Saturday conditions aligning for 'catastrophic' fire

 

August 27, 2020



WHITMAN COUNTY—A thick stand of dry wheat along with dry, windy conditions Saturday have set the stage for a potentially massive fire in Whitman County.

“If something gets going, it (has) potential for a catastrophic event,” said Bill Tensfeld, Rosalia Fire Chief and Whitman County Emergency Management Director. The National Weather Service has elevated Saturday to Critical Fire Weather Conditions. Fires will be able to spread rapidly during Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, according to NWS.

This year’s bumper crop has increased the density of potential fire fodder. Area farmers also planted more grain this year, so there are more consecutive wheat fields. Tensfeld said if you look out, you will see thousands and thousands of acres that would burn without a fire break.

Tensfeld urges residents to be extra cautious Saturday with anything that could ignite a fire. There are not enough volunteers or manpower in the county to stop a huge fire, he said. With Saturday winds forecast to reach gusts of 35 to 45 miles per hour, fires will be hard to control, much less contain.

The strong winds are fueled by a cold front moving in on Sunday which is expected to bring temperatures seven to 10 degrees cooler.

Predicted moisture on Monday is a blessing and a curse; while it will help reduce fire danger, harvest efforts are expected to be increased during the high risk time to beat the rains, increasing the chances of fires igniting off of combines or trucks.

Tensfeld advised anyone who sees flames or a smoke plume call 911 immediately. Smoke haze is not a reason to call as out-of-area fires can create local haze and take responders’ time to investigate.

The NWS also advised Saturday’s winds will cause choppy waters for those looking to hit the area lakes and rivers.

 

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