Firing Operations Assist in Mitigating Unburned Fuels and Increasing Containment  

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 27, 2021 

Acres:  15,768 acres 

Personnel: 316 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 74% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcement: Evacuations are still in place for the Ford Corkscrew Fire. Please refer to the map on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803/ or Stevens County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. If you have questions, please call the fire information phone lines above. Please note, the reduction in acres is due to better data on containment line locations. As containment line and fire edge confirmations are received from field personnel, further adjustments in acreage are expected. 

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday along the north and east flanks and within the interior. Firing operations took place along the norther perimeter as gusty winds supported torching and spotting while consuming unburned pockets of fuel within the fire area. Yesterday, firefighters responded to fire that crossed control lines along the northern perimeter. Hand crews and aerial resources (Fire Bosses) took immediate action to catch the fire and crews will continue monitoring that area and work to secure the line. Increasing relative humidity and cooler temperatures will slow fire spread and reduce fire activity. 

Fire Update: During yesterday’s operational period for the Ford Corkscrew Fire, resources continued to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Firing operations occurred in some areas, including near the northern perimeter (Division Foxtrot) to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and constructed control lines. Crews continued mop up activities, patrolled containment lines, worked to secure interior unburned islands.  

Crews have made significant progress on the Ford Corkscrew Fire and will continue to scout and construct direct fire line along unsecured areas of the perimeter where safe to do so. Fire will continue to work through interior pockets of unburned fuels, increasing smoke activity. In areas of completed line, resources in all divisions will monitor activities and conduct mop up operations, provide point protection where needed and continue to identify suppression repair needs. Crews will also continue utilizing infrared monitors to identify and secure unburned islands around structures, including in Rail Canyon.  

For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible. 

Weather: A sharp disturbance tracked across the Ford Corkscrew Fire last night through this morning, resulting in increased clouds and isolated rain showers to the areas around the fire. Fire weather conditions today will be moderated with cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and lighter winds. The current weather system will exit midday to bring clearing conditions and a return of more sunshine. For the weekend ahead, a weak ridge of high pressure will return with warming and drying conditions, but with lighter winds to keep conditions moderated. 

Closures/Restrictions: Some roads within the and near the fire perimeter remain closed and a temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.  

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563 

 Containment Increases as Firefighters Work to Secure Fireline 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 26, 2021 

Acres:  15,827 acres 

Personnel: 326 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 73% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcement: Evacuation zones have been further reduced. Please refer to the map on Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803/ or Stevens County Sheriffs Office Facebook Page. Again, evacuations zones have been reduced. Please check the map for your specific address, if you have questions you can call the fire information phone lines above. 

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed Moderate fire behavior yesterday along the north flank and within the interior, which continues to exhibit torching and spotting while consuming unburned pockets of fuel. Crews will continue conducting infrared structure assessments and developing reports for properties impacted by the Ford Corkscrew Fire. Red and white striped flagging mays still be visible in driveways to indicate a completed infrared assessment for that property. Evacuations are still in place. Residents should monitor https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem for the latest information and are encouraged to stay out of evacuated areas for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters. 

Fire Update: During yesterday’s operational period, resources continued to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Firing operations occurred in some areas to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and secure control lines. Crews also continued mop up activities, patrolled containment lines, worked to secure interior unburned islands, and identified suppression repair needs.  

Crews will continue to scout and construct direct fire line on the north edge of the fire where safe to do so. Resources in all divisions will monitor and mop up within completed lines, provide point protection where needed and continue to identify suppression repair needs. Crews will also secure unburned islands around structures, including in Rail Canyon. Assessment of damaged and destroyed structures is completed. 

For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible. 

Weather: For Thursday and Friday, an approaching upper level trough and weak cold front will bring increasing moisture and weak instability. The result will be more mid and high clouds Thursday with more lower-level clouds on Friday. Temperature and relative humidity trends will reverse with slight cooler temperatures and slightly raised humidity. Thursday will bring moderately breezy southwest winds ahead of the system. Thursday night, through Friday will provide a chance of showers and possibly an isolated thunderstorm over the fire, but with mostly light amounts expected, the chances for a wetting rain looks low. 

Closures/Restrictions: Road closures remain in place and a reduced, temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.  

