Kerri Sandaine
Lewiston Tribune, Idaho
(TNS)
Jul. 25—ASOTIN — Ten days after a wildland fire ignited in southern Asotin County, flames have consumed at least 13,511 acres and continue to spread in the Blue Mountains.
As of Wednesday night, the Cougar Creek Fire was 26% contained, and evacuations remain in place in parts of Asotin, Garfield and Wallowa counties.
The National Interagency Fire Center battling the blaze is dealing with some significant weather changes, including thunderstorms and lightning strikes, shifting winds and erratic fire behavior, officials said.
Red flag warnings were issued Wednesday, and a remote automatic weather station was installed near the Wenatchee Guard Station to receive more specific data for firefighters. Residents are encouraged to pay attention to weather alerts and changing conditions, according to the latest news release from the incident management team. Cooler temperatures are expected today.
Fire crews have been focusing on the Grouse Flats area and roads near the boundary between public land and private properties. Firefighters are building containment lines and working to protect threatened structures and values at risk, officials said.
Multiple fire-related closures are in effect for the forest, including the south side of the Tucannon River starting at Panjab Campground and extending upstream to its headwaters, and from the Clearwater Big House extending along the north fork of Asotin Creek and south to the forest boundary. The entire Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness Area is closed to the public.
The forest was previously closed from Wickiup Campground southwest to the forest boundary.
The Asotin County Fairgrounds evacuation shelter has been demobilized due to no occupancy, but can be set up again if needed, said Nick Bacon, emergency management director. People affected by the fire who are in need of an evacuation shelter can call (509) 758-2331 to reactivate it.
Evacuation maps and more information on closures can be found online at inciweb.wildfire.gov.
Sandaine can be reached at kerris@lmtribune.com.
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