Joint Fire Protection District 3 & 8

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south / southeast from Laurier, WA. This lightning caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has burned approximately 139 acres of forested land.

Evacuations: This morning Level 2 evacuation, for ONLY 3733 A-Z, N. Sand Creek Rd ONLY. This is due to changing weather, fire behavior and burnout operations.

The remaining Sand Creek addresses and Imperial Way will remain under level 1 evacuation.

Road Closures: Nine Mine Rd. has been reopened to traffic. Use caution if driving this road and watch for fire traffic.

Yesterday, firefighters were successful at connecting the containment lines from division Whiskey to division Alpha. Within containment lines of division Whiskey and Alpha a large unburned area started burning during the afternoon moving downhill and across the slope. 

   Zulu division has been moped up 150’ and has been put into a patrol status.  Today, Firefighter’s mission today will be burnout operations in Division Whiskey and Alpha to finish burning the unburn area that started burning yesterday.  The crews are planning to do the burnout in the morning.   Division Z will be in a patrol status. 

   Sunny skies and hot temperatures with low relative humidity today, along with afternoon winds can change fire behavior and will be monitored throughout the day.

 The Jenny Fire is a 2-acre fire due west of the Nine Mine fire that was discovered as a smoldering, lightning caused fire August 2nd. This fire is 100% contained and the rappelers have make it back to base camp.

You can also follow up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

And Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/

Bulldog Mountain Fire:  Yesterday with help from heavy equipment and firefighters on the ground good progress was made strengthening indirect and contingency lines around the fire.  Increased fire activity was observed on all divisions around the fire.  Helicopters worked closely with crews on the ground to help cool the fire perimeter. 

Today will be another warm day across the region with poor humidity recoveries forecasted.   Temperatures will be in the low 90’s on the fire line.  Firefighters will continue indirect and contingency line construction today.  Direct fire suppression will occur in areas that are safe for crews to engage.    Residents around the Bulldog Mtn Fire should remain vigilant and pay close attention to reliable information sources for current fire alerts.  Citizens are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts at Ferry County Alerts.  Motorists traveling on the Boulder Hwy should be vigilant and watch for heavy equipment and firefighters turning off and onto the roadway.  There are 170 personnel assigned to the incident. There have been no injuries or structures lost.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. 

The Bulldog Mountain Fire started August 5. 2021, located 20 miles north of Kettle Falls. The lightening caused fire spread quickly due to low relative humidity and unseasonably dry conditions.  The fire is burning in heavy timber and slash.  Local crews worked hard the first several days conducting direct fire attack as well as identifying areas of the fire that indirect containment line is appropriate due to limited access.  Multiple aircraft assisted firefighters on the ground.  The fire is currently estimated at 2000 acres with 5% containment.

Mack Mountain Fire:  The Mack Mountain Fire started August 5, 2021 and is just south west of the Bulldog Mountain Fire.  The fire is still relatively small (approximately 22 acres) and has had minimal activity.  Residents in the Deadman Creek area may see smoke from the fire.  The fire area is located in steep, rugged terrain with limited to no access.  Fire managers are planning for future action when appropriate. 

Level 1 evacuation orders and road closures are in place. For current evacuation orders please see Ferry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  Boulder Creek Hwy and State Route 395 remain open.  For information on area & road closures on the Colville National Forest please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938379.pdf   Citizens are asked to stay clear of the fire area and adhere to road and area closures. 

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (NEWIMT2) assumed command of the fire August 7th at 11:00 a.m.  Fire information and the incident command post is located at Kettle Falls High School in Kettle Falls, WA. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney 509 993-2946 or you can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7785/

Bulldog Mountain Fire:  Yesterday firefighters observed increased fire activity due to the dry conditions.  Helicopters were used throughout the day to assist crews on the ground where the fire was most active.  Multiple pieces of heavy logging equipment worked all day to help lessen the fuel load along identified indirect and contingency containment lines.

Today fire managers are paying close attention to the weather as high pressure builds over the fire through Friday night.  Winds are predicted out of the north today at 4 to 6 mph with brief gusts from the north up to 15 mph.  Residents around the Bulldog Mtn Fire should remain vigilant and pay close attention to reliable information sources for current fire alerts.  Citizens are strongly encouraged to sign up for alerts at Ferry County Alerts.  Motorists traveling on the Boulder Hwy should be vigilant and watch for heavy equipment and firefighters turning off and onto the roadway.  There are 175 personnel assigned to the incident. There have been no injuries or structures lost.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. 

The Bulldog Mountain Fire started August 5. 2021, located 20 miles north of Kettle Falls. The lightening caused fire spread quickly due to low relative humidity and unseasonably dry conditions.  The fire is burning in heavy timber and slash.  Local crews worked hard the first several days conducting direct fire attack as well as identifying areas of the fire that indirect containment line is appropriate due to limited access.  Multiple aircraft assisted firefighters on the ground.  The fire is currently estimated at 2000 acres with 5% containment.

