NEWS RELEASE

DATE: 9/10/2020 (3:30 pm)              

FOR RELEASE:    Immediately

CONTACT:  Karen Robinson, Idaho Dept. of Lands, Hunter 2 Fire

208-719-1947, fireinformation@idl.idaho.gov

#hunter2fire  #idlfireinfo  

HUNTER 2 FIRE, BLANCHARD, IDAHO

The Hunter 2 Fire in Blanchard, Idaho, remains at 740 acres and control line has been established completely around the fire. Today, crews, engines and heavy equipment are focused on further strengthening the fire line and on putting out any fires along the line and around homes inside the fire boundary.

The fire continues to burn inside the fire line, with occasional flare-ups and hotspots, but the outlook for control is good while calm weather conditions continue. Four homes were destroyed and an unconfirmed number of other structures burned on the first day. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Along roads in the area, low visibility from heavy smoke will continue, especially at night and during the early morning hours. Drivers in the area need to slow down, turn on headlights, and watch out for firefighters and heavy equipment working.

Due to safety concerns, public access into the fire area is limited to residents only. Hazards include narrow roads, firefighters working with heavy equipment, chainsaws, etc., burning trees or snags that fall without warning, deep hot ash piles and pits that are invisible on the ground surface.

Due to high winds, the #Hunter2Fire has grown to over 700 acres.

The Bonner County Sheriff issued evacuation orders for both sides of Highway 41 south of Roberts Land (junction with Saunders Road, mile 29, down to Blanchard Elk Road/the Stoneridge Resort access road on the south side of the highway, and to the Hunter Road on the north side of Highway 41 in Blanchard.

A Type 3 Incident Management Team is taking over the fire.

4 crews and 5 engines are en route to assist IDL ground crews, engines, bulldozers and several rural fire department engines and tankers already battling the fire.

Fire lines continue to be constructed and improved. Air attack will begin again shortly and will continue throughout the day.

Fire managers and Bonner County Sheriff are currently assessing the Hwy 41 closure situation.

PIO Karen Robinson 208-719-1947
#IDLfireinfo

Omak, WA – Yesterday firefighters continued their progress on repair work. Repair work is done to mitigate the damage that happened during initial attack and any other operations during the fire. Dirt road repairs will continue today on the roads that have been driven on several times by fire apparatus. Chipping operations on the northeast portion of the fire continued yesterday and will continue today. Most of the resources fighting this fire are being released home or to another incident.

 Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team Type 3 Team 2 will  transfer command of the Cold Springs Fire back to the local agencies at 6:00 pm Saturday September 19th. A Type 4 Incident management Team made up of local resources will take over the fire. As crews near full containment of the fire, fuel will continue to burn within the interior, although they are not expected to spread outside the perimeter of the containment lines. The public may notice some smoke within the perimeter over the next several days. Firefighters will continue to work to mop up all hot spots inside the fire area which is a safe distance in from the containment line.

The Cold Springs Fire started on Sunday evening 9/6/20 and covers 189,923 acres and is now 90% contained. The fire is expected to be 95% contained by end of shift today. Approximately 78 primary residences and 60 secondary buildings were lost or damaged during initial attack operations. There are approximately 110 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday 9/9/20 within the fire perimeter. 

 All evacuation levels have been lifted. For current evacuation orders please visit www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident.  Road closures remain the same. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

 Fire information and the incident command post is located at Omak Stampede grounds in Omak. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney at (509) 993-2946 or Don Malone at (509) 822-8125 or you can also follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3, and Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident7161

Omak, WA – Yesterday crews continued their work on repairing fencing and roads that were damaged during initial attack operations. On the northeast corner of the fire crews will continue repair work and chipping operations where containment lines were constructed. Most of the resources fighting this fire will be demobilized over the next few days as their work is completed, leaving a small force of local resources to manage the fire under a Type 4 team.    

