FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2010
DNR dispatches hundreds to help fight Eastern Washington wildfires
Crews from Oregon Forestry Department and federal agencies also assist
OLYMPIA – Some 350 employees of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have been dispatched over night to fight more than a dozen wildfires burning in Eastern Washington. DNR’s seasonal firefighters and the permanent DNR employees, who take on fire duties each summer, are supplemented by staff from federal agencies and the Oregon Department of Forestry as well as local fire districts.
Large fires burning
Highway 8 Complex (Klickitat County, North of Lyle Wash.): 1,200 acres burning in grassland. 0 percent contained. 40 residences are at a level 3 (mandatory) evacuation and 50 are at a level 2 (voluntary) evacuation notice. Aircraft are assigned in addition to fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews. Fire first reported at 1 p.m., August 26.
Slide Creek Fire (Stevens County, near Arden Wash.). 1,000 acres. 0 percent contained. 65 homes are under level 3 (mandatory) evacuation notice. Aircraft are assigned in addition to fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews. Fire first reported at 2:21 p.m., August 26.
Fish Hatcheries Road Fire (Ferry County, near Curlew Wash.). 650 acres. 0 percent contained. Aircraft are assigned. Aircraft are assigned in addition to fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews. Fire first reported at 1:20 p.m., August 26.
Hubbard Fire (Columbia County, near Dayton Wash.): 11,000 acres. 15 percent contained. Fire engines, bulldozers and hand crews are assigned. Fire first reported late afternoon, August 26
NOTE: This information is current as of 9:30 a.m. this morning but conditions may rapidly change on these fires.
Meanwhile, more than a dozen DNR employees are helping firefighters in Oregon battle several large fires there. DNR and other state and federal firefighting agencies cooperate during fire season by providing mutual aid and working through interagency dispatching for efficient use of resources.
Get updates online
Resources of fire-related information include:
Daily updates on burn restrictions and Industrial Fire Precaution Levels by zone are available on DNR’s website at www.dnr.wa.gov or by calling 1-800-323-BURN. The direct link to a map of all IFPL zones in Washington State is: http://fortress.wa.gov/dnr/ifpl/IFPL.aspx
DNR statewide burn ban
In an effort to reduce preventable wildfires, DNR issued a statewide burn ban covering all DNR-protected lands, effective July 15, 2010, through September 30, 2010. The ban includes all forestlands in Washington except for federal lands. During the ban, designated campgrounds may allow campfires in approved fire pits. DNR or the campground may put additional restrictions in place, including a ban on campfires, depending on weather conditions.
Media Contact: Bob Redling, Senior Communications Manager, 360-902-1149, bob.redling@dnr.wa.gov
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