Oregon Smoke Helps Slow Washington Fires

Smoke from Oregon’s fires along the western slope of the Cascade Mountains is helping to slow at least one large fire on Washington’s east side.

Meteorologist Stephen Bodnar explained yesterday that winds from the south were pushing western Oregon smoke to the north, and then westerly winds in Washington were pushing it to the east. At the Pearl Hill Fire in eastern Washington, the heavy blanket of smoke shaded the fire enough that the fire crews were able to establish a defensible edge around the most aggressive front of the fire. “The thick smoke layer kept temperatures cool and humidities higher,” said Division Zulu Supervisor Jeremy Delack, “allowing our firefighters time to complete critical containment lines.”

Burnout operations on the active northwest corner of the Pearl Hill Fire (Division Zulu) were completed on Saturday. The east side of the fire is in patrol status. Crews will be mopping up hot spots closest to the lines today to increase defensive depth while watching for rolling rocks in steep areas set free by burned roots. Some crews are being reassigned to other fires.

Expected Weather and Fire Activity

Both the Pearl Hill and Apple Acres Fires were covered by a thick blanket of smoke, according to Meteorologist Bodnar. Temperatures on Sunday can be expected to be 10 degrees lower than previously forecast, and relative humidity will be higher than on previous days. Firefighters will have the day Sunday to secure firelines before a weak cold front passes through the region Sunday evening into Monday, bringing breezy winds from the west up to 20 mph.

Changes in Evacuation Levels

The Level 3 Evacuation Order for the northwestern portion of the Pearl Hill Fire has been reduced to a Level 2 Evacuation Order. Also, all evacuation orders for areas south of Highway 2 are now rescinded.

For specific information regarding closures and evacuation levels, please check with the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page for Apple Acres Fire (https://www.facebook.com/CCSOEM/ ) and the Douglas County Sherriff’s Facebook page for the Pearl Hill Fire (https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountySheriffsOfficeWA).   

 Fires at a Glance

Size:  

 Pearl Hill Fire – 223,730 acres

 Apple Acres Fire – 5,753 acres

Containment: 

Pearl Hill Fire - 80%

Apple Acres Fire – 95%

Location:  Pearl Hill Fire is located at Bridgeport, WA. Apple Acres Fire is located four miles north of Chelan, WA.

Cause: Both are under investigation

 Total Assigned Personnel: 456

 Assigned Resources:

Dozers – 10

Type 2 Crews – 17

Engines – 60

Water Tenders - 17

Type 1 Helicopter 1

Type 2 Helicopter – 1

Type 3 Helicopter 1

FIRE INFORMATION:

(360) 489-8731     

Staffed 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

RED CROSS SERVICES:

Staffed 24 hours

(509) 670-5331

(571) 595-7723

Fire Info via InciWeb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7169/

  for Pearl Hill Fire.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7181/

 for Apple Acres Fire.

Facebook:  Northeast Washington Fire Information

 Apple Acres and Pearl Hill Fire Update for Saturday, September 12, 2020

 Pearl Hill Fire The northwest corner of the fire in the vicinity of Whitley Canyon/Brewster Bar became very active last night due to a 20- acre slop-over.  The fire was highly visible from the town of Brewster located across the Columbia River.  The active part of the fire is in an area in which firefighters had previously constructed a dozer control line as well as a secondary contingency line.  A substantial force of firefighters actively controlled and directed the fire toward the completed dozer lines. Last night’s active fire area is the same place in which firefighters had intended to aerially ignite today.  Today’s planned burn-out was intended to consume fuels to secure the fire and check its spread.  As a result of last night’s active fire behavior, the planned aerial ignition is no longer necessary since the fuels were consumed by the natural behavior of the fire. 

Elsewhere within the fire area, firefighters continue to patrol and extinguish hot spots as they flare up.

Apple Acres Fire

The fire is now 93% contained.  Firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the fire area. Some resources are being moved to the Pearl Hill fire or are being reassigned to other incidents. 

Expected Weather and Fire Activity

Light winds are expected today.  Smoke from other fires cover the area, reducing fire activity.  As smoke inversions lift, fire activity is expected to increase. The Fire Danger Index is very high due to the dry weather and warm temperatures, according to Fire Behavior Analyst Brett Smith, and fire volatility may be high with possible ignition of spot fires.