The Cold Springs Fire started on Sunday evening 9/6/20 and is 189,923 acres and is now 85% contained. Approximately 78 primary residences and 60 secondary buildings were lost or damaged during initial attack operations. There are approximately 142 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday 9/9/20 within the fire perimeter. 

 Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. If you need assistance with shelter you can contact the Red Cross @ 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone @509-846-5101.  

 For current evacuation orders please visit www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. The level 2 evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1. Level 1 evacuation means to “get ready” to go. The fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

Donation centers in the area are now full and items are being distributed. Thank you to the community and surrounding areas for the support to the local donation sites. Monetary donations can be made to LIHEAP @ 509-634-2857 or contact your favorite charity.

 Fire information and the incident command post is located at Omak Stampede grounds in Omak. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney at (509) 993-2946 or Don Malone at (509) 822-8125 or you can also follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3, and Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident7161

 Omak, WA – There was good progress yesterday on the fire line. Crews continued their work on rehab of the roads and fixing fences that were damaged during initial attack. The smoke cleared enough to get a recon flight over the fire. This fire is over 293 square miles and a flight was needed to check on containment lines and look for anything that could cause a flare up. There are no areas of concern at this time. Most of the fire line is in patrol status and the entire fire is expected to be in patrol status in the next day or two.   

 The Cold Springs Fire started on Sunday evening 9/6/20 and is 189,592 acres and is now 80% contained. Approximately 78 primary residences and 60 secondary buildings were lost or damaged during initial attack operations. There are approximately 214 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday within the fire perimeter. 

 Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. If you need assistance with shelter you can contact the Red Cross @ 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone @509-846-5101.  

 For current evacuation orders please visit www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. The level 2 evacuation levels have been reduced to a level 1. Level 1 evacuation means to “get ready” to go. The fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

 Donation centers in the area are now full and items are being distributed. Thank you to the community and surrounding areas for the support to the local donation sites. Monetary donations can be made to LIHEAP @ 509-634-2857 or contact your favorite charity.

 Fire information and the incident command post is located at Omak Stampede grounds in Omak. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney at (509) 993-2946 or Don Malone at (509) 822-8125 or you can also follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3, and Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident7161

 Omak, WA – Crews will continue the mop up and repair the roads and fences that were damaged during initial attack. The northeast portion of the fire that was a high priority for several days is now in patrol status.  The footprint of the fire is over 293 square miles with a perimeter of 134 miles. Firefighters are patrolling and looking for any remaining hot spots that could be a threat to the containment lines. Power companies are making progress with the help of firefighters that are clearing hazard trees around their work sites.

 The Cold Springs Fire started on Sunday evening 9/6/20 and is 188,852 acres with 70% containment. Approximately 78 primary residences and 60 secondary buildings were lost or damaged during initial attack operations. There are approximately 280 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday within the fire perimeter. 

 Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. If you need assistance with shelter you can contact the Red Cross @ 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone @509-846-5101.  

 For current evacuation orders please visit www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. All level 3 evacuation levels have been reduced and are now level 2. Level 2 means you need to be ready to go at a moments notice. Roads in the fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. Motorist should use extreme caution due to the hazards within the fire area. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

 Donation centers in the area are now full and items are being distributed. Thank you to the community and surrounding areas for the support to the local donation sites. Monetary donations can be made to LIHEAP @ 509-634-2857 or contact your favorite charity.

 Fire information and the incident command post is located at Omak Stampede grounds in Omak. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney at (509) 993-2946 or Don Malone at (509) 822-8125 or you can also follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3, and Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident7161

 Omak, WA – Today: Crews will continue to work in the mill area breaking up piles of wood shavings that have been smoldering. The northeast portion of the fire has been the focus over the last several days and is now contained and in patrol status. Repair groups have been set up to start working on roads and fencing that were damaged during initial attack operations. Containment lines are being patrolled and crews are mopping up additional hot spots within the perimeter of the fire. Power companies are making progress with the help of firefighters that are clearing hazard trees around their work sites.

