Area Fires Cause Evacuations, Structures Lost

Multiple fires have ignited in both Stevens and Ferry counties since July 16, bringing multiple agencies together in an effort to suppress them. Bradeen Hill Fire The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reported that the Bradeen Hill Fire, located at the 3200 block of Bradeen Road in Gifford, has reached 3,548 acres by Monday, July 27, with 0% containment.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation. According to NIFC officials, the fire spread rapidly after ignition on Saturday, July 25, and was driven by red flag conditions that brought strong winds and critically dry grass, brush, and timber. As the fire grew, the Northern Rockies Complex Incident Management Team 3, which is also managing the Modrite Fire, deployed resources to assist the Washington Department of Natural Resources and local firefighting agencies.

The team assumed command of the Bradeen Hill Fire on Sunday, July 26. Level 3 – also known as “Leave Now” – evacuations were issued for the Gifford area, and Addy-Gifford Road is closed. Level 3 was expanded on Monday to the west to include Spirit Ridge Way, south along Addy Gifford to Records Way, and east to include the Old Baldy area and road. A Red Cross Shelter is set up at Jenkins High School in Chewelah. A map of evacuations can be found at stevenscountywa.gov.

The Bradeen Fire started approximately one-and-a-half miles east of Gifford and rapidly grew to around 500 acres, according to NIFC officials. Overnight, it increased to over 2,500. Heavy aircraft were utilized on Saturday, including large air tankers that dropped retardant, as well as multiple single- and multi-engine air tankers and helicopters dropping water to slow the fire’s spread. Officials said over 100 firefighters and management personnel deployed from the Modrite Fire to the Bradeen Hill Fire.

An anchor point was established off of Addy-Gifford Road, with a dozer line constructed around structures in that area. Overnight, an additional dozer line was constructed from the point of origin up the west flank towards Breckenridge Road. Firefighters began implementing structure protection measures along Beck, Breckenridge, and Bradeen roads, NIFC re- ported. Ahead of the fire, an engine and water tender conducted structure assessments off Daisy Mine Road and Waterloo Road.

Fire managers met on Sunday to develop a plan to suppress the fire, with firefighters continuing to heavily engage and more resources incoming. State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Ser- vices Resource Mobilization Plan at the request of Stevens County Fire Chief Tim Barrett. NIFC officials shared that a Red Cross Shelter has been opened at the Jenkins High School in Chewelah; large animals can be taken to the Arden Rodeo grounds but must be cared for by their own- er. A community meeting was held at the Addy Fire Station Tuesday, July 28; details were not available at press time.

Daisy Mine Fire NIFC reported the Daisy Mine Fire on the 2900 block of WA-25 in Rice on Sunday, July 26, at 8.7 acres; no containment in- formation was available. According to officials, “lots of aircraft” were utilized, and crews remained on scene into the evening to secure the fire’s edge.

Kaiser Canyon Fire NIFC officials said red flag conditions generated strong winds, causing Kaiser Canyon Fire in Nespelem to move northward and grow to 124,251 acres this week, necessitating Level 3 evacuations along the Highway 21 corridor. Despite challenging wind conditions, aerial operations successfully provided support throughout Sunday, July 26.

Officials said the fire is 15% contained. Structure and values at risk continue to be the main focus for firefighters, officials said. Night re- sources are in place to continue planned operations in areas they have assessed, and initial attack resources are ready to respond to any new fire starts. NIFC reported that addition- al control lines are being assessed should the fire move beyond existing containment lines. Operations continue a direct attack approach where possible and indirect when terrain and conditions are hazardous.

Modrite Fire A cold front brought winds up to 38 mph which hit the ridge south of Coyote Creek on the Modrite Fire, approximately 17 miles southwest of Inchelium, on Saturday, July 25. The fire is sitting at 9,307.8 acres and is 63% contained, according to NIFC offi- cials. Fire behavior was moderated by the north aspect of the slope, and the fire did not spot across Coyote Creek. Firing operations on the upper northeast corner of the fire took place on Sunday, July 26, causing additional smoke to be visible. The area to be burned is surrounded by a dozer line and road, and secondary lines to the north are also in place, officials said.

The firing will be done by hand as well as a drone with a plastic incendiary sphere dispenser. The pace of the burnout will be measured and supported by a tanked heavy helicopter and a Chinook with a bucket ready to provide water as needed. This firing operation is a critical component in securing the north perimeter, NIFC officials said. Crews will continue to hold, patrol, and mop up on the east, south, and west sides of the fire, as well as on the Wilmont Fire. A structure protection plan is in place for the Kewa area. NIFC reported that resources are available for initial attack in the area if needed. Aerial assets remain available to assist firefighters with water bucket drops, dipping, and scooping water out of the Columbia River.