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 

 Containment Increases; Hotter, Drier Weather and Active Fire Activity in Unburned Interior Zones Expected Today 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 25, 2021 

Acres:  15,802 acres 

Personnel: 377 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 59% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcements:  A virtual public meeting for the Ford Corkscrew Fire will take place tonight, Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 7pm PDT via the Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook page. Please note, you do not need to have a Facebook account to attend a live video.  

Active fire behavior and smoke are expected in pockets of unburned fuels, until fire reaches containment lines. Firefighters have successfully conducted felling operations of hazard trees along Highway 231, between Happy Hill Road and Ford yesterday. Crews will continue conducting infrared structure assessments and developing reports for properties impacted by the Ford Corkscrew Fire. Red and white striped flagging mays still be visible in driveways to indicate a completed infrared assessment for that property. Evacuations are still in place. Residents should monitor https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem for the latest information. 

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday with torching and spotting during firing operations. The region will experience a continued warming and drying trend, which will support active fire spread, including torching and spotting, in any uncontained and pockets of burned fuels.  

Fire Update: Crews have successfully constructed 45 miles of hand and dozer line on the Ford Corkscrew Fire with the western edge (Division Alpha) now contained. Yesterday, resources continued to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Firing operations occurred in some areas to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and constructed control lines. Crews also continued mop up activities, patrolled containment lines and worked to secure interior unburned islands. 

Firing operations will take place where necessary to further secure the perimeter. Resources in all divisions will monitor and mop up within completed lines, provide point protection where needed and continue to identify suppression repair needs. Crews will also secure unburned islands around structures, including in Rail Canyon. 

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 continues working closely with local partners and stakeholders to continue evaluating evacuation levels across the fire area. Residents are encouraged to stay out of evacuated areas for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters.  

For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible. 

Weather: Today, the Ford Corkscrew Fire area will experience additional warming and drying. Afternoon humidity levels are expected to dry out near 20% as temperatures warm into the upper 70s and lower 80s. An approaching cold front will bring increasing mid and high-level clouds through the day, filtering sunshine at times. Winds will start off from the northeast and switch to the southwest in the afternoon; wind speeds will remain light throughout the day. 

Closures/Restrictions: Road closures remain in place and a reduced, temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.  

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 

 Firefighters Work to Make Areas Safe for Residents, Public 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 24, 2021 

Acres:  15,720 acres 

Personnel: 394 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 56% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcement:  Firefighters will be felling hazard trees along Highway 231, between Happy Hill Road and Ford.  There may be temporary lane restrictions or delays while this work is occurring.  Please expect possible delays.  

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed Moderate fire behavior today with pockets of individual tree torching and short periods active fire spread. Afternoon clouds kept fire behavior moderated through the latter part of the shift. Crews will be working diligently to remove hazards from burned areas for the safety of residents and the general public. They will also be utilizing handheld Infrared technology to detect heat sources near structures that may be present but not visible. Red and white striped flagging may be visible in driveways to indicate Infrared assessments have been completed for that property.  

Fire Update: Crews were able to make more progress on both direct and indirect containment lines. Firing operations occurred in some areas to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and constructed control lines. Today, crews will continue mop up activities, patrolling containment lines and working to secure interior unburned islands. 

The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 is working closely with local partners and stakeholders to continue evaluating evacuation levels across the fire area. Residents are encouraged to stay out of evacuated areas for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters. 

For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible. 

Weather: One trough will depart to the east and another one will track toward the WA Coast. Shortwave ridging between these features will warm the air mass pushing afternoon temperatures into the mid 70s. Winds will be light from the north and northeast with speeds generally under 10 mph. The air mass over Northeastern WA will continue to dry out and stabilize, delivering mostly sunny skies and humidity levels around 25% or lower. 

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: Rail Canyon, McAlister, Scotts Valley and Casberg-Burroughs at the Williams Valley intersection. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.  

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 

 Evacuation status lowered as crews continue work to increase containment 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 23, 2021 

Acres:  15,787 acres 

Personnel: 385 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 44% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcement:  Evacuation status updates occurred on Sunday, August 21. Residents should monitor the Steven’s County Emergency Management (https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem/) for the latest evacuation information. If you have any questions about evacuation status, have your address ready, and please contact the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 Public Information line at 509-508-3311. For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible.  

