INCHELIUM, Wash. — Firefighters battling the Modrite Fire are making progress protecting the community of Inchelium as weather conditions improve, according to incident officials.
The fire has consumed 51,836 acres with 35% containment as of Tuesday, August 4. A crew of 681 personnel continues firefighting operations on the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation. The fire ignited July 17 from a lightning strike.
Utility crews have restored power to the Town of Inchelium. Firefighters are installing a pressurized sprinkler system in the Twin Lakes area for structure protection.
Firefighters are securing firelines around structures and the community of Inchelium, as well as along the Inchelium-Gifford Ferry Road.
Heavy equipment operators are constructing dozer line from the Coyote Creek area to Falls Creek Road. Two Hotshot crews are scouting line construction opportunities from Cougar Creek north. Helicopters conducted bucket drops to reduce fire intensity on the western edge.
Ferry County residents should sign up for the Everbridge Mass Notification System through the Ferry County webpage for evacuation updates. Residents in Level 3 evacuation areas must obey all road closures. Unauthorized drone activity can prevent firefighting aircraft from operating.
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