Single Publication

Update for Swawilla I and Bridge Creek Fires

• EVACUATION LEVELS: The town of Keller, the Highway 21 corridor, Mt. Tolman, Buffalo Lake and McGinnis Lake are now in Level 2 evacuation. 

• ROADS: All roads in evacuation level 2 areas are open, including Hwy 21, Peter Dan/Manilla and Cache Creek.

• The Keller Ferry is open and fully operational.

The Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team assumed command of both fires at 6:00 this morning. The Blue Team would like to thank the Northern Rockies Team 6 for a smooth transition and the Colville Tribes for a warm welcome. 

Swawilla I Fire

Firefighters will focus on improving containment lines and extinguishing hot spots on the northern section of the fire. A structure protection group will continue patrolling the fire line near Keller. Crews will continue extinguishing heat along control lines, mopping up around homes, and monitoring the fire perimeter on the entirety of the Swawilla I Fire. 

Bridge Creek Fire

The fire is 100 percent contained. Suppression repair, including seeding and erosion control, will continue over the next few days. Once suppression repair is complete, Bridge Creek Fire suppression repair resources will be reassigned to the Swawilla I Fire. 

Fire Weather 

Hot and dry weather is expected to persist through Tuesday. The remainder of the week will see temperatures top out in the mid-80s and relative humidity ranging from 20 to 25 percent.                                                                                              

Safety Message

Due to the unstable weather system moving through the area, smoke should lift into the atmosphere relatively quickly. However, remaining pockets of unburned fuels in the interior of the fire will continue to ignite resulting in continued smoke in the area over the next several days. The persistent smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups. Visit airnow.govfor air quality in your area and take precautions for protecting your health. 

Please slow down when driving all roads leading to and from the fires. There is a considerable amount of firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and the potential for poor visibility due to lingering smoke. 

No drones are allowed within our Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR).   Remember, if you fly, we can’t! 

Additional Information and Maps at https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/ 

Keller Ferry 

https://www.facebook.com/CCTENV, https://www.facebook.com/CCTBroadcasts 

Airnow.gov 

https://www.facebook.com/newfireinfo/