STEVENS COUNTY, Wash– According to Stevens County Fire District 1 firefighting crews made substantial progress today establishing strong defensive lines on the western perimeter while continuing to locate and extinguish hot spots within the fire’s boundaries.
There is some very solid line around the western portion of the fire from Hwy 291 up around the head of the fire up past Weaver Way and to the top of that mountain according to Stevens County Fire District 1.
“Hand crews are working to locate hot spots and they ‘stir them’ up so they can get to them better,” incident officials said in a Facebook post. “Hand crews are also working to continue to strengthen those lines around the fire. After that is complete, they can start on containment standards.”
The Suncrest area continues to show positive developments. A large slash pile that had been smoking since the fire’s inception was finally extinguished after crews ripped it apart.
Swenson Road will remain closed for an extended period following an incident today.
“Please respect the road closures. It is for your safety and the safety of firefighters,” officials said.
Highway 291 remains passable for emergency vehicles only, though significant challenges persist. Officials estimate the highway will require several more days before it reopens to general traffic.
Evacuation levels will remain at current status until tomorrow afternoon, when officials expect to announce changes.
Residents can view current evacuation information at this website.
Work continues on the eastern side of the fire extending to Rutter Parkway. Officials noted that while progress is evident, considerable work remains before full containment is achieved.
“It will take a while before everyone is comfortable with these fires,” incident officials said. “There is still a lot of work to be done.”
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