Mack Mountain Fire:  The Mack Mountain Fire started August 5, 2021 and is just south west of the Bulldog Mountain Fire.  The fire is still relatively small (approximately 22 acres) and has had minimal activity.  The fire area is located in steep, rugged terrain with limited to no access.  Fire managers are planning for future action when appropriate. 

Level 1 evacuation orders and road closures are in place. For current evacuation orders please see Ferry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  Boulder Creek Hwy and State Route 395 remain open.  For information on area & road closures on the Colville National Forest please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938379.pdf   Citizens are asked to stay clear of the fire area and adhere to road and area closures. 

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (NEWIMT2) assumed command of the fire August 7th at 11:00 a.m.  Fire information and the incident command post is located at Kettle Falls High School in Kettle Falls, WA. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney 509 993-2946 or you can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7785/

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south / southeast from Laurier, WA. This lightning caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has burned approximately 139 acres of forested land.

Evacuations: As of 1:00 pm on Sunday August 8^th the evacuation level has been reduced to level 1. Level 1 is Ready, in the Ready, Set, Go, all hazards evacuation system. Ready means get prepared, changing fire conditions can change evacuation levels and you may need to leave your home. This level 1 notice is for homes on Imperial Way and Sand Creek Rd.

Road Closures: Nine Mine Rd. has been reopened to traffic. Use caution if driving this road and watch for fire traffic.

Yesterday, firefighters were successful at connecting the containment lines form division Whiskey to division Alpha. The Zulu division is in great shape with containment lines in place and mop up 150’ into the fire. Alpha division still has some minimal burning in the draw and fire spread concerns along the ridge line.

Today, Firefighter’s today will continue to reinforce containment lines that are in place in division A and W. Crew will work on ensuring hot spots alone these lines are extinguished and mopped up.

   Sunny skies and hot temperatures with low relative humidity today, along with afternoon winds can change fire behavior and will be monitored throughout the day.

 Early this morning a team did begin IR (infrared) scanning the Zulu division line for any remaining heat. IR scanning allows firefighters to find any remaining hot spots that are not visible to the human eye. Any hot spots found will be moped up. The goal for Zulu division is to be in patrol status by end of shift today.

   The Jenny Fire is a 2-acre fire due west of the Nine Mine fire that was discovered as a smoldering, lightning caused fire August 2nd. The four-person crew that rappelled into the Jenny fire Monday, reported the fire is 75% contained. They will remain in place today to mop up any remaining interior hot spots. They will then hike out to a rendezvous point to be picked up and brought back to base camp.

You can also follow up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/

And Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/

Bulldog Mountain Fire:  Yesterday additional resources continued to arrive on the fire line and progress was made scouting control line possibilities.  Crews utilized helicopters to keep the fire growth minimal as firefighters on the ground continued to establish indirect and contingency containment lines.  Fire crews worked near the fire in a few areas constructing direct fire line.  Additional heavy equipment arrived and was deployed to assist in these efforts. 

Today much of the same type of work performed yesterday will continue.  Motorists traveling on the Boulder Hwy should be vigilant and watch for heavy equipment and firefighters turning off and onto the roadway.  There are 156 personnel assigned to the incident. There have been no injuries or structures lost.  Firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. 

The Bulldog Mountain Fire started August 5. 2021, located 20 miles north of Kettle Falls. The lightening caused fire spread quickly due to low relative humidity and unseasonably dry conditions.  The fire is burning in heavy timber and slash.  Local crews worked hard the first several days conducting direct fire attack as well as identifying areas of the fire that indirect containment line is appropriate due to limited access.  Multiple aircraft assisted firefighters on the ground.  The fire is currently estimated at 2000 acres with 5% containment. Acreage increase is due more accurate mapping.

Mack Mountain Fire:  The Mack Mountain Fire started August 5, 2021 and is just south west of the Bulldog Mountain Fire.  The fire is still relatively small (approximately 50 acres) and has had minimal activity.  The fire area is located in steep, rugged terrain with limited to no access.  Fire managers are planning for future action when appropriate. 

Level 1 evacuation orders and road closures are in place. For current evacuation orders please see Ferry County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.  Boulder Creek Hwy and State Route 395 remain open.  For information on area & road closures on the Colville National Forest please see https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd938379.pdf   Citizens are asked to stay clear of the fire area and adhere to road and area closures. 

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 2 (NEWIMT2) assumed command of the fire August 7th at 11:00 a.m.  Fire information and the incident command post is located at Kettle Falls High School in Kettle Falls, WA. Fire information contact is Jeff Sevigney 509 993-2946 or you can also follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/ and Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7785/

News Release August 9, 2021

Orient, WA – The Nine Mine Fire is located 4.5 miles south / southeast from Laurier, WA. This lighting caused fire started on Wednesday, August 4th and has burned approximately 117 acres of forested land.