Virtual public meetings were held last night and were well attended by the public.  Firefighters appreciate the participation and comments made by attendees.  Fire managers are also holding virtual meetings with cooperators and partners each day.

Evacuation Level Reduced

                                      Fires Statistics Summary

 Apple Acres and Pearl Hill Fire Update for Friday, September 11, 2020
There will be a virtual public meeting today at 5:00 p.m. for the Pearl Fire and at 6:00 p.m. for the Apple Acres Fire. To participate please go to:  Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo.

Pearl Hill Fire

The significant increase in today’s reported acreage is due to smoke clearing and new terrain becoming observable in the northwest portion of the fire. Very little additional acreage was burned yesterday.

A two-day push begins today with hand crews trying to tie off the backing and flanking flames in the northwestern corner of the Pearl Hill Fire across steep slopes and challenging terrain. Suppression activity will be complicated by the change in wind direction as described in the weather section below.

Flare-ups continue along the western edge of the Pearl Hill Fire while power poles and fence posts hold fire deep in the ground throughout the burned area. Fuel indices indicate that fuels such as grass, brush, and tree are at their maximum volatility and are receptive to fire spread. 

Apple Acres Fire

Firefighters continue to make excellent progress suppressing the fire.  Today patrol of the fire and mopping up hot spots will continue. 

Expected Weather and Fire Activity

Today’s weather is forecast to be two to five degrees warmer than Thursday. Winds will begin light from the north, and start shifting in the early afternoon to 15-20 mph from the southeast. Relative humidity will remain at a very dry 15-20%. The Fire Danger Index is very high for this time of year due to the dry weather and warm temperatures according to Fire Behavior Analyst Brett Smith, and fire volatility may be high with possible ignition of spot fires.

Evacuation Level Reduced

In response to improved conditions at the southern portion of the Pearl Hill Fire, the Douglas County Sheriff has reduced the evacuation level in the area south of Hwy 172 (Road 14NE) from a Level 3 to a Level 2. The Rimrock Meadows Estates area remains at Level 2. SR 173 remains closed with pilot car for locals. All areas related to Apple Acres Fire are at Level 1.

                                 Fire Statistics Summary

Public Meetings (Virtual) Tonight Fir!

On Facebook Live:

Pearl Hill, 5:00 p.m.

Apple Acres, 6:00 p.m.

Size:  

Pearl Hill Fire – 219,956 acres Apple Acres Fire – 5,880 acres

Containment: 

Pearl Hill Fire - 50%

Apple Acres Fire – 50%

Location:  Pearl Hill Fire is located at Bridgeport, WA. Apple Acres Fire is located four miles north of Chelan, WA.

Cause: Both are under investigation

Total Assigned Personnel: 684

Assigned Resources:

Dozers – 12

Type 2 Crews – 18

Engines – 74

Water Tenders - 19

Type 1 Helicopters – 3

Type 2 Helicopters – 2

Type 3 Helicopters - 1

FIRE INFORMATION:

(360) 489-8731     

Staffed 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

RED CROSS SERVICES:

Staffed 24 hours

(509)-670-5331

Fire Info via InciWeb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7169/ for Pearl Hill Fire.

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7181/  for Apple Acres Fire.

 There will be a virtual public meeting for the Apple Acres Fire  at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2020. It will be hosted on the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook web page at the following link Northeast Washington Fire Information facebook web page  You do not have to have a Facebook account to view this meeting.

Apple Acres and Pearl Fire Update for Thursday, September 10, 2020

Northwest Incident Management Team 6 led by Incident Commander Shawn Sheldon assumed command of the Pearl Hill Fire on 9/8 at 6:00 p.m. and the Apple Acres Fire at 6:00 a.m. on 9/9.

Today’s Weather

Favorable weather conditions are expected today.  Light easterly winds are predicted with today’s temperatures expected to be about five degrees warmer than yesterday.  However, dry relative humidity conducive to fire spread is expected to register at 15-20%.

Apple Acres Fire

Yesterday, firefighters made excellent progress in suppressing the Apple Acres Fire, continuing line construction, mop up and burn-out operations.  Today crews will continue mopping up hot spots along the perimeter of the fire and around structures within the perimeter of the fire.  Crews continue to be supported by helicopters with buckets of water where needed.

