“Douglas County Complex Fire Update July 12, 2015 11 AM
Information Officer Jeff Sevigney:
NEWS FROM THE FIRELINE: The Douglas County Complex fires started Friday July 10, 2015 at approximately 6:00 PM, east of Waterville, WA. The five lightening sparked fires have now merged into two large fires. One fire is burning approximately 17 miles northeast of Waterville near Jamieson Lake. The other fire is burning approximately 10 miles southeast of Waterville.
The fire burning to the southeast is the highest priority for fire managers today. Multiple aircraft are over the complex today in support of ground operations. Approximately 300 structures, affecting approximately 100 people have been advised of a Level 3 evacuation order near the Rimrock and Palisades communities. Evacuation orders are being managed by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. A type 2 incident management team has been ordered.
There have been no reports of structures lost or injuries at this time. Red Cross has established a shelter for affected residents at Ephrata High School.
CONTAINMENT: 10%
SIZE: Approximately 20,000 acres
LOCATION: 17 miles northeast of Waterville, WA and 10 miles southeast of Waterville, WA
VEGETATION TYPE AND TERRAIN: Brush, grass and sage.
WEATHER: Temp 84 degrees, 25% humidity with southwest winds 6-8 MPH with gusts to 15 MPH.
PERSONNEL: 300
RESOURCES: Aircraft, engines, dozers, water tenders and hand crews along with a Type 3 incident management team.
AGENCIES & COOPERATORS INVOLVED: Douglas County Fire Districts 1 & 8, Grant County Fire District 13, Washington State Fire Marshalls Office, Bureau of Land Management, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County Emergency Management.”