COLTON, WA – The Nisqually John Fire is expected to be 100% contained by the end of today. The fire, which was reported at around 8:30 a.m. on Friday, is located approximately seven miles southwest of Colton. Officials say it has been finalized at 1,221 acres, reflecting mapping efforts by the field crews.
From Northeast Washington Interagency IMT Type 3, Team #2L
Today, wildland crews will continue to work towards containment goals of 100% by the end of today. With moderate temperatures and higher relative humidity, fire behavior will continue to be minimal. Small pockets of unburned fuel within the interior could ignite, leading to observable smoke for short periods of time.
Yesterday, sustained winds 20 to 30 mph, with higher gusts, possibly as high as 40-45 mph, aligning with topography and wind tested the fire line and containment. Wildland firefighting crews worked on rugged terrain to evaluate and strengthen fire line, leading to a containment of 50% by the end of shift.
The state mobilization strike team provided structure protection along Steptoe Canyon Road. With reported minimal fire behavior in late afternoon, the strike team was demobilized from the fire and reassigned to fires occurring in the Yakima Valley.
Wildland crews will demobilize throughout the day, returning to local districts or reassigning to other active fires in the area.
With anticipated containment goals of 100% containment today, the Nisqually John fire will be returned to Whitman County Fire District #14 at the end of today’s shift.
We would like to thank the community of Colton, Whitman County Fire District #14, the Washington State Patrol (State Mobilization) for helping make this operation successful.
The incident command post is located at the Colton High School in Colton WA.