Pearl Hill Fire

The fire is most active at the northwest portion of the fire between Bridgeport and the Columbia River.  Continuous fuels and rugged terrain are the primary challenges which firefighters face near the Columbia River at this active area of the fire. Firefighters intend to limit the fire’s spread toward the south by constructing fire line from Dyer Hill west to the Columbia River.  Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up hot spots along the fire’s perimeter and near structures.  Fire managers intend to minimize the amount of acres burned in order to protect land owners’ cultivated crops and forage.

Road Closures & Evacuations

As of 8:00 this morning, Chelan County Emergency Management has reduced evacuation levels related to the Apple Acres Fire.  Evacuation levels that were Level 2 have been reduced to Level 1, and all Level 1 evacuation notifications have been removed.  The Douglas County Sheriff has reduced the evacuation notice for McNeil Canyon from a Level 3 to a Level 2.  For more specific information please check with the Chelan County Emergency Management Facebook page for Apple Acres Fire (https://www.facebook.com/CCSOEM/ )and the Douglas County Sherriff’s Facebook page for the Pearl Hill Fire (https://www.facebook.com/DouglasCountySheriffsOfficeWA). 

                        Fire Statistics Summary

Size:  Pearl Hill Fire – 177,605 acres, Apple Acres Fire – 5,880 acres

Containment*:  Pearl Hill Fire - 41%, Apple Acres Fire – 45%

Location:  Pearl Hill Fire is located at Bridgeport, WA. Apple Acres Fire is located four miles north of Chelan, WA.

Cause: Both are under investigation

Total Assigned Personnel: 269

Assigned Resources:

Dozers – 12

Type 2 Crews – 5

Engines – 27

Water Tenders - 8

Type 1 Helicopters – 3

Type 2 Helicopters – 2

Type 3 Helicopters - 1

FIRE INFORMATION:

(360) 489-8731     

Staffed 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

InciWeb:

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7169/ for Pearl Hill Fire.

Apple Acres Fire will be established on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ later today, just search by the fire name.

September 21, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: East of Springville, UT                                                                                                           
Email: 2020.William@firenet.gov

Start Date: September 7, 2020                                                                                                           
Phone: 1-435-414-9418

Cause: Human caused, target shooting                                                                                                           
Acres: 849

Percent Contained: 93%                                                                                                           
Personnel Assigned: 22

Current Status:  Today at 6:00 PM the Ether Hollow fire will transition to a Type 3 organization. This will be the final update from Great Basin Incident Management Team 3.

Today firefighters will continue removing hoses and pumps that are no longer needed in the Hobble Creek and Kelly’s Grove area. Crews will also repair handline on the Ether Hollow Fire. Repair work on fireline that was constructed during initial attack is done in conjunction with Resource Advisors from land management agencies. Resource Advisors have created plans to return the area disturbed by suppression efforts to a more natural state.

Helicopters will be available from William Fire helibase throughout the day for water support to ground resources if needed.

Hunters with limited entry Bull Elk tags and archers, please check your hunting unit and be sure to stay out of the closed areas. We aim to keep our firefighters and public safe, your aim will help.

Weather: Today temperatures continue to climb and are predicted to be in the mid 80s with relative humidity in the mid teens. Southwest winds will begin to increase on the ridges. Minimal fire behavior is expected with interior smoldering and creeping in isolated hot spots. There is a fuel and fire behavior advisory in effect for critically dry fuels through September 25th, 2020.

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) has been implemented over the fire area – which means recreational drones and private aircraft cannot fly over the fire. The TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_5279.html

Please remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at or https://utahfireinfo.gov/. Check out News & Events and ‘Like Us’ on facebook.com/UtahWildfire , and ‘Follow Us’ on twitter.com/UtahWildfire for further information.

September 20, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: East of Springville, UT                                                                                                           
Email: 2020.William@firenet.gov

Start Date: September 7, 2020                                                                                                           
Phone: 1-435-414-9418

Cause: Human caused, target shooting                                                                                                           
Acres: 849

Percent Contained: 93%                                                                                                           
Personnel Assigned: 21

Current Status:  Today firefighters will use leaf blowers to clear the shaded fuel breaks around Grindstone and Kelly’s Grove that were finished yesterday. An infrared (IR) mapping mission was flown last night. The flight detected heat signatures in the northeast corner of the fire inside the perimeter which are currently not a threat. Hoses and pumps are no longer needed in the Hobble Creek area and are being hauled out today.

Maple Creek Road, Maple Canyon trail #006 and Right Fork trail #007 Closures have been rescinded and are now open to the public.

