Single Publication

Stranger Creek II and Six Mile Fires
Release – August 20th, 2024

• Road Closures: Inchelium Highway in front of Inchelium Community Center 
• Evacuations: Level 1 evacuations remains in effect for Twin Lakes Area. For more information on evacuations contact CCT EOC (509) 634-7350. 

The Stranger Creek II Fire was initiated by lightning and is located approximately 7 miles southwest of Inchelium and 1 mile east of Twin Lakes. The perimeter of the fire is 100% dozer lined. Fire crews are working to take advantage of more favorable fire behavior and working conditions to maintain and strengthen existing fire lines with perimeter hoselay and burnout of unburned fuels. A helicopter continues supporting ground crews with bucket drops.

There is a 10% chance of early morning showers and thunderstorms to the east and southeast of the area with wind gusts up to 15 mph. Any thunderstorms nearby will enhance wind gusts and increase smoke and fire behavior with potential spotting outside of the containment lines. 

SAFETY MESSAGE:
Due to firefighters and equipment working along County Hwy 531 (Box Canyon) Law Enforcement Officers are asking travelers to avoid this area. 

The Six Mile Fire was initiated by lightning and is located approximately 26 miles southwest of Inchelium. A spike camp has been set up to allow firefighters with quicker and safer response to and from the fire. This fire is burning within an old burn scar area filled with damaged trees (snags) and down trees. Snags are falling across lines causing slop-overs. This afternoon a low pressure system could bring a 30% chance of isolated thunderstorms to the area, accompanied with erratic wind gusts up to 21 mph. This could increase the chance of spotting and slop-over on the edge of the fire. Crews will continue to strengthen existing control lines while looking for opportunities so go more direct while mitigating snag hazards and evaluating contingency lines.