Southwest Area Incident Management Team released a press release updating the Ford Corkscrew Fire and announced they would be having a virtual public meeting tonight, August 19, 2021.
Current Statistics of Fire:
- Acres: 15,026 acres
- Personnel: 211
- Cause: Under investigation
- Containment: 14%
- Start Date: Sunday, August 15, 2021
- Location: Ford, WA
- Fuels: Timber (grass and understory); brush (2 feet)
Announcement
A virtual public meeting for the Ford Corkscrew Fire will be held tonight, August 19, 2021, via Facebook at 7pm. To join, please visit the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page at: FB.me/newfireinfo
Overview
Yesterday, the Southwest Area Incident Management Team 5 assumed command of the Ford Corkscrew Fire and immediately went to work to build on the success of the local initial attack team. Ground and aerial operations, including hand crews, engines, heavy equipment, helicopters, and air tankers, continued to support firefighting operations, successfully increasing containment on the west side of the perimeter. Residents and visitors should continue to expect increased fire traffic around the Lakeside Middle School in Nine Mile Falls as more crews arrive to support the fire fighting efforts.
Fire Update
The Ford Corkscrew Fire showed active fire behavior yesterday with torching, spotting, and uphill pushes throughout the fire area. Crews successfully put out several spot fires on the southern edge yesterday and will continue structural protection efforts and construct direct and indirect lines where safe to do so.
Today, crews will continue the extensive work being done across the fire area to protect surrounding communities, including Williams Valley, infrastructure, and the perimeter as a whole. Residents are encouraged to contact Stevens County Emergency Management for more information on structure status assessments and follow updates on the Northeast Washington Fire Information Facebook page and Ford Corkscrew Fire Inciweb page at Inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803. Additionally, crews will continue monitoring fire behavior, conducting mop-up operations, and patrolling/securing the fire perimeter today and throughout the night.
Weather
Today’s weather will be hotter and drier than yesterday, which will support an increase in fire behavior. A return of southwest winds with lower relative humidity values and higher temperatures are expected today. These conditions are expected to be followed by two days of moderated fire weather before a stronger wind event and a chance for showers or thunderstorms by the weekend.
Closures/Restrictions
The following roads are closed: SR 231 between milepost 50, from the Ford-Wellpinit Road to Hidden Road, milepost 60 northwest of Spokane; Rail Canyon Road; McAlister Road, and Scott’s Valley Road (at the intersection with Burroughs). Additionally, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in effect around the fire area. Residents and visitors are also encouraged to maintain a safe distance from working aircraft conducting water filling operations on local waterways and lakes, including Loon and Long lakes.
Ways you can help
They greatly appreciate the support and generosity of the community! Our team’s focus is on the mission of fire suppression while keeping firefighter and public safety our number one priority. Our wildland fire crews and staff at Incident Command are well equipped and cared for. While they will not accept donations, residents are encouraged to support firefighter efforts and the local community in other ways, such as posting thank yous or considering financial contributions to a voluntary organization of their choice (i.e., American Red Cross, local fire department, etc.).
If you fly, they can’t
Flying recreational drones(remote controlled aircraft) over or near wildfires could cause injury or death to firefighters and hamper the effectiveness of wildfire suppression operations. For example, suppose recreational drones are detected over or near a wildfire. In that case, aerial firefighting aircraft may be grounded, causing wildfires to grow larger and unduly threaten lives, property, and natural and cultural resources. In addition, individuals who interfere with wildfire suppression efforts may be subject to civil penalties.
More Information
- Ford Corkscrew Fire Daily Updates on Inciweb: Inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7803
- Northwest Washington Fire Information Facebook: FB.me/newfireinfo
- Stevens County Emergency Management Facebook: FB.me/stevenscountyem
- Evacuation Notices and Updates via Hyper-Reach: Secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001
- Structure Information via Stevens County Emergency Management: 509-684-7563
