SWANSON LAKE FIRE UPDATE

AUGUST 20, 2008

FIRE INFORMATION:  (509) 725-8392            HOURS:  7:00 AM - 9:00 PM

ADDITIONAL WEBSITE:  www.imtcenter.net  (WA IMT2 link)

ACRES:  15,415

FIRE CAUSE:  UNDER INVESTIGATION

CONTAINMENT:  10%

VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN:  The fire is burning in wheat fields, sagebrush and scattered timber in rough, steep terrain.  Large pockets of timber with dead and down woody debris are present on the north end of the fire and in the drainages.

FIRE SITUATION:  Incident Commander Rex Reed and the members of the Washington Incident Management Team 2 assumed command of the fire at noon on August 19.  The fire is jointly being managed under Unified Command that includes the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Lincoln County Emergency Management, Lincoln County Fire District 5 and 7, Washington State Patrol, Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Land Management.

Fire activity increased during the late afternoon and into the evening hours yesterday.  Erratic winds and down-drafts pushed the fire along the northeast flank.  Two helicopters were utilized dropping water throughout the day cooling areas of hot spots.   Fire suppression and dozer operations worked on the northwest flank of the fire.  As fire activity increase, firefighters along the southern end of the fire were moved to the northwest flank. Firefighters were able to hold the fire keeping it below the Miles Creston Road.  A fixed-wing plane was also utilized dropping water on northwest perimeter as necessary. 

Approximately 35 residents along the Hawk Creek Canyon Road and Hawk Creek Canyon Estate in the Dodd Canyon area were forced to evacuation the area last night.  An Emergency Notice Level 3  - Mandatory Evacuation was issued at 7:00 p.m.  The residents were cooperative and evacuations went smoothly.   

As of 7:00 a.m. today, the Emergency Notice Level 3 has been reduced to a Level 2 – Precautionary Notice.  Residents of the evacuated area are now allowed re-entry.  The area is only open to local traffic.  Residents are urged take precautions staying out of the burned areas, away from fallen and damaged trees and downed power lines. 

TODAY’S PLAN: Structure protection crews will be working on the northeast and northwest perimeters patrolling and monitoring for any hot spots.  Firefighters will be scouting that area working to establish line.  Along the south and west portion of the fire’s edge crews will be working to strengthen and secure containment lines.  Local firefighters and arriving resources will be working together to meet the incident objectives. 

ROAD CLOSURES:  None at this time.  The Hawk Creek Canyon Road and the Hawk Creek Road will be open to local traffic only.  We ask the public to stay out of the burn area for their safety as fire suppression activity continues.

CAMPGROUND CLOSURES:  The National Park Service has closed the Hawk Creek Campground at this time.

STRUCTURE LOSS:  1 residence, 2 seasonal cabins and 15 outbuildings.

WEATHER:  Weather conditions are expected to be partly cloudy throughout the day with some morning showers.  With the overnight showers temperatures will be cooler and humidity levels higher helping fire crews throughout the day.

Traffic will remain heavy in the fire area and in the communities of Hawk Creek Canyon and Dodd Canyon.  The public is reminded to continue driving cautiously.  Cooperation provided by local residents and the community enables the Team to concentrate on suppression efforts efficiently and effectively.  Public and firefighter safety is the top priority on the Swanson Lake fire. 

RESOURCES:  15 crews, 3 helicopters, 45 engines, 4 dozers, 69 overhead – Total 390 Personnel