Local News

Firefighters Respond to Small BLM Fire Near Canadian Border


Apr 20, 2015

Firefighters are working to contain a two acre fire on the United States-Canadian Border north of Chopaka Mountain.  The fire, referred to as Action 64, is under unified command between United States and Canadian Governments.  It is on lands managed by the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management.

Action 64 resulted from a prescribed burn, initiated by British Columbia Ministry of Forests, which moved beyond containment lines.

Resources assigned to the fire include two engines and firefighters from the Tonasket Ranger District.  Entiat Hotshots are en-route.

“This may be an indicator of an early fire season,” said Tonasket District Ranger Matt Reidy.  “Fuels, like grasses, and dead vegetation, are already receptive to carrying fire.”

Predictive services provides monthly fire outlook reports at www.predictiveservices.nifc.gov/outlooks.  April’s report indicates that there is above normal fire potential across the north central United States

“No fire organization can guarantee that all risk is removed from prescribed fires, but the overall record of federal agencies, both in the US and in Canada, is excellent,” said Reidy. 

In the US, less than one percent of prescribed fires become wildfires.

To report a fire, please call 911.  For more information, please contact the Tonasket Ranger District at 509-486-2186.


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