On Thursday, July 29 the California Team 12 that has assumed command of the Lick Creek and Green Ridge fires provided an update on fire growth and containment operations. As of 9:30am on Thursday, the Lick Creek and Green Ridge Fires were estimated at a combined 88,632 acres. All recent acreage growth has come from the Green Ridge Fire, as growth on the Lick Creek Fire has remained stagnant since July 25. Lick Creek Fire
The Lick Creek Fire located approximately 20 miles southwest of Clarkston was last estimated at 80,392 acres and 90% contained. There has been no reported growth on this fire since Sunday, July 25.A Burn Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team began working on the Lick Creek Fire. While many wildfires cause little damage, some fires create situations that require special efforts to prevent further problems after the fire. Loss of vegetation exposes soil to erosion; runoff may increase and cause flooding, sediments may move downstream and damage houses or fill reservoirs and put endangered species and community water supplies at risk. This fire remains at 90% contained. Continued smoke will be visible as unburned pockets of vegetation inside the fire area are consumed. Crews will continue to mop up pockets of heat interior and patrol the perimeter until full containment is achieved.
A total of 70 fire personnel remain assigned to this fire, including two crews, nine engines, five water tenders and one masticator. Green Ridge Fire
The Green Ridge Fire located 30 miles east of Walla Walla was last estimated at 8,240 acres and 15% contained.
The spot fire that has been burning north of the main fire in the Tucannon drainage increased in activity late yesterday. It burned into the main fire and produced a column of smoke that could be seen from a distance. The primary focus is to continue work on direct containment lines along the fire perimeter where trails and roads already exist. At the same time, engines and crews are working on creating contingency containment lines in case the fire escapes beyond the existing direct lines. There is a plan in place to create a third layer of defense with outlying containment points. No effort has been spared to protect the many values at risk in and around the fire area.
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