MONDAY MORNING JULY 29 FIRE UPDATE Washington Incident Management Team 2 Incident Commander – Nathan Rabe Deputy Incident Commander – Rex Reed Mile Marker 28 Fire Update July 29, 2013 – 8:00 AM WEBSITE: Inciweb.org/incident/3557 INFO CENTER: (509) 773-7136 or 7059 EMAIL: MileMarker28Fire@gmail ACRES CONTAINMENT TOTAL PERSONNEL 20,337 25% 1,201 The Mile Marker 28 Fire is located 15 miles northeast of Goldendale, Washington along Highway 97. The fire continues to burn in grasslands, shrub brush, timber, and timber litter. FIRE SITUATION: Firefighters continued to make good progress throughout the day yesterday and overnight on the Mile Marker 28 Fire. Firefighters concentrated on the south and southwest perimeter building and strengthening fire lines. Preparations for possible burnout operations took place along the northwest perimeter down to US Highway 97. Crews began mop-up operations on the southern boundary removing fuels within 50 feet of the fireline to reduce the potential for the fire to spread. Today firefighters will concentrate on constructing fireline along the northeast and eastern perimeter of the fire identifying advantageous locations and existing roads to start constructing the fireline. Helicopters continue to support suppression efforts throughout the perimeter dropping water and retardant on the hottest portions of the fire. Approximately 10 miles of fireline remains to be built. Evening flights with heat detection devices were used over the last two nights for fire detection, mapping, and identification of hotspots. The structure protection group continues to work the highest evacuation areas cleaning leaf litter, pine needles, and other debris from around the structures. Firefighters also monitored and patrolled the area for hotspots. EVACUATIONS: Even with the minimal fire growth, a small area west of Bickleton was upgraded from a Level 1 (Advisory) to a Level 2 (Precautionary) emergency notice. The following areas were affected: LEVEL 2 (Precautionary) The residences west of Bickleton north of Box Springs Rd. (E-1000 Rd.) within Township 6N, Range 19E, Sections 17-20 & 29-30. Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents in these areas to prepare to evacuate if their areas are upgraded to a Level 3. This is the time to pack your valuables, family heirlooms, clothing, and make the necessary preparations for your animals and to seek out viable lodging arrangements. All other evacuation notifications remain the same, but will be assessed as fire conditions change. Please call the information center at the number above for evacuation details COMMUNITY MEETING: Last night’s community meeting at the grange in Bickleton was well attended by more than 150 people from Bickleton and the surrounding area. Those in attendance were updated on the latest evacuation levels and current fire situation by the Incident Commander and incident team experts, along with representatives of the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office, Fire District 2, Yakama Nation, American Red Cross and Department of Natural Resources. . SHELTER: The Red Cross Shelter is at Fathers House Fellowship in Goldendale at 207 South Klickitat Avenue. You can call for information on the shelter at: (503) 849-0858. CLOSURES: Due to the ongoing fire situation, US Highway 97 from Toppenish to Goldendale remains closed. Maintenance crews with WSDOT continue to remove large danger trees that have burned from the fire, clearing rolling debris from the highway, and repairing portions of burned guardrail. Fire officials and WSDOT continue to evaluate the situation. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes on State Route 14, State Route 221, and Interstate 82. RESOURCES: 28 Crews, 7 Helicopters, 102 Engines, 16 Dozers, 16 Water Tenders, 188 Overhead, 4 Camp Crew = Total Personnel 1,201
Posted on: Mon, 29 Jul 2013 17:13:54 +0000