Saturday, August 18, 2012

In the news, Saturday, August 18, 2012


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FRI 17      INDEX      SUN 19
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from NCWTV.com:

Buffalo Lake Road Fire grows to 11,091 acres; 82% containment

[note: this should say "Coulee Dam," not "Coulee City."]

(Coulee City, WA) Most of the Buffalo Lake Road Fire was quiet yesterday, giving firefighters the opportunity to continue improving containment lines and mopping up throughout its perimeter. In the southeast section, near Swawilla Basin, even with more fire activity, the rocky terrain made it difficult to thoroughly burn out the sparse fuels. Despite these challenges, crews located and built a new containment line that is closer to the body of the fire. This strategy will hasten successful containment.

Utility crews were able to access and repair burned powerlines enabling restoration of electricity to Mt. Tolman and the town of Keller.

All roads in the area including Peter Dan Road, Buffalo Lake Road and Hwy 155 are open. Drivers should use caution, watching for fire personnel and any rolling rocks or debris that has been loosened when the supporting plants and logs burned away.

Today’s weather is expected to exceed 100�F, with relative humidity of 11%. Although winds should generally be light, there’s a chance of dry lightning storms tonight. Crews are alert to the possibility of erratic winds as weather changes. Fire managers have created contingency plans for providing “initial attack” forces if needed in the area.

The current size of the wildfire is approximately 11,091 acres with 82% containment.

Coordination is occurring between the Colville Confederated Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Department of Natural Resources, US Bureau of Reclamation, Okanogan Fire District 2, Elmer City Fire Department, Coulee Dam Fire Department, Grant County Fire Department, National Park Service and Okanogan County.


helicopter

(Cle Elum, WA) A spot fire has occurred in the area of Division “B”, the Hidden Valley area near the power lines. The fire has grown to approximately 10 acres. Five helicopters and ground crews are workingto contain the fire. Two structure protection strikes teams are in route. Retardant thas been ordered and should arrive within an hour.






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from SRae Maes (editor of the Coulee City News and Standard):

The Buffalo Lake Road Fire started at 2030 on Tuesday, August 14, 2012 and grew quickly due to high winds burning approximately 7,800 acres by the evening of August 15.
This fire is located approximately 5 miles north of Coulee Dam, WA. It is highly visible on the hillsides above the Grand Coulee Dam Visitor's center.

Initial suppression efforts included building dozer lines and providing structure protection. The Firefighters dealt with wind-driven fire fueled by grass, sage, and bitter brush. Nine homes were threatened and 3 evacuated. One outbuilding (a barn) burned. One additional barn burned the evening of August 15 when active fire behavior occurred near Elmer City (pop. 239) and Coulee Dam (pop. 1107). The entire area has returned to Evacuation Level 1, which encourages awareness of the situation.
The fire is currently 82% contained.
Coordination is occurring between the Colville Confederated Tribes, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Washington Department of Natural Resources, US Bureau of Reclamation, and Local Fire Districts.
Peter Dan Road and Buffalo Lake Road have now re-opened. Highway 155 is open, with reduced speed limits. Travellers are encouraged to drive cautiously and obey posted speed limits because of fire traffic and personnel in the area.

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Downtown buildings change hands
Tom Sowa      The Spokesman-Review

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Drought exposing dangerous sandbars
Jim Salter      Associated Press

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New behavioral health center for veterans dedicated
Mike Prager      The Spokesman-Review

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This date in history

1920: The 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which guaranteed the right of all American women to vote, was ratified.

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Hanford probes possible leak
Mcclatchy-Tribune

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opinion:

Brown knew right formula
Froma Harrop

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Beta blockers important for heart health
Anthony L. Komaroff      Universal Uclick

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