 The Cold Springs Fire started Sunday evening and is 188,852 acres with 60% containment. There are approximately 300 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday within the fire perimeter. 

 Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. If you need assistance with shelter you can contact the Red Cross @ 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone @509-846-5101.  

 For current evacuation orders please visit www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. All level 3 evacuation levels have been reduced and are now level 2. Level 2 means you need to be ready to go at a moments notice. Roads in the fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. Motorist should use extreme caution due to the hazards within the fire area. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

 Donation centers in the area are now full and items are being distributed. Thank you to the community and surrounding areas for the support to the local donation sites. Monetary donations can be made to LIHEAP @ 509-634-2857 or contact your favorite charity.

Fire information and the incident command post is located at Omak Stampede grounds in Omak. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney at (509) 993-2946 or Don Malone at (509) 822-8125 or you can also follow us on Facebook @NEWIMT3, and Inciweb @ https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident7161

 Omak, WA – Today the crews made additional progress on the fire line. They continued to secure the northeast portion of the fire, worked in the mill area, and secured in from the containment lines. There are several areas of the fire that are in patrol status and those areas are looking good. The repairs to fencing and roads that were damaged during initial attack are being looked at and repaired. Crews will continue assisting the power companies with hazard trees near the power lines to make their work areas safe.

 Commissioner of Public Lands Hillary Franz visited the Cold Springs Fire command post in Omak. The Commissioner met with Tribal, Federal, State and local officials. She also met with Tribal Natural Resource Enforcement Officers who responded to the fatality that occurred on the fire earlier in the week.  Commissioner Franz and Chairman Cawston of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation went on a tour of the area to see the impact of the fire to the communities.

 The Cold Springs Fire started Sunday evening and is 188,852 acres with 60% containment. There are approximately 300 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday within the fire perimeter. 

 Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. If you need assistance with shelter you can contact the Red Cross @ 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone @509-846-5101.  

 For current evacuation orders please see www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. All level 3 evacuation levels have been reduced and are now level 2. Level 2 means you need to be ready to go at a moments notice. Roads in the fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. Motorist should use extreme caution due to the hazards within the fire area. If you do not live in that area, please stay out.

 Omak, WA – The northeast portion of the fire that has been the main priority has a good line in now and is holding. Firefighters had to go direct with line construction due to the steep terrain This progress has allowed the objectives of the fire to turn the corner and utilize some of those crews to be spread out and work containment lines farther into the charred area.  Repairs to the fencing and roads that were damaged during initial attack are being looked at for repair. The Old Mill area will need some additional mop up today with heavy equipment and water tenders. Smoke conditions from the fires in the south are expected to stay in the area today. Crews will continue assisting the power companies with hazard trees near the power lines to make their work areas safe.

The public will continue to see smoke from smoldering trees in the area for several days. Crews are patrolling these areas to keep an eye on these hot spots. 

The Cold Springs Fire started Sunday evening and is 188,852 acres with 50% containment. There are approximately 305 firefighters from local agencies and from around the region that are engaged in firefighting operations.

 Several structures and outbuildings were damaged and/or lost during initial attack. The team is continuing structure assessments.     

The Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death of an infant and serious injury of 2 individuals that were found Wednesday within the fire perimeter.  

Okanogan County Fairgrounds is open for livestock and has areas for RV campers. The Red Cross has closed the shelter in Brewster. If you need assistance with shelter the contact information for the Red Cross is 509 670-5331. Long term recovery inquiries can be done by email @ (JessicaOCDCM@gmail.com) or phone (509-846-5101). The Omak community center @ 601 Benton St. in Omak is open and receiving donations.  Citizens are asked to remain clear of the fire area.

 For current evacuation orders please see www.Okanogandem.org. Click on the incidents tab and locate the specific incident. All level 3 evacuation levels have been reduced and are now level 2. Level 2 means you need to be ready to go at a moment’s notice. Please check the emergency management website for updated information. Roads in the fire area will remain closed except for local traffic. Motorist should use extreme caution due to the hazards within the fire area.