Single Publication

Update for Swawilla and Bridge Creek Fires 

Evacuation areas have changed. Please see the map for updated evacuation areas. Please contact the Colville Confederated Tribes EOC for evacuation questions – (509)634-7350. 

The Bridge Creek Road is now open.  See chart for remaining closures. 

Dozers and a type 1 hotshot crew worked tirelessly yesterday to build control lines on the northern perimeter in an effort to catch the head of the fire. Primary containment lines are mainly along Jack Creek Rd with secondary dozer lines in the Empire Creek Rd corridor as a contingency plan. Burnout Operations are planned once those containment projects are finished, and weather is favorable. 

Firefighters made strong gains along the western flank of the fire adding to containment efforts.  Active fire behavior is still affecting Mt.Tolman, however, crews continue to put in handlines and use burnout operations to safely secure structures in the area. Strong southerly winds will affect the area later this evening with gust reaching 20 mph. However, moisture will move in and elevate relative humidity into Monday and Tuesday, assisting with firefighting efforts.   

The fire remains ¾ of a mile from Jack Creek residences, and is slowly backing down the north face of the slope into greener, less dry vegetation. A dozer line has been constructed along the west side of Keller, and fire managers plan to keep fire out of the town. Air operations remain active in the northeast portion of the fire near Mt. Tolman and Meadow Creek.  

Buffalo Lake Rd down to Peter Dan Rd is re-opened, and plans to re-open the remainder of Peter Dan and Manilla Rd are underway. Before the road can be safely opened, fire-weakened trees must be removed along the roadway.  

The evacuation center at Roosevelt High school is closing today at noon. An evacuation center will be set up at the Republic Fairgrounds. Contact Tribal Emergency Operation Center for more details: 509-634-7350.  

Bridge Creek Wildfire 

The Bridge Creek Road opened yesterday after firefighters finished removing hazardous roadside trees. The 30 Mile Road remains closed where firefighters are conducting burning operations along the northern border of the fire. Resources continue to be reassigned from Bridge Creek to Swawilla Fire as containment improves. Evacuations have been lifted for residents near Bridge Creek.  

Safety Message 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to or from the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and equipment moving slowly along roads.  

We request that boaters avoid emergency firefighting aircrafts using any waterbody to acquire water to suppress fires.  

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/, https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts