Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

Information about wildfires, prescribed burns, and other fire related info for the 2021 season.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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WILDFIRE INFORMATION
August 11, 2021
Walker Creek Fire Spur Fire Chickadee Fire
Acres: 347
Containment: 10%
Acres: 2,434
Containment: 0% Acres: 622
Containment: 0%
Fire Information: 509-557-7257 (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo
Email: 2021.WalkerCreek@firenet.gov https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7774/
There will be an open house for the public to learn about the Walker Creek, Spur, and Chickadee Fires on Thursday August 12, at 7:00 P.M. The open house will take place at the soccer field at the Tonasket High School. Fire managers will be available to answer questions and provide information for the three fires.
Firefighters will continue to monitor the weather as the warming and drying trend is expected to continue. Winds affecting the fire area will be from the northwest at 5-10 mph with higher gusts. A midday shift to the northeast will occur followed by a shift back to the north-northwest.
Walker Creek Fire: Firefighters continue to make progress on line construction. Some spot fires were discovered, and crews used aerial resources to suppress the spots. Additional spot fires were discovered overnight and crews worked on those as well. On the south and west side of the fire, crews continued to work on hotspots and patrolled for spot fires in response to receiving heavy ashfall blowing in from the Spur Fire to the west. Today’s activities include structure assessments and patrolling for new spot fires.
Spur Fire: Yesterday, the Spur Fire showed the most activity. Aerial resources were used to check fire growth in those active areas. Crews continue to strengthen and improve line on the northeast. Additional fireline was completed in the area of the Boy Scout camp. In addition, some firing operations were completed around the camp to strengthen the line and increase containment.
Chickadee Creek Fire: Much progress has been achieved in the last several days. Fire personnel have finished a dozer line around the perimeter of the fire. The fireline has been tied together in the challenging Wickiup Creek area. As conditions allow, crews have been patrolling the fire perimeter and cooling off hotspots.
A CLOSURE ORDER has been put in place by the Colville National Forest: Spur Mountain Fire Closure Order can be found at: Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMEN ... 938974.pdf, Map:https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMEN ... 938975.pdf,
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices
EVACUATIONS: Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Spur and Walker Creek Fire areas.
ROAD CLOSURES: We appreciate all the support from the local communities and remind you that firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Visitors to the Forest may see road closures that are in place to protect the public from firefighting operations. Please respect closures and barricades! Know BEFORE you Go!
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There is a TFR in place for air space over Fire Areas. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you Fly, We Can’t!
Cooperating Agencies: Okanogan Emergency Management Division, Washington DNR, USDA Forest SErvice, Colville National Forest.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Caltopo VIIRS map August 10th evening...
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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NFIC fire perimeter file for the Walker/Spur fires... August 10 5pm

Walker fire showed significant growth on the northeast edge...
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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WILDFIRE INFORMATION
August 10, 2021
Walker Creek Fire Spur Fire Chickadee Fire

Acres: 373
Containment: 10%
Acres: 2,434
Containment: 0% Acres: 622
Containment: 0%
Fire Information: 509-557-7257 (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo
Email: 2021.WalkerCreek@firenet.gov https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7774/
There will be an open house for the public to learn about the Walker Creek, Spur and Chickadee Fires on Thursday August 12, 2021 at 7:00 P.M. Fire managers will be available to answer questions and provide information for the three fires.
Weather will be a big factor for firefighters in the next few days. A seasonal warming and drying trend are expected over the fire area. Winds from the north, 10 to 15 mph are expected on the Chickadee Creek Fire. Spur Fire is expecting wind from the northwest at 6-10%. Expected winds for the Walker Creek Fire will be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.
Walker Creek Fire: Firefighters continue to make good progress on improving and strengthening containment lines, in an effort to contain hotspots and minimize threats. Operations will use retardant when available and needed. With the incoming weather and winds, the potential for fire growth is greatest to the north.
Spur Fire: The effects of the recent rains are gone as evidenced by the considerable increase in fire behavior. Anticipating a challenging week ahead, crews are working with dozers to construct containment line on the western fire edge and construct line around the northern head of the fire to head off further northern expansion.
Chickadee Creek Fire: Yesterday, firefighters completed preliminary fire line around the entire fire, except in the bottom of Wickiup Creek. Given the fuel loading and incoming winds, fire managers are very concerned about their ability to hold the line with very limited resources. The terrain for this fire is very dissected and rocky with pockets of unburned fuels, thereby making line construction/reinforcement very challenging.
A CLOSURE ORDER has been put in place by the Colville National Forest: : Spur Mountain Fire Closure Order can be found at: Closure Order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMEN ... 938974.pdf, Map:https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMEN ... 938975.pdf,
Website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/colville/alerts-notices
EVACUATIONS: Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Spur and Walker Creek Fire areas. Evacuations continue to be assessed daily and expect to increase as fire behavior intensifies. ROAD CLOSURES: We appreciate all the support from the local communities and remind you that firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Visitors to the Forest may see road closures that are in place to protect the public from firefighting operations. Please respect closures and barricades! Know BEFORE you Go!
Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There is a TFR in place for air space over Fire Areas. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you Fly, We Can’t!
Cooperating Agencies: Okanogan Emergency Management Division, Washington DNR, USDA Forest Service, Colville NF.
#WalkerFire, #SpurFire and #ChickadeeFire
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Fire Update for 8.9.21
Spur Fire Wildfire
News – 7 hrs. ago
WILDFIRE INFORMATION

