10/10 Tiger Creek Fire update
By Terry Murry on Thursday, October 10th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
(News release from Umatilla National Forest) – Current Situation: The Tiger Creek Fire is currently 571 acres, and is 19 percent contained with 493 firefighting resources assigned. Crews continue to work toward full suppression of the fire.
A community meeting was hosted last night at 6:30 p.m. at Walla Walla Fire District 4 Station 5. We would like to thank everyone in the community who attended in person and virtually for their kind words, engaging questions, and unwavering support.
Crews continued mop up 75 feet in on the south end off the 65 road near Tiger Creek. A hose lay was installed along the eastern side of the main fire moving north toward the Indian Ridge Trail. On the western side of the main fire crews continued to strengthen and improve established containment lines. Along the spot fire crews were able to improve and install direct handline from the north end down into Low Creek and will be working towards connecting the hose lay and wrapping the spot fire with it today.
An unmanned aviation system (UAS), otherwise known as a drone, will continue to fly over the area to assist in finding spot fires so they can be quickly addressed.
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: A cold front moves in today, which will bring clouds, higher wind speeds, and a rise in humidity. These conditions will limit fire activity and growth. Today’s weather will be cloudy with highs in the mid 60s to mid 70s and afternoon humidity will reach 45-55%. The winds on the ridge line will be West-Northwest at 10-15 mph with gusts around 20-25 mph later in the day. Tomorrow will be mostly cloudy with some sun in the afternoon but temperatures around 40-50 degrees.
