Showing posts with label wildfires. Show all posts
Showing posts with label wildfires. Show all posts

Wildfire smoke alert for Sunday

Sunday, August 20, 2023

The view from Richmond Beach Saturday afternoon - water but no mountains
Photo by Carl Dinse

A wildfire smoke alert was issued Saturday from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and local county public health agencies around Puget Sound as air pollution increased due to wildfire smoke.

Wildfire smoke will continue to impact air quality in the Puget Sound region over the weekend.

Locally, we reached moderate levels, but as of Saturday night it was generally safe. It is expected to be moderate to unhealthy for sensitive groups Sunday morning and afternoon, but then start clearing out Sunday evening.

Westerly surface winds late Monday/early Tuesday will help with clear out the smoke.

Sensitive groups are infants, children, and people over 65, or those who are pregnant, have heart or lung diseases (such as asthma or COPD), respiratory infections, diabetes, or are stroke survivors.

Everyone should try to limit their exposure by staying inside, postponing or limiting outdoor activities, and keeping indoor air clean.

Outside, wear an N95 mask.

More information:
Air quality information is available on the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency site


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Wildfires: Toothaker Fire in Benton county near crops, electrical, and railroad infrastructure

Friday, August 18, 2023

Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Toothaker Fire located in Benton County, near the town of Finley. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 17, 2023, at 3:45pm at the request of Fire Chief Lonnie Click, Benton County Fire District 1.

The Toothaker Fire started on August 17, 2023, at approximately 1:30pm. This fire is estimated at 32 acres and growing. It is burning in brush, olives, and grass and is threatening homes, crops, and electrical and railroad infrastructure. Level 2 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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Secure pathways available for Washington residents to donate to Maui wildfire relief

Maui photo courtesy WA Secretary of State

OLYMPIA — A secure portal operated by the Office of Secretary of State provides all Washington residents, public employees, and state retirees a one-stop way to donate to Maui relief efforts.

The Disaster Relief Center, a special project of the Secretary of State’s Combined Fund Drive charity fundraising program, provides links for one-time donations by credit cards or, for state and other public employees, payroll or retirement deductions to benefit each donor’s choice of verified relief organizations aiding Maui residents, first responders, healthcare efforts, and more.

More than 110 people have been killed and hundreds more are missing due to the devastating August wildfires across Maui, which demolished the historic town of Lahaina and destroyed more than 2,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings.

“The disaster that has affected so much of Maui has astonished and saddened people throughout Washington,” Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. “There is a deep desire to help, and this secure donations portal provides a pathway for Washingtonians’ generosity to benefit causes that are on the ground and doing good work.”

The Disaster Relief Center website, accessible here, aids crisis-relief charities during periods of natural or humanitarian disasters that exceed a region’s capacity to provide help. The website has previously been used for donations to organizations that work with the victims of mass shootings and international aid groups responding to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.


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Fire and Ice: North Cascades highway closed for wildfires

Thursday, August 17, 2023

North Cascades Highway. Photo courtesy WSDOT

The North Cascades Highway SR 20 normally closes during the winter because of snow and ice.

Now it is closed because of wildfires.

Due to the Sourdough Fire and now a second wildfire called the Blue Lake Fire near Washington Pass, SR 20 North Cascades Highway is now closed between Newhalem (milepost 120) and the Silver Star Campground (milepost 171, where it normally closes for the winter on the east side). 

These are two active wildfires burning along the highway. There is no recreation allowed anywhere between the two closure points. At this time there is no ETA for reopening. 

Please do not disregard closures, they are in place for your safety and the safety of crews.


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Wildfires: Trinity Fire in Benton County threatening homes - Level 3 evacuations for residents

Wednesday, August 16, 2023

Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Trinity Fire located in Benton County, near Benton City. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on August 14, 2023, at 11:30am at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.

The Trinity Fire started on August 14, 2023 at approximately 10:16am. This fire is estimated at 100 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening homes. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time (GO!). The fire cause is currently under investigation.

Evacuation levels explained here



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Wildfire smoke is coming: Prepare now to protect yourself and your home

Wednesday, August 9, 2023

September 2022 looking east to Lake
Washington and the Cascades at sunrise.
Photo by Mike Remarcke
By John Cornaby – NEMCo Community Outreach Committee

Wildfire smoke this summer and fall could be a major issue. 

As we have seen in the national news, the East Coast and Midwest areas of the U.S. have already seen periods of very bad air quality due to smoke from Canadian wildfires, with this smoke even expected to reach Europe. 

