The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

Inchelium, Wa. – The cold front that moved into the area yesterday brought measurable rain to the Summit Trail Fire, Upper Lime Creek Fire, and Chuweah Creek Fire. This moisture gives firefighters the opportunity to build direct fire line, while fire behavior is still moderate. Even though this moisture is helpful, the fire is not yet out. A drying trend will start today and continue with warmer temperatures throughout the week which will increase fire activity.

Firefighters will hit the fire hard today with more direct attack in areas where possible. They will continue to work to respond to fire starts from last Wednesday’s lightning storm and reinforce lines on the northeast flank of the Summit Trail Fire. Most of the western and the southern sides are mopped-up inside the fire line and that line has held for several days.

The 265-acre Upper Lime Creek Fire did not receive as much moisture as the Summit Trail Fire. The Upper Lime Creek Fire is 0% contained. Crews will continue to work hard to contain this fire as it is close to Highway 21 and threatening about 25 homes in the area. There will be a single lane closure on Highway 21 today starting at 9:00am with a pilot car directing traffic. Evacuation levels are still in place.

Crews will continue to extend and connect hand lines, dozer lines and secondary lines on the east side of the Summit Trail Fire. Helicopters were grounded yesterday to due poor visibility from the rain but will drop water on the two fires today with more favorable weather conditions.

The Chuweah Creek Fire is 36,752 acres and 97% contained with ongoing mop up and patrol.

Evacuations: Level 1 (Advisory) evacuations are in place from Lafleur south on Hall Creek Rd to Hall Creek Flat (including Lynx Creek Rd), Seyler Valley Rd south to Bridge Creek Rd, and along Bridge Creek Rd (including Mollenberg Lane) to Twin Lakes. The Twin Lakes area is under a Level 1 evacuation as well. A map of the evacuation area is available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incidents/7677.

Upper Lime Ck Evacuations: Level 2: The Pines north to Bridge Ck. Rd. Level 3 (GO!): From Empire Ck. to The Pines.

Boating Exclusion: North Twin Lake and the channel are closed to boating. South Twin Lake remains open.

Road closures: Sitdown Creek Road is closed at County Highway 99. Some recreation and parking areas may be closed to public access. Expect delays and please use caution when driving as firefighters will be working along the road.

Closures: The Reservation is shut down to industrial activities and the general public. The Tribes have an Industrial Fire Precaution Level IV general shutdown, which closes all forest roads to the public. State and county improved roads (with a paved or gravel surface) remain open.

For more information about the Colville Indian Tribes, visit https://www.colvilletribes.com/.