August 9, 2021



Walker Creek Fire Spur Fire Chickadee Fire Acres: 238 Containment: 10% Acres: 1,935 Containment: NA Acres: 490 Containment: NA Fire Information: 509-557-7257 (9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo Email: 2021.WalkerCreek@firenet.gov https://www.facebook.com/colvillenf/ Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7774/

Today, firefighters will be challenged with an increase in temperature that will speed up drying of dead fuels in the area. Yesterday, with the drop in temperature and afternoon precipitation, progress was made and will continue today with the residual moisture. However, shifting winds from the northwest will bring hot and dry conditions to the area, which make for more active fire weather.

This shift in wind direction and warmer air will put pressure on uncontained areas. Temperatures are expected to stay throughout the week, with Friday and Saturday being the hottest. Relative humidity is forecasted today for 30%, giving opportunity to continue progress on suppression.

With the cooling weather, crews were able to directly attack the fire, strengthen existing lines, and implement contingency lines throughout all three fires. We saw up to 1/10th of an inch of precipitation, which will linger into today, assisting efforts. Scouting potential opportunities for line are ongoing, and firefighters are implementing hose lays, and starting mop up operations in contained areas, attempting to keep all fire footprints small.

Walker Creek Fire: With this dominant wind pattern there is a potential for fire to move in all directions. Crews continue building contingency lines, holding line to the south, and mopping up the southeast side of the fire. Air operations will continue to support suppression efforts on a spot fire on the east division, as crews implement hose lays throughout.

Spur Fire Yesterday, a type 1 helicopter was brought in for fire suppression and made good progress. On the northwest end crews were able to connect the 100 RD down to the waterfront of the Boys Scout camp. Today’s efforts will be attempting direct attack on the west, scouting on the northwest, and looking to reduce susceptible fuels with firing operations. On the southwest corner, roads are expected to open for fire traffic soon.

Chickadee Creek Fire: Aggressive work was achieved yesterday as crews took advantage of the break in weather with direct attack operations. Today’s objectives are to hold seven miles of line and keep the fire from pushing south. Air ops are supporting efforts south of Chickadee Ceek and west of Wikiup Creek. Perimeter growth may be affected by changing wind direction from the northwest. Heavy equipment is being implemented but resources are having trouble getting ahead of the fire because of thick fuels and residual spot fires.

EVACUATIONS: Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Spur and Walker Creek Fire areas. ROAD CLOSURES: We appreciate all the support from the local communities and remind you that firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Visitors to the Forest may see road closures that are in place to protect the public from firefighting operations. Please respect closures and barricades! Know BEFORE you Go! Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There is a TFR in place for air space over Fire Areas. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you Fly, We Can’t! Cooperating Agencies: Okanogan Emergency Management Division, Washington DNR, USDA Forest Service.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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NFIC firw perimeter KML file and map for the Spur Fire... August 9th 4pm...

Growth is outside border greater than yesterday's shaded area...
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Spur Fire now has it's own incident page...

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7789/
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Walker Creek Fire Update 8/8/21
Walker Creek Fire Wildfire
News – 1:55 hrs. ago
Today, the management of the Walker Fire will transition from Tom Merritt’s Northeast Washington Type 3 Team 1 to Jay Winfield’s Northern Rockies Type 2 Team 6. Along with the Walker Fire, Team 6 will manage both the Spur and Chickadee Fires. All of these fires started on August 3rd, when a dry lightning storm peppered the region, starting numerous fires which quickly overwhelmed local resources.