In past years, we have experienced very bad air quality due to wildfires in British Columbia, as well as our local area. 

This year, there have already been small fires on the Olympic Peninsula, with projections showing that this season will be extended. 

This means that we can expect to see fires in our region and that now is the time to prepare for the very real possibility of heavy smoke in the air.

According to the Seattle and King County Public Health, when wildfires burn, they produce smoke…
“… that contains gases and fine particles. These fine particles are smaller than ten microns; for comparison, diameter of a human hair is forty to fifty microns. And the particles are particularly bad for human health. 
"They can be breathed into the lungs, where they can act as respiratory tract irritants, and smaller particles can even penetrate deeper into the bloodstream and cause widespread inflammation. Children, adults sixty-five and older, pregnant people and people with lung or heart conditions are particularly vulnerable.“ 
How to build a low-cost air filter

They have several recommendations
on how to protect yourself and your home, including wearing the correct mask and creating “clean rooms.” NEMCo encourages everyone to explore their website for additional ideas on how to ensure you and your family have masks available and a way to take smoke particles out of the air in your home.

The right type of mask is important. The supply of blue medical masks from Covid and even the KN95 masks are not sufficient. You should have a mask that is classified as a respirator, such as an N95 or P100.

A respirator mask should have two straps that go around your head, not just hook over the ears. While N95 masks were in short supply during Covid they are available now. 

You should pick some up before smoke arrives in our area and the rush starts depleting these supplies. P100 masks are very effective at filtering out smoke and gases but are more cumbersome to wear. If you are really sensitive or have existing respiratory issues, it might be something you want to consider.

If you have an air conditioning system in your home be sure that filters have been cleaned or replaced to better filter out smoke particles that get in. If you don’t have a filtering system, you can make one from a box fan and furnace air filter. The University of Washington has a graphic explaining how to do this, which you can see here
 
Again, think about preparing ahead of time instead of trying to find box fans when the heat increases, or smoke arrives.


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Wildfires: 2023 Year to Date

Monday, August 7, 2023


Happy National Friendship Day to our Wildland Firefighter friends who have suppressed 98% of new fire starts in OR/WA before they became large*. 

You can be their friend too by following local fire restrictions. 

*a large fire is 100+ acres in timber or 300+ acres in grass/brush


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Shoreline firefighters at West Anderson Fire in Cheney

Friday, August 4, 2023


Shoreline Fire's Brush 161 crew is on the West Anderson Fire in Cheney, WA. 
They are expected to be gone a few more days. 


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Wildfires: West Hallet Fire threatens homes near Spokane - Level 3 evacuations in effect

Monday, July 31, 2023


Spokane County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the West Hallett Fire located in Spokane County, near the city of Spokane. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 31, 2023 at 4:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer, City of Spokane Fire Department.

The West Hallett Fire started on July 31, 2023, at approximately 1:40pm. This fire is estimated at 120 acres and growing. It is burning in timber, brush, and grass and is threatening homes, crops, railroads, and infrastructure. Level 3 evacuations (Go NOW!) are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

Evacuation Level information


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Wildfires: Pine Hollow Fire near Yakima threatening homes


Yakima County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Pine Hollow Fire located in Yakima County, near the city of Yakima. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 31, 2023, at 4:00pm at the request of Fire Chief Nathan Craig, Yakima County Fire District 12.

The Pine Hollow Fire started on July 31, 2023 at approximately 2:57pm. This fire is estimated at 150 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, brush, and sage and is threatening homes, crops, and infrastructure. Level 1 and 2 evacuations (Get Ready, Get Set) are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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Wildfires: Eagle Bluff fire at 2500 acres and growing - evacuations in effect

Sunday, July 30, 2023


Okanogan County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Eagle Bluff Fire located in Okanogan County, near the city of Oroville.

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 29, 2023, at 8:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Bruce Rawley, Oroville Fire Department.

The Eagle Bluff Fire started on July 29, 2023, at approximately 2:03pm. This fire is estimated at 2500 acres and growing. It is burning in sage and scattered timber and is threatening homes, crops, and infrastructure. 

Levels 2 (Get Set) and 3 (Go! Now!) evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.

Evacuation Level information


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Wildfires: Wawawai Fire in Whitman county threatening 911 communications towers

Wednesday, July 26, 2023


Whitman County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Wawawai Fire located in Whitman County, near the city of Pullman. Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 25, 2023, at 1:45 a.m. at the request of Fire Chief Lester Erwin, Whitman County Fire District 12.