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday with isolated heat sources continuing to burn within the fire’s interior and along sections of containment lines. Evacuation preparedness levels were lowered or eliminated yesterday for most areas not within or directly adjacent to the fire perimeter. Residents are encouraged to continue to stay alert when around the fire area, for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters. 

Fire Update: During yesterday’s operational periods on the Ford Corkscrew Fire, resources continued to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Staff were successful in completing a propane run and delivery to the Scoop Mountain communication site to ensure the valley emergency communications systems remained operational. Firing operations occurred in some areas to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and constructed control lines. Crews also continued mop up activities, patrolled containment lines and worked to secure interior unburned islands. 

Today, ground crews and aerial operations will continue working to secure the fire perimeter. Crews on the north end of the fire will scout and construct direct fire where safe to do so, following the burnout operations from yesterday and last night. Fallers on the south end will work extensively along road corridors to reduce overhead snags and other risks. Resources in all divisions will monitor and mop up within completed lines, provide point protection where needed and begin to identify suppression repair needs. Crews will also secure unburned islands around structures, including in Rail Canyon. Assessment of threatened, damaged, and destroyed structures is ongoing. 

Weather: Dry, westerly flow will be in place today across the region as a broad upper-level low settles into Northern Washington. This will result in cooler temperatures with dry conditions. Temperatures will be cooler, ranging from upper 60s to low 70s, with breezy conditions and gusts up to 20 mph from the west in the afternoon. Continued gusty winds and dry conditions will allow fire activity to continue to and allow for moderated fire spread and increased consumption of dead fuels. 

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: Rail Canyon, McAlister, Scotts Valley and Casberg-Burroughs at the Williams Valley intersection. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes. 

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Stevens County Sherriff’s Office Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountysheriff  

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563 

 Structure Assessments Continue, Dry  Winds May Increase Fire Activity 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 22, 2021 

Acres:  15,720 acres 

Personnel: 366 

Cause: Under investigation 

Containment: 44% 

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021 

Location: Ford, WA 

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet) 

Announcement:  For structure status information, please email your name, contact information, and address of the property you are inquiring about to 2021.fordcorkscrew@firenet.gov or call 509-508-3311 between the hours of 8am and 8pm PDT. An agency representative from the Stevens County Fire District 1 will contact you as soon as possible. Additionally, Steven’s County Sherriff’s Office has updated the evacuation status map. If you have any questions about evacuation status, have your address ready, and please contact the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 Public Information line at  509-508-3311. 

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed moderate fire behavior following overnight light precipitation over the fire area. Heat sources along the perimeter and interior showed minimal fire spread through backing and  

flanking fire. Crews continue to increase containment and are working diligently. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 is working closely with local partners and stakeholders to continue evaluating evacuation levels across the fire area. Residents are encouraged to stay out of evacuated areas for their own safety and the safety of the firefighters.  

Fire Update: Wetting rains and moisture assisted with moderating fire behavior during yesterday’s shifts. With weather becoming warmer and winds picking up, fire is expected to be more active today. Pockets of unburned fuels could allow for some torching and spotting behavior. The crews will continue to monitor and mop up these areas.  

During last night and today's operational periods, resources continued to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Firing operations occurred in some areas to remove unburned fuel between the fire edge and constructed control lines. Crews also continued mop up activities and patrolled containment lines. Resources also worked on the inventory and assessment of damaged and destroyed structures. 

Weather: A cold front will swing through Eastern Washington on Sunday bringing windy conditions. Southwest wind gusts between 20 and 30 mph are expected to impact the fire. Drier air is expected to arrive at the fire late in the afternoon lowering humidity values near 25% or lower. The combination of low humidity and gusty winds  

will result in elevated fire weather conditions. Temperatures look to rebound back into the mid to upper 70s. 

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: Rail Canyon, McAlister, Scotts Valley and Casberg-Burroughs at the Williams Valley intersection. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes. 

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.). 

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties. 