Smoke from these fires, and others burning regionally, have resulted in smoke lingering over the communities of Omak, Tonasket and Loomis for the past few days. The recent cold front has lightened inversion of smoke in the valley for the end of the weekend, but a high pressure will be moving in Monday and smoke will remain throughout the week.

Firefighters are taking advantage of the cooler temperatures with higher relative humidity to strengthen and expand containment lines. Isolated thunderstorms are expected this afternoon over fire locations. A warming trend is forecasted for the beginning of the week and will grow into a high-pressure system, driving temperatures up and moisture levels down. Fire weather concerns will remain elevated through the rest of week as an abnormally warm and dry airmass moves into the area.

Walker Creek Fire: Dozer lines are being constructed on the southeast section, while hand crew efforts are working from the north to tie in to the southwest toe of the fire, thus strengthening lines around the new expansion.

Spur Fire Yesterday, helicopters used buckets to suppress fire growth near Bonaparte Lake. Crews are continuing to focus on structure protection near Bonaparte Lake. As opportunities permit, firefighters will use burn out operations to remove fuels near properties threatened by the fire. Indirect line is being built off of USFS 050 road to the north edge of Bonaparte Lake, thereby tying into 100 road, to reestablish line on the southern edge. All resources are focused on structure protection for this area.

Chickadee Fire: Hand crews are cutting in line on the southern edge of the fire, while D8 dozers are constructing line to the east. Engine crews are patrolling these perimeters to keep the fire advancing to the south.

EVACUATIONS: Level 3 evacuations remain in effect for the Spur and Walker Creek Fire areas.

ROAD CLOSURES: We appreciate all the support from the local communities and remind you that firefighter and public safety is our number one priority. Visitors to the Forest may see road closures that are in place to protect the public from firefighting operations.. Please respect closures and barricades! Know BEFORE you Go!

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR): There is a TFR in place for air space over Fire Areas. Remember that temporary flight restrictions also apply to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones. If you Fly, We Can’t! Cooperating Agencies: Okanogan Emergency Management Division, Washington Department of Natural Resources, USDA Forest Service.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Walker Creek Fire Update 8/8/2021
Walker Creek Fire Wildfire
News – 2 hrs. ago
Walker Creek Fire – Change in Team

News Release - August 8th, 2021

Tonasket, WA:

Paul Rosse’s Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team 6 will assume command of the Walker Creek Fire, Spur Fire, and Chickadee fire (Loomis Area) on August 8th (Sunday) at 6:00am. Fire Information for Walker Creek Fire, Spur Fire, and Chickadee Fire can be reached at: 509-557-7257.

Increasing moisture and some rainfall on the Walker Creek Fire minimized fire behavior, allowing crews to strengthen and finish line around the new expansion. Crews on the southern end of the fire worked on hose lays to the fire edge as well as spots to extinguish them when found. Contingency lines on the southeast side of the fire were strengthened.

Night crews will continue to monitor the fire for potential spot fires and work on bolstering lines and containment, where available.

Walker Creek Fire updates will continue to be posted on Northeast Fire Information Facebook Page (Northeast Washington Fire Information) as well as Inciweb (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7774/).

Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 1 would like to thank the community of Wauconda and residents around Bonaparte Lake as well as all of the cooperators on working to contain this fire.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Walker Creek Fire Update 8/7/2021
Walker Creek Fire Wildfire
News – 11 hrs. ago
News Release - August 7th, 2021

Tonasket, WA: The Walker Creek Fire started on August 3rd at approximately 3:22pm. It is located approximately 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake.


Yesterday, crews continued to construct dozer lines around new spot fires that have been occurring. Afternoon fire behavior has led to single to group torching of trees, which produces fire brands that travel in the wind and create new spot fires. A spot fire on the northern end of the fire had mile run towards the USFS 020 road. Aerial support working with ground crews and dozers worked to contain the new growth of the fire. Several spots were reported to the west of the fire, towards Walker Creek.


Winds are predicted to increase into the afternoon, with southwest winds 3 to 7 mph increasing to 6 to 10 mph with gusts up to 20 mph in the afternoon. Fire behavior has been increasing into the afternoon with torching and spotting. Although the Walker Creek fire can impact any areas surrounding the fire, spot fires and new fire growth (runs) are more likely to occur to the northeast of the fire, potentially burning into the Bunch Road area.


Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team 6 will be shadowing the NEIIMT Type 3 Team and will assume command of the Walker Creek Fire, Spur Fire (Bonaparte and Lost Lake Area), Chickadee Fire (Cecile Road, Loomis Area), after the team becomes established.
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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NFIC fire perimeter... August 8th early morning 2am...
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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NFIC Fire perimeter map aug 6th evening...
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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News Release - August 6th, 2021
Tonasket, WA:

The Walker Creek Fire started on August 3rd at approximately 3:22pm. It is located approximately 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake.
Yesterday, crews continued to strengthen dozer lines and made direct line where possible. The fire spotted over the fire line on the northern section of the fire. Aerial support through retardant drops and helicopter bucket water drops were utilized to contain the spot, allowing crews to work on constructing a new dozer line and hand line where necessary. A spot fire also occurred on the southern section of the fire with crews and a dozer working on containing that section of the fire with a new line.

The Spur fire has burned across USFS 0100 and it backing towards Bonaparte Lake, despite several retardant drops along the fire line. Rapid spread and spotting from Spur Fire into this morning has caused a spot fire over the Bonaparte Lake Road. Spur fire has burned to the southeast corner area of Lost Lake.

Crews from Walker Creek Fire are helping with structure protection. Due to potential spotting and spread potential of the fire and minimal staffing availability, level 3 evacuations will remain in place for both the Spur and Walker Creek Fires.
Northern Rockies Type 2 Incident Management Team 6 will be in-briefing with the team at 8:00pm today and will assume command of the Walker Creek Fire, Spur Fire (Bonaparte and Lost Lake Area), Chickadee Fire (Cecile Road, Loomis Area), Muckamuck Fire (Conconully Area) after the team becomes established.
Information for Spur Mountain Fire: Tonasket Ranger District 509-486-2186
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Re: Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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WAUCONDA, Wash. - Level 3 evacuations are in place for residents west of Bonaparte Lake Rd, from Squattersville Rd north, including Lost Lake area, according to an emergency message from Okanogan County Emergency Management.

Evacuations are due to the 50-acre Spur Mountain Fire burning in the area.

*** Update *** 1400 acres!
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Re: Walker Creek/Lake Bonaparte Fires

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August 6th VIIRS morning map of Spur Mtn fire... Near Lake Bonaparte
fire288.jpg

08/05/2021 02:02 COF-2335
P6 (0621) EK2S
KTQ - 221 SPUR Wildfire 1400 OKANOGAN COUNTY - SPUR MOUNTAIN 38N R30E Sec 6 48 48.912, -119 4.722 . BC 92 C 93 A E 691 . RESOURCES ON SCENE
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Re: Walker Creek Fire

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Walkker Creek Fire... August 5th PDF file update...

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/photos/WANES/2 ... 1751-0.pdf


*** Update ***

Well here’s the update: New fire, on Spur mountain. we watched all day as it burned down the ridge. It’s following 100 rd. We were evacuated due to risk of spot fires. It’s hot and heavy with years of fuel built up. There was heavy air support until dark. No ground crews yet, very dangerous terrain and the firefighters are stretched so thin. We will continue to provide updates. At the rate this was moving, we are hoping it goes by us. we are taking it day by day and contacting people with reservations up to 2 days ahead. Praying for everyone’s safety.
fire289.jpg
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Walker Creek/Spur Mtn Fires (Lake Bonaparte area)

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Walker Creek Fire... Near Lake Bonaparte...

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7774/

The Walker Creek Fire started on August 3rd at approximately 3:22pm. It is located approximately 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake.

The fire is located primarily in heavy, multistoried timber with observed fire behavior of single to group torching of trees with spotting.

Yesterday with increasing fire behavior, the fire spotting to the southeast in rugged, rocky terrain. Crews constructed a contingency dozer line to contain the spots within the area. Due to the fuels in the area, burnout operations were determined to not be beneficial in containing the fires edge.

Last night, crews patrolled the fires edge, watching for spots. Although fire activity minimized overnight, spots continued to be produced and slowly grow in the southeast section of the fire.

Regionally, the area has experienced severe thunderstorms that have come through the area between August 3rd to 4th. NEWICC dispatch has logged over 70 reported fires, with 46 confirmed new starts and 27 smoke checks left to conduct. This does not include surrounding dispatch areas (Mt. Tolman – Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation; CWICC – SE Washington Dispatch).

Northeast Interagency Incident Management Type 3 Team 1 assumed command of the fire at 10:45am on August 3rd, 2021.
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