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.

This will be the final update for the Swawilla I and Bridge Creek fires. The Southern Area Blue Complex Incident Management Team will be transferring management of the fires to a Type 3 organization at 0600 tomorrow, August 8th. Any fire updates moving forward will be posted to the Colville Tribal Broadcasts, News and Information and the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook pages. 

Swawilla I Fire

Firefighters will continue to identify and suppress smoking areas and residual pockets of heat, focusing on mopping up 100’ inside of containment lines. Suppression repair resources are rehabilitating control lines by installing water bars and spreading slash to control erosion. Crews will continue removing hose, pumps and other equipment from the fire area so it can be refurbished and utilized on other fires in the region. Firefighters are available to assist local resources with initial attack if needed. 

Bridge Creek Fire

The fire is 100 percent contained and suppression repair is complete. 

Fire Weather 

Temperatures will reach the mid-80s today, with similar highs through the rest of the week. Relative humidity will bottom out around 17% today with lows between 20 – 24% through Friday.                                                                                          

Safety Message

Due to the high temps and low relative humidity, unburned fuels in the interior of the fire will continue to ignite, resulting in visible smoke throughout the fire area. The persistent smoke may be unhealthy for sensitive groups, especially in and around Keller. Visit airnow.gov for 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. Firefighting traffic and slow-moving equipment along roads and the potential for poor visibility due to lingering smoke could pose potential hazards to motorists. 

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/