Evacuations extended with Columbia Complex Fire

About 27 summer cabins were evacuated Wednesday morning in the vicinity of Stentz Spring / Forest Rd. 40 as the Columbia Complex Fire spread eastward toward the area, according to the InciWeb site (http://www.inciweb.org/incident/443/).

Wednesday evening the Umatilla National Forest announced that all lands, roads, and trails north of the Washington state border in the Umatilla National Forest are closed to public entry.

The Columbia Complex had reached just less than 82,000 acres in size and is 25 percent contained as of Friday. Heavy fuels, steep terrain, and extreme fire behavior were some of the obstacles overcome by the Type 1 Hotshot fire fighters and helicopters while accomplishing several burnout operations in the Eckler Mountain and Maloney Mountain areas. These critical resources held the fire away from additional structures and resources on Thursday. Fire officials were evaluating allowing evacuated individuals back into residences today after burnout activity reduces unburned fuels and minimizes the danger of unexpected fire activity.

Primary objectives are public and fire fighter safety. Personnel are also working to prevent damage to, or loss of, structures and to protect and minimize loss or damage to natural resources. Preference is being given to the use of water or foam as a suppressant to avoid use of retardant in drainage areas or near lakes and streams.

The lightning caused fire started about 11 p.m. Aug. 21 near Dayton, WA. According to the Dayton Chamber of Commerce web site, one residence and six cabins have burned.

Cooperators include: Columbia and Walla Walla County Fire Districts and Sheriff Departments, State Emergency Operations Center, Washington State Fire Marshall office, County Emergency Management, Washington State Patrol, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Umatilla Indian Nation and fire fighters from Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

Editor's Note: See the Letter to the Editor by Lori Wright concerning how local people can help fire fighters on the blaze. Letter...