Size: 24,091 acres Start Date: July 15, 2024 Cause: Under investigation
Location: SW of Clarkston, 1 mile west of Hwy 129 and Grand Ronde River intersection
Containment: 65% Personnel: 276 Fire Strategy: Full suppression
Resources Assigned: 5 crews, 24 engines, 11 water tenders, 3 heavy equipment
The Cougar Creek Fire is burning within a mountainous and remote area on the Umatilla National Forest bordering the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.
Yesterday, firefighters continued to make good progress along the northern edge of the fire (Div G), increasing containment from Wenatchee Spring to the 040 road. A Falling Module working towards the CCC Camp and south towards Saddle Butte removed hazardous trees and snags, ensuring firefighter safety and reducing interruptions to mop-up operations. Crews on the southeastern section of the fire (Div D) continued to patrol in grid patterns to ensure the containment lines hold along the steep portions of Forest Road 40 at the fire’s edge. In the area of Mountain View (southeast section of the fire), wildland crews continued to work on suppression repair within the fire’s interior. The crews focusing along dozer and handlines, suppression repair work included cleanup, removal of structure wrap, and erosion mitigation.
Today, firefighters’ focus will remain on mop-up operations along the western portions of the fire’s edge. Crews will continue to patrol the northern portions of the containment lines. Firefighters along the southern and eastern portions will continue with suppression repair within the fire’s interior. Rainfall fell across the fire perimeter, measuring a quarter inch and greater in places. Smoke will be visible well in the interior of the fire in the Wenatchee drainage (NE of the fire), as fuels continue to consume in this area.
Evacuations and Closures: FOREST ROAD CLOSURES HAVE BEEN REDUCED descriptions and maps are available online on the Umatilla National Forest closure website. Please respect area closure orders and use extra caution while driving for your safety as well as our firefighters. All evacuation orders have been lifted.
Weather and Smoke: High 75/Low 64: A brief break in activity is expected for Friday with dry and stable conditions across the fire. Winds will be primarily below 5 to 7 mph and shifting from the north-northwest to the north around 5PM then decreasing and becoming light (less than 5 mph). A system will move across the area Saturday bringing east winds in the early morning before shifting to the south and Daytime RH will be moderate/good with excellent
overnight recoveries.
Fire Information Line: 509-210-2928, 8 AM to 6 PM
Email: [email protected]
