 1 evacuations in place. A map showing all evacuations in place is available at https://go.usa.gov/xFyME. An interactive map that shows evacuations and other important information is also 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  
Friday, August 13, 2021, 10:00 a.m.  
 
Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team Black 
Troy Hagan, Incident Commander  
 
Green Ridge Fire Statistics: 
Size:  29,759 acres  
Containment:  15% 
Total Personnel: 482 
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: 21 
Location: 20 miles southwest of Asotin, WA 
Reported: July 7, 2021 
Cause: Lightning  
 
Crews complete firing operation on Thursday, scouting continues to the south 
 
Current Situation: Green Ridge Fire: The Green Ridge Fire grew to 29,759 acres on Thursday and remains 15% contained. The southern edge of the fire was active near Oregon Butte in Division A and accounts for much of today’s increase in acreage. Crews successfully completed the firing operations on Thursday in Division M on the northern edge of the fire. The firing operations removed available fuel between established fire lines and the fire’s perimeter south of the 22 (4022) in an effort to create a more secure fire line along the northern edge of the fire. Crews and bulldozers worked to create contingency lines along roads and ridges north of the 22 (4022) Road yesterday. Fire activity was minimal on the northwest and west sides of the fire on Thursday. Personnel assigned to those areas continued patrolling lines and mopping up where it was safe to do so. 
 
Today, crews will be patrolling lines in Division M where firing operations took place, strengthening fire lines and securing any spot fires that are discovered north of established containment lines. Hand crews and heavy equipment will continue to be used to secure northern contingency lines above the 22 Road (4022) in Division H. Resources on the south side of the fire continue scouting locations for fire lines and contingency lines south and east of the fire in Branch II. Firefighters are looking for roads, ridges, or other natural features that can be improved to create fire lines in the coming days. 

Current Situation: Lick Creek Fire: The Lick Creek Fire remains 80,421 acres and 96% contained. Crews will continue to patrol lines and mop up any interior pockets of heat as they can safely do so.
 
Weather & Smoke Information: Today’s weather is expected to remain hot and dry, with this weather pattern continuing through Saturday. Temperatures will be the 90s along the ridges and upwards of 100 degrees in the valley bottoms. Winds will be light from the northwest at 5-10 mph. Humidity will be in the teens today. Smoky conditions are likely to persist for a few days until increased winds beginning Saturday. 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 amended order that goes into effect today, August 13th, and 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 for full information. 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 

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 12, 2021
 
GREEN RIDGE FIRE – EVACUATION LEVELS CHANGE FOR GARFIELD COUNTY

Effective August 12, 2021, The Garfield County Sheriff’s Office has placed the Grouse Flats area for Garfield County to a Level 1.

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 
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