Cougar Creek fire expands another 500 hectares, still 26% contained | Local

ASOTIN COUNTY – The Cougar Creek fire, located about 23 miles (37 kilometers) southwest of Asotin, just off Highway 129, continues to challenge fire crews because of the rugged terrain and mix of woods, grass and shrubs.

As of Friday morning, the fire had grown to 14,026 acres and is 26% contained, fire officials said. Since Thursday morning, the fire area has grown by about 500 acres.

Firefighters continue to work around the clock, both directly and indirectly. Efforts in the southwest are concentrated in the Grouse Flats area, south of the 4039 road system along the border between Forest Service land and private land. New bulldozers and handlines have been set up. Successful tactical ignition operations were conducted last night near the primitive 050 road near Hansen Ridge to limit the fire’s eastward progression.

Thunderstorms moved across the fire line and surrounding communities Wednesday evening. Crews responded to new starts throughout the night as the area was assessed. Fire behavior remains active.

On Friday, the fire department consisted of 42 engines, 13 hand crews, 7 bulldozers and 2 helicopters, along with 582 personnel. By Thursday, 218,093 gallons of fire retardant had been used to fight the fire.

EVACUATIONS AND CLOSURES:

Forest rangers have expanded the temporary closure area in connection with the Cougar Creek Fire. Descriptions and maps of the closure are available on the Umatilla National Forest Closure page. In Washington, evacuation notices are posted on the Asotin County Sheriff’s Office website and the Asotin County Emergency Management Facebook page. Grande Ronde Road is closed from Troy, Oregon, to the intersection of Highway 129 in Washington. In Oregon, a Level 2 evacuation is in effect for Wallowa County, including all of Grouse Flat from Bear Creek Road north to the state line, and the Garfield County line to Grande Ronde River.

Garfield County in Washington has issued Level 2 evacuation notices, with details available on the Garfield County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. All other evacuation levels in Washington remain unchanged.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency evacuation center at the Asotin County Fairgrounds on the Asotin-Anatone Highway in Asotin, WA. The center is providing essential assistance, including food, cribs and other emergency supplies. Evacuated residents are encouraged to bring essential items such as prescription medications, extra clothing, hygiene products, important documents and comfort items for children and infants, the Red Cross said.

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This story will be updated as more information becomes available.