Green Ridge Fire more than 60% contained

UMATILLA NATIONAL FOREST—The Green Ridge Fire was over 60% contained, according to a September 28 update provided by Umatilla National Forest officials.

Fire behavior has been minimal, with just a few interior smokes observed near Godman Guard Station, and other areas within the Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness. Firefighters still on the fire continue to patrol containment lines on the north, west and eastern edges of the fire. Suppression repair, including constructing water bars to help reduce erosion potential and mastication to improve roadways used for containment lines, are ongoing based on identified needs.

The southern edge of the fire is burning in rugged terrain that is difficult to access, or is inaccessible. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire activity within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness, and will engage if the fire moves to an accessible area. Pockets of unburned fuel may create smoke as the fire continues to smolder within the footprint.

Evacuation levels have been lifted in Asotin and Garfield counties. Level-1 evacuations (be ready) remain in place in Columbia county. An interactive fire map that shows evacuations and other important information is available at https://arcg.is/18OyuG.

Umatilla National Forest officials reopened most National Forest lands within the Lick Creek Fire footprint on Sept. 9, 2021. Additionally, access was reopened into portions of the Tucannon River drainage. The modified closure can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/alerts-notices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.