Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

Green Ridge Fire over 41,000 acres

DAYTON—The Green Ridge Fire, burning just thirty miles east of Walla Walla in the Blue Mountains, tipped over 41,000 acres of burned land during the weekend. Firefighting efforts have secured 40% containment as of Tuesday, September 7.

On Monday, firefighters continued to knock down flare-ups that have popped up with assistance from helicopter water drops. Firefighters continue to patrol established fire lines and conduct mop-up operations, and will continue to monitor hotspots as the fire enters its third month of activity.

On Tuesday, firefighters continued to extinguish flare ups, using air support and helicopter buckets. The fire area is being closely monitored for hot spots, or areas of fire activity. Fire line patrols and ongoing mop-up operations are being implemented, as well.

Air quality index on Tuesday was 37 (good), according to Washington Smoke Information. The AQI is expected to move to moderate conditions. Further information regarding air quality may be found by visiting https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/.

Fire officials would like to remind area residents to stay clear of firefighting operations and drive safely! The public should watch out for fire crews and equipment while traveling on forest roads. Some roads remain closed with barriers. Barriers are in place to protect firefighters and the public, so please respect the closed areas.

Stay clear of fire-blackened areas for the many unseen hazards that exist, including live green, fire-weakened, trees which may fall without warning, and scalding hot stump holes.

Forest visitors should maintain situational awareness of your surroundings when traveling and hiking in fire-damaged forests.

Know before you go! Before going hunting, hiking or camping, be sure to check the forest, grassland or ranger district for fire restrictions or area closures. For a checklist of fire-safe actions when enjoying the outdoors, visit the USDA Forest Service by visiting https://tinyurl.com/4smd5k2h.

Level-1 evacuations (be ready, stay aware) remain in place in Garfield, Columbia and Asotin counties. For more information on evacuations, please visit your local county government webpages for full information.

The Green Ridge Fire is currently being operated by the Southern Area Incident Management Gray Team.

Information Office: (509) 542-7964

Email: 2021.GreenRidge@firenet.gov

Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7628/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenridgefire2021

 

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