More Information: 

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803 

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo 

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem 

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 

Virtual public meeting tonight; Crews continue to successfully increase containment

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 21, 2021

Acres:  15,787 acres

Personnel: 319

Cause: Under investigation

Containment: 30%

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021

Location: Ford, WA

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet)

Announcement:  A virtual public meeting for the Ford Corkscrew Fire will take place tonight, Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 7pm PDT via the Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook page. Please note, you do not need to have a Facebook account to attend a live video.

Overview: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed moderate fire behavior yesterday due to cooler weather conditions. Arial resources and ground crews working day and night operations have been successful in increasing containment of the fire. The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 is working closely with local partners and stakeholders to continue evaluating evacuation levels across the fire area. Residents are encouraged to continue monitoring the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page and Ford Corkscrew Fire Inciweb page (links below) for updates.

Fire Update: Moderated fire behavior will continue throughout the day for the Ford Corkscrew Fire. A slow start to today’s burn period will reduce the opportunity for fire to build energy before afternoon clouds and potential thunderstorms. Fire is expected to continue spreading through surface area fuels, but struggle to build momentum in live brush and timber. Rain events will assist in reducing fire behavior, but interior unburned islands will continue to consume fuels, with smoke likely present.

Crews will continue to scout and construct direct fire line where safe to do so. Resources in all divisions will monitor and mop up within completed containment lines and provide point protection where needed. Crews will also secure unburned islands around structures, including in Rail Canyon.

Weather: It was warm, muggy, and smoky across the region yesterday, with isolated showers and thunderstorms in the afternoon. Today, a low-pressure system will bring cooler temperatures, higher humidity, showers and thunderstorms with the potential for heavy downpours and lightning strikes in and around the Ford Corkscrew Fire. As the system tracks to the east, the fire will experience a wind shift from northeast to southwest with potential for gusts near 15 mph in the evening. Persistent clouds will keep temperatures in the upper 60s and a cold front will bring windy conditions tomorrow.

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: Rail Canyon, McAlister, Scotts Valley and Casberg-Burroughs at the Williams Valley intersection. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) remains in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties.

More Information:

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563

Weather System to Moderate Fire Behavior, Flash Flood Watch

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 20, 2021

Acres:  15,019 acres

Personnel: 243

Cause: Under investigation

Containment: 14%

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021

Location: Ford, WA

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet)

Announcement:  A Flash Flood Watch is in effect Friday afternoon through Saturday for Portions of Washington, including the following areas, Chelan, Ferry, Okanogan, Pend Oreille and Stevens.

Overview: Ground and aerial operations, including hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and airtankers continued to support firefighting operations, successfully holding containment on the fire perimeter each shift. Evacuations and Closures will remain in place until it is safe for communities, general public, and firefighters. Potential evacuation changes will be affected by weather, fire status, containment levels, and safety. Resources will be working on the inventory and assessment of damaged and destroyed structures. Updates on the evacuations and fire can be found on the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page and Ford Corkscrew Fire Inciweb page (links below).

Fire Update: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed Moderated fire behavior yesterday due to impacts of heavy smoke and increased cloudiness. Observations of torching and spotting continued with active fire spread overnight. Air operations could be impacted by cloud cover from incoming storm system and smoke.

During yesterday’s operational periods, resources continue to construct direct and indirect containment line and conduct point protection near values at risk. Crews will also continue mop up activities and patrolled containment lines. Residents and communities should prepare for the incident to have a longer duration as the incident is in the early stages of containment efforts.

Weather: A low pressure system will track into the region today bringing a good chance for showers and thunderstorms to Northeastern Washington. The Ford Corkscrew Fire is expected to remain dry throughout the morning and early afternoon under partly cloudy skies allowing temperatures to warm back into the 70s. Isolated to scattered showers are expected to begin developing in the afternoon and the threat will continue into the overnight hours. A few storms could be strong, producing heavy rainfall, gusty winds, and frequent lightning.

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: SR 231 between milepost 50, from the Ford-Wellpinit Road to Hidden Road, milepost 60 northwest of Spokane; Rail Canyon Road; McAlister Road and Scott’s Valley Road (at intersection with Burroughs). Additionally, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working air craft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes. 

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties.

