Tiger Creek Fire update for Oct. 7
By Dan Thesman on Monday, October 7th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Umatilla National Forest released the following update today (Monday) on the Tiger Creek Fire:
Current Situation: The Tiger Creek Fire is currently 611 acres, seven percent contained with 341 firefighting resources assigned. Poor overnight relative humidity recoveries in the mid-elevations continue to plague firefighting efforts exacerbated by lower-than-normal relative humidity during the day. Aviation assets located a 50 x 50-foot spot fire east of the 65 road and were able to immediately drop water on it allowing crews the opportunity to contain it. On the fire’s northern flank work will continue to build and improve handlines, working to tie-in the line around the northeast flank of the fire below Low Ridge. Closer to the 65 Road on the fire’s eastern flank, hotshot crews continue to cut line around the spot fire, now estimated at 120 acres burning within the Low Creek drainage. Crews have successfully placed hose-lays into the lower portion of Tiger Creek as the fire slowly backs down toward the municipal water system.
The lack of fire history within the area has resulted in a large component of dead surface fuels in the understory. Fuels and terrain are extreme in some locations and pose significant challenges for holding actions. Due to fuels, winds, steep slopes, and lack of natural control features within the area, the potential for fire growth is moderate. Fuel types within the area are burning readily during daytime burn periods when conditions align.
Aviation resources are available and will aid in slowing the fire’s spread with four Type-1 aircraft, one Type-2 aircraft and one Type-3 aircraft assigned to the incident.
Closures and Restrictions: Access through Forest Service Road (FSR) 65 up through FSR 64 to the junction with Indian Camp is closed. Government Mountain Road/FSR 6511 is closed from North Fork Walla Walla trailhead to the junction with FSR 65 at Tiger Saddle. Government Mountain Rd/FSR 6511 is open from the west to North Fork Walla Walla trailhead. The current fire danger rating is MODERATE and public use restrictions phase A for Umatilla National Forest are in effect. For more information regarding restrictions, please contact Umatilla National Forest Toll-free Information Hotline: 1.877.958.9663.
Weather: Sunny with highs in the mid-60s to lower 70s and afternoon humidity around 20-30%. Light upslope winds will develop in terrain around 1000 with ridgetop winds from the south-southwest 3-7 mph with gusts around 10 mph. Clear tonight. Lows in the lower 40s to lower 50s in the thermal belt (4500-5000 feet elevation). Excellent humidity recovery at lower elevations with poor recovery in the thermal belt. Light winds from the south along ridgetops. Winds in terrain will be light and downslope. Broad, weak high pressure lingering over the Pacific Northwest today will shift east by tomorrow. Skies remain clear into Tuesday followed by a gradual increase in clouds Tuesday afternoon and evening.
Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good and remains steady, some residents along Mill Creek may experience smoke as the fire continues to burn. Check out https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/?m=1 for more information.
Tiger Creek Fire map for Oct. 6, 2024