The Wawawai Fire started on July 24, 2023, at approximately 9:22 p.m. This fire is estimated at 350 acres and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening crops, rangeland, and infrastructure including 911 communication towers. Level 1 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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Wildfires: Newell Road fire update

Sunday, July 23, 2023

Newell Road wildfire
Photo courtesy Commissioner of Public Lands

Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz reports:

The Newell Road fire is one of the toughest fires to date this year. High speed winds and dry fields are making it challenging. 

We have the best of the best on this fire — over 17 air resources, 7 strike teams, 35 engines and so many brave hard working committed local, state and federal fire fighters and leaders. 

Please hold all our firefighters and the community in your thoughts and prayers.


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Wildfires: Newell Road Fire in Klickitat county burning 6,000 acres and threatening homes, farms, wheat fields, solar and wind farms, landfill, and livestock

Friday, July 21, 2023

Klickitat County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Newell Road Fire located in Klickitat County, near the town of Bickleton. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 21, 2023, at 7:15pm at the request of Fire Chief John Jensen, Klickitat County Fire District 2.

The Newell Road Fire started on July 21, 2023, at approximately 3:35pm. This fire is estimated at 6,000 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, brush, and timber understory and is threatening homes, farms, wheat fields, solar and wind farms, landfill, and livestock. Level 1 and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.



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Wildfires: Badger Fire in Douglas County near East Wenatchee threatening crops and power line distribution


Douglas County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Badger Fire located in Douglas County, near the city of East Wenatchee. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 20, 2023, at 4:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Brian Brett, Wenatchee Valley Fire Department.

The Badger Fire started on July 20, 2023, at approximately 3:26pm. This fire is estimated at 700 acres and growing. It is burning in wheat, sagebrush, and shrub-steppe and is threatening crops and power line distribution. Level 1 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.



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Shoreline Fire Brush crew returns from Baird Springs fire

Saturday, July 15, 2023

Three of the brush crew are from Shoreline Fire
Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

Shoreline brush crew returned from the Baird Springs fire after being there for a few days this week. 

Brush truck. Photo courtesy Shoreline Fire

This was one of the many Wildland responses Shoreline expects to go on this summer with their new Brush Truck.


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Wildfires: Wagner Road Fire in Whitman County - 1000 acres and growing - evacuation in effect

Thursday, July 13, 2023

Whitman County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Wagner Road Fire located in Whitman County, near the town of Ewan. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 12, 2023, at 6:00pm at the request of Assistant Chief Ryan Scharnhorst, Whitman County Fire District 8.

The Wagner Road Fire started on July 12, 2023, at approximately 5:33pm. This fire is estimated at 1000 acres, and growing. It is burning in grass and brush and is threatening homes, agricultural land, and infrastructure. Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.



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Wildfires: Baird Springs Fire in Grant County - 900 acres and growing - evacuations in effect

Tuesday, July 11, 2023


Grant County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Baird Springs Fire located in Grant County, near the towns of Crescent Bar and Quincy. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 10, 2023, at 5:00pm at the request of Fire Chief Anthony Leibelt, Grant County Fire District 3.

The Baird Springs Fire started on July 10, 2023, at approximately 2:28pm. This fire is estimated at 900 acres and growing. It is burning sage brush and crops, and is threatening homes, orchards, and a processing warehouse. Levels 1 and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.


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WeatherWatcher: High temps and wildfire smoke give way to cool down and clear out later in the week

Wednesday, July 5, 2023

Photo by Carl Dinse 7-4-2023

Right now we have a light layer of Canadian wildfire smoke hanging over Puget Sound.

Wednesday and Thursday will still be hazy with the wildfire smoke aloft. High temps will be in the mid 80’s both days.

Photo by Carl Dinse 7-4-2023

Friday we get our A/C back in the form of an onshore flow. We’ll cool back down to the mid 70’s for highs and the wildfire smoke aloft will clear out.

Saturday and beyond should be a decent week weather wise, with sunny skies, highs in the 70’s, and an onshore flow with no wildfire smoke.



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Wildfires: McEwan Fire in Mason County - evacuations underway


Mason County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the McEwan Fire located in Mason County, near the city of Shelton. 

Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on July 4, 2023 at 4:30pm at the request of Fire Chief Jeff Snyder, Central Mason County Fire and EMS.

The McEwan Fire started on July 4, 2023, at approximately 1:52pm. This fire is estimated at 210 acres and growing. It is burning in grass, brush, and timber and is threatening homes, timber, and power infrastructure. 

Level 1, 2, and 3 evacuations are in effect at this time. The fire cause is currently under investigation.



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