Tiger Creek Fire update for Oct. 8
By Dan Thesman on Tuesday, October 8th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The Umatilla National Forest released the following update today (Tuesday) on the Tiger Creek Fire:
Current Situation: The Tiger Creek Fire is currently 593 acres, a reduction from yesterday’s total due to crew’s ability to obtain more ground points and get a more accurate read on its size. It is seven percent contained with 487 firefighting resources assigned. Crews continue to work toward full suppression of the fire.
Firefighters have been able to contain the fire to the east of the Tiger Creek riparian area, and secured the northwest flank of the fire where it meets Forest Service Road 65. Hand and dozer lines have been cut on the northern and southern edges of the fire. Some areas to the east near Low Creek and Tiger Creek Lookout continue to spot due to the low humidity conditions and dry, grassy fuels — this behavior is expected to decrease with the change in weather toward the end of the week.
An unmanned aviation system (UAS), otherwise known as a drone, has been brought in to fly over the area to assist in finding spot fires so they can be quickly addressed. Other aviation resources include three type 1 as well as type 2 and 3 aircraft.
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: While low relative humidity will continue early this week, a cold front is predicted for Wednesday, which will bring clouds, higher wind speeds, and a rise in humidity. These conditions will aid efforts to contain the fire. Sunny today with a few clouds late in the day. Highs mid 60s to mid 70s with afternoon humidity 15-25%, driest on the east side. West-southwest winds 5-10 mph with gusts around 15 mph in the afternoon.
Smoke: Walla Walla’s air quality for today is good to moderate, 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. 8, 2024