More Information:

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563

Virtual public meeting tonight; Firefighters and additional staff continue to arrive and support daily and overnight operations

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 19, 2021

Acres:  15,026 acres

Personnel: 211

Cause: Under investigation

Containment: 14%

Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021

Location: Ford, WA

Fuels:  Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet)

Announcement:  A virtual public meeting for the Ford Corkscrew Fire will be held tonight, August 19, 2021, via Facebook at 7pm/PDT. To join, please visit the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo.

Overview: Yesterday, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Ford Corkscrew Fire and immediately went to work to build on the success of the local initial attack team. Ground and aerial operations, including hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and airtankers continued to support firefighting operations, successfully increasing containment on the west side of the perimeter. Residents and visitors should continue to expect an increase in fire traffic around the Lakeside Middle School in Nine Mile Falls as more crews arrive to support the fire fighting efforts.

Fire Update: The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed active fire behavior yesterday with torching, spotting, and uphill pushes throughout the fire area. Crews were successful in putting out several spot fires on the southern edge yesterday and will continue structural protection efforts as well as constructing direct and indirect line where safe to do so.

Today, crews will continue the extensive including work being done across the fire area to protect surrounding communities including Williams Valley, infrastructure, and the perimeter as a whole. Residents are encouraged to contact Stevens County Emergency Management for more information on structure status assessments and follow updates on the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page and Ford Corkscrew Fire Inciweb page (links below). Crews will continue monitoring fire behavior, conducting mop up operations, and patrolling/securing the fire perimeter today and throughout the night.

Weather: Weather today will be hotter and drier than yesterday, which will support an increase in fire behavior. A return of southwest winds with lower relative humidity values and higher temperatures are expected today. These conditions are expected to be followed by two days of moderated fire weather prior to a stronger wind event and chance for showers or thunderstorms by the weekend.

Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: SR 231 between milepost 50, from the Ford-Wellpinit Road to Hidden Road, milepost 60 northwest of Spokane; Rail Canyon Road; McAlister Road and Scott’s Valley Road (at intersection with Burroughs). Additionally, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working air craft conducting water filling operations on local water ways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.

Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).

If you fly, we can’t: Flying recreational drones over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. If recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. Individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties.

More Information:

Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803

Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo

Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyem

Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001
Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563

Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 assumes command as additional resources are anticipated to assist in firefighting operations Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Update August 18, 2021

Acres: 14,000 acres
Personnel: 125
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 0%
Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021
Location: Ford, WA
Fuels: Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet)

Announcement:  The Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Ford Corkscrew Fire as of 6am, August 18, 2021. The team looks forward to building on the success of Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 1, as well as continuing to work closely with local partners. Evacuation orders remain in effect. Residents are encouraged to sign up for alerts from the Stevens County Sherriff’s Office via Hyper-Reach and follow the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page (links available in “More Information” section, below).
 
Overview: Yesterday, crews on the Ford Corkscrew Fire successfully constructed bulldozer line in several Divisions across the fire area. Today, crews will continue to monitor fire behavior and utilize direct firefighting tactics when and where possible. As additional resources continue to arrive at the fire, ground-based and aerial operations, including hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and airtankers will continue to support firefighting operations. Residents and visitors should expect an increase in fire traffic around the Lakeside Middle School in Nine Mile Falls. 
 
Fire Update: The Ford Corkscrew Fire has experienced extreme fire behavior since its start, including intense spotting and high rates of spread.  Fire behavior is expected to moderate slightly over the next few days, as the region experiences an increase in relative humidity and lighter winds. Critically low live fuel moistures will still support active fire behavior including individual and group tree torching and increased spread in areas with mixed conifer and heavier pine stands. Today and throughout the night, firefighters will continue utilizing direct tactics where possible, continue to secure the fire line, and monitor fire behavior across Ford Corkscrew Fire.
 
Weather: Today will be partly cloudy with some patchy smoke and haze visible and temperatures in the mid-70s. The area will experience higher relative humidity and light winds.
 
Closures/Restrictions: The following roads are closed: Highway 231 at Ford and Hidden Road (1 mile south of Springdale); Rail Canyon Road; McAlister Road and Scott’s Valley Road (at intersection with Burrows). Additionally, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area.
Ways you can help: We greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While we will not be accepting donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways such posting thank you or consider financial contributions to a voluntary organization of your choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).

More Information: Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfoStevens County Emergency Management Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevenscountyemEvacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563