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Cougar Creek Fire Update 07-26-2024
Cougar Creek Fire
Publication Type: News - 07/26/2024 - 09:21
Cougar Creek Fire Update for Friday July 26, 2024
KEY MESSAGES:
Air operations continued on the fire yesterday assisting in securing the perimeter. Incident Officials are working with local communities to provide aerial support including the Bighorn, Gwen and River fires. Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Initial Attack resources remain to assist in suppression of critical fires in the vicinity. Due to the quick response efforts of DNR crews, initial attack of a lightning strike near Anatone was successfully lined and mopped up.
CURRENT STATUS:
In the Wenatchee Creek drainage, fire crews are working to secure and tie in control lines to the contained flank of the fire. This will free up resources to reengage fire suppression operations on the west flank where firefighters continue to build indirect line. After a successful tactical ignition on the east flank of the fire north of the contained Hanson Ridge area, crews are checking for smoke and hotspots and enhancing direct line construction. Grouse Flats remains a priority to protect property on the southwest side of the fire.
FIRE BEHAVIOR AND WEATHER:
Ridgetop winds will be lighter and will switch back to the southeast. A slight warming trend is still in the forecast for the weekend, along with a chance of thunderstorms again for early next week. Fuels will remain exceptionally dry. These conditions will maintain active fire spread. Fire spread will be in the north and west areas of the fire.
EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:
Forest closure descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest Closure page. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff webpage and Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook page. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon to Highway 129 junction in Washington. In Oregon, a level 2 evacuation is in effect for Wallowa County, including all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Rd north to the State boundary and the Garfield County line to Grande Ronde River.
