October 20, 2022
Start Date: October 15 Total Personnel: 122 Heavy Equip: 1 Size: 158 acres Crews: 3 Water Tenders: 2 Containment: 50% Engines: 10 Helicopters: 0
Progress continues on the 8 Road Fire as wet weather approaches
(MINERAL, Wash.) – Firefighters continue to mop up hot spots and strengthen containment features on the 8 Road Fire even as a weather system, forecast to include significant rainfall, is predicted to arrive in the area on Friday. Reported on October 15 at about 4 p.m., the 8 Road Fire has been burning on Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) land in the timber and brush of the Elbe Hills State Forest, about 4 miles east of Eatonville. The cause remains under investigation and persons with any information about the fire are encouraged to contact the incident via phone or email, listed above. Yesterday, fire behavior again became more active as the day progressed, especially along the incident’s eastern edge. Fire managers once again utilized helicopter water drops to cool the fire in the Beaver Creek drainage where steep and rugged terrain prevents firefighters from safely engaging on the ground. Crews mopped up hot spots around the fire, and improved containment lines on the northern and western perimeter to further reinforce defenses against future growth toward populated areas and valuable resources. Hazard tree removal was on-going. Heavier smoke conditions, coming from multiple fires around the region, continued to affect most nearby communities. A slight increase in fire size (from 151 to 158 acres) since Tuesday has resulted from better data in combination with some growth as the fire creeps toward Beaver Creek; the incident remains 50% contained. Today, the weather is forecast to remain warm and dry with light winds. Firefighters will continue to strengthen containment lines, mop up and remove hazard trees. There may be some increase in fire activity in the afternoon, but the fire is not expected to grow significantly beyond its current footprint. Though no helicopters are currently assigned to the fire, aircraft resources are available if needed. Level 1 evacuations (Be Ready) are in effect for approximately 100 properties accessed off of Scott Turner Road in Sections 28, 29, 32 and 33 of Township 16 N, Range 5 E. There are two road closures: At the 501 Gate where Scott Turner Road becomes the 8 Road, and at the 503 Gate at the junction of the 8 Road and the 5 Road. Sign-up for emergency alerts at https://www.piercecountywa.gov/917/Alert-Warning. A sustained shift to fall and winter weather patterns is expected this weekend. Until then, fire danger remains high. Burn restrictions are in effect on DNR lands as well as in local fire districts. For specific information, go to dnr.wa.gov/burn-restrictions or check with your local fire district. Preserve limited firefighting resources by doing what you can to avoid sparking additional fires. Fire managers are also asking for help keeping the public and firefighters safe. Stay clear of the fire area, and exercise caution when driving in the vicinity as firefighters are operating in and around the area. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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