Hunters with limited entry Bull Elk tags and archers, please check your hunting unit and be sure to stay out of the closed areas. We aim to keep our firefighters and public safe, your aim will help.

Weather: Today begins a warming and drying trend. Temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 80s with relative humidity in the mid to high teens.

Minimal fire behavior is expected in the form smoldering and surface creep in grass, brush and juniper. There is a fuel and fire behavior advisory in effect for critically dry fuels through September 25th, 2020.

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) has been implemented over the fire area – which means recreational drones and private aircraft cannot fly over the fire. The TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_5279.html

Please remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at or https://utahfireinfo.gov/. Check out News & Events and ‘Like Us’ on facebook.com/UtahWildfire , and ‘Follow Us’ on twitter.com/UtahWildfire for further information.

September 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: East of Springville, UT                                                                                                           
Email: 2020.William@firenet.gov

Start Date: September 7, 2020
Phone: 1-435-414-9418

Cause: Human caused, target shooting                                                                                                           
Acres: 849

Percent Contained: 93%
Personnel Assigned: 26

Current Status:  Today crews are expected to finish work on a shaded fuel break around communities in Hobble Creek Canyon. They will finish chipping and remove the cut brush and trees from Kelly’s Grove.

If winds are favorable for air operations, a helicopter will shuttle firefighters to the northeast corner of the fire to work on hotspots identified from an infrared flight.

A Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) did reconnaissance yesterday on the west aspect of Ether Peak. The BAER Team gathered data to analyze and make a plan for stabilization of the burned area.

Whiting Campground, Maple Canyon trail #006 and Right Fork trail #007 remain closed. We ask that the public stay away from the fire area for the safety of the firefighters and the public. https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

Hunters with limited entry Bull Elk tags and archers, please check your hunting unit and be sure to stay out of the closed areas. We aim to keep our firefighters and public safe, your aim will help.

Weather: Today temperatures are predicted to be cooler in the upper 70s with relative humidity near 20%. Winds are expected to be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts to 30. There is a red flag warning in effect for today.

 Minimal fire behavior is expected in the form smoldering and surface creep in grass, brush and juniper. There is a fuel and fire behavior advisory in effect for critically dry fuels through September 25th, 2020.

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) has been implemented over the fire area – which means recreational drones and private aircraft cannot fly over the fire. The TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_5279.html

Please remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at or https://utahfireinfo.gov/. Check out News & Events and ‘Like Us’ on facebook.com/UtahWildfire , and ‘Follow Us’ on twitter.com/UtahWildfire for further information.

September 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Location: East of Springville, UT                                                                                                           
Email: 2020.William@firenet.gov

Start Date: September 7, 2020                                                                                                           
Phone: 1-435-414-9418

Cause: Human caused, target shooting                                                                                                           
Acres: 849

Percent Contained: 92%                                                                                                           
Personnel Assigned: 26

Current Status:  Yesterday crews worked to clear brush on a fireline around communities in Hobble Creek Canyon. Today they will use a chipper and remove the cut brush and trees from the area. Crews will place pumps, hose, and sprinklers at pre-planned locations for use if needed as part of the Confine Strategy. This strategy is used where direct fireline could not be built due to steep, inaccessible terrain.

Whiting Campground, Maple Canyon trail #006 and Right Fork trail #007 remain closed. We ask that the public stay away from the fire area for the safety of the firefighters and the public. https://www.fs.usda.gov/uwcnf

Hunters with limited entry Bull Elk tags and archers, please check your hunting unit and be sure to stay out of the closed areas. We aim to keep our firefighters and public safe, your aim will help.

Weather: Today temperatures are predicted to be in the upper 80s. Humidity will be in the low teens. Southwest winds are expected ahead of a dry cold front, gusting 15 to 22 mph. There is a red flag warning in effect for today.

Fire behavior is expected to be minimal producing interior smoldering and some visible smoke.

There is a fuel and fire behavior advisory in effect for critically dry fuels through September 25th, 2020.

A TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) has been implemented over the fire area – which means recreational drones and private aircraft cannot fly over the fire. The TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_0_5279.html

Please remember, if you fly, we can’t.

Fire information can be found on InciWeb at or https://utahfireinfo.gov/. Check out News & Events and ‘Like Us’ on facebook.com/UtahWildfire , and ‘Follow Us’ on twitter.com/UtahWildfire for further information.

 September 17, 2020 at 8:00 a.m.