Evacuations: As of 1:00 pm on Sunday August 8^th the evacuation level has been reduced to level 1. Level 1 is Ready, in the Ready, Set, Go, all hazards evacuation system. Ready means get prepared, changing fire conditions can change evacuation levels and you may need to leave your home. This level 1 notice is for homes on Imperial Way and Sand Creek Rd.

Road Closures: Nine Mine Rd. remains closed.

Yesterdays wetting rains were very beneficial to firefighters working containment lines on the fire. The steady rain allows firefighters to work the rainwater into the soil along containment lines with hand tools. Yesterday’s rain and cooler temperatures have been favorable to containment and suppression efforts improving overall fire containment to 20%.

Today, Firefighter’s efforts today will be to continue direct fire attack where appropriate. Crews will continue to construct containment lines.

The cooler weather this morning will continue to help these suppression efforts. However sunny skies and rising temperatures with reduced relative humidity are a concern that will be monitored throughout the day. Firefighters will take advantage of todays weather to reinforce containment lines and mop up operations. The goal is to get 100% of the fire lined and moped up 100’ into the fire from the line.

Yesterday’s weather prevented Incident Management from deploying firefighters to the Jenny fire. The Jenney Fire is a 5-acre fire due west of the Nine Mine fire. Nine Mine Incident Management Team is planning to deploy a 4-person crew by helicopter to line and mop-up the Jenny Fire today. This crew will remain in place until mop-up is complete.

You can also follow up on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/newimt3/

And Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7783/

Public and Fire Fighter Safety is The Number One priority

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TUESDAY TO 11 PM PDT
WEDNESDAY…

• WHAT…Dangerously hot conditions with afternoon temperatures in
  the upper 90s to 105 degrees possible.
• WHERE…Portions of Central, East central, North central,
  Northeast and Southeast Washington and North and North central
  Idaho.
• WHEN…From 11 AM Tuesday to 11 PM PDT Wednesday.
• IMPACTS…Extreme heat combined with unusually warm overnight
  temperatures will significantly increase the potential for heat
  related illnesses. Conditions will be difficult for residents
  without air conditioners. Those working or participating in
  outdoor activities will also be vulnerable.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Wildfire smoke in the region could reduce
  afternoon temperatures reducing the risk of extreme heat. The
  amount of wildfire activity and subsequent smoke in the region
  will play a role in how hot the temperatures are Tuesday and
  Wednesday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Monitor the latest forecasts and warnings for updates on this
situation. Be prepared to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-
conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives
and neighbors.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in
vehicles under any circumstances. This is especially true during
warm or hot weather when car interiors can reach lethal
temperatures in a matter of minutes.

…EXCESSIVE HEAT WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM PDT SATURDAY
ELEVATIONS BELOW 4000 FEET…

• WHAT…High temperatures warming into the upper 90s and triple
  digits Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon.
• WHERE…Portions of North and North Central Idaho. Portions of
  Central, East Central, North Central, Northeast, and Southeast
  Washington.
• WHEN…Until 8 PM PDT Saturday.
• IMPACTS…Hot temperatures in the day. Increasingly warm overnight
  temperatures by the weekend.
• ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Friday and Saturday will likely be the
  hottest days of this heat event. Many lowland locations are
  expected to reach 100 degrees or more Friday and Saturday
  afternoon. The afternoon heat combined with unusually warm
  overnight temperatures Friday night and Saturday night will make
  it difficult for residents without air conditioners to control the
  build up of heat within their homes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of
the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors.

…RED FLAG WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TUESDAY TO 11 AM PDT
WEDNESDAY FOR THUNDERSTORMS FOR EAST WASHINGTON NORTHEAST (ZONE
686)…

The National Weather Service in Spokane has issued a Red Flag
Warning for thunderstorms, which is in effect from 1 AM Tuesday
to 11 AM PDT Wednesday.

• Affected Area: Fire Weather Zone 686 East Washington Northeast
  (Zone 686).
• Thunderstorms: Scattered thunderstorms late tonight and Tuesday
  morning. A second lightning event with scattered thunderstorms
  late Tuesday Night and Wednesday morning. Brief rain expected
  with thunderstorms.
• Outflow Winds: Gusty outflow winds are possible near
  thunderstorms.
• Impacts: Thunderstorms containing only light rain amounts may
  lead to several new fire starts. Breezy winds may lead to fire
  spread of any new or existing fires especially on Wednesday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

A Red Flag Warning means that critical fire weather conditions
are either occurring now….or will shortly. A combination of
strong winds…low relative humidity…and warm temperatures can
contribute to extreme fire behavior.