Evacuation areas for the Nakia Creek fire were withdrawn this morning as fire managers gained a better understanding of fire activity following nighttime weather changes.
The Nakia Creek Fire has expanded tenfold since Friday, reaching 1,565 acres on Sunday, as hot, dry and windy conditions brought new life to the blaze that had been smoldering for most of last week.
The fire control rate in eastern Clark County is 0 percent, according to the Northwest Interagency Coordination Center.
Department of Natural Resources spokeswoman Sharon Stereti said the fire did not damage any structures and there were no reports of injuries.
Crews will be working on the north, west and south sides of the blaze today, CRESA said in a 10 a.m. statement. In addition, there are structural protection personnel at work.
The evacuation zone has shrunk since Sunday night, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office. Some roads have also reopened, including NE 53rd Street to NE 292nd Avenue and NE Blair Road to State Route 500. Lysard, Ireland, Livingston Hills, Boulder Creek and Winters areas remain closed. The L1000 and L1400 roads also remain closed.
“If you don’t need to be there, stay away from the area,” the sheriff’s office tweeted. “Do not fly drones in or around fire areas. The weather is improving and will allow for more aerial firefighting opportunities, but if When drones appear, you can’t.”
Sunday’s estimate of the size of the fire had reached 2,000 acres.
Those in need can contact the Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency Emergency Operations Center at 360-992-9229. People can also sign up for phone and email alerts here.
Personnel in Operation Immediate Level 3 are to evacuate south towards Washougal River Road into Washougal.
School
The Washougal School District announced Monday that classes will be closed due to the fire. Cape Horn-Skye Elementary and Canyon Creek Secondary, both in a Level 3 evacuation zone, have been closed by fire marshals. For those affected by the fire, Gause Elementary School will be open from 10am to 2pm for on-site dining, support and entertainment. More information can be found on the district website.
The Mount Pleasant District also canceled classes.
Camas School will open today.
Evergreen Public Schools has schools and students in Level 1 and Level 2 evacuation zones and classes begin today. The district said it will issue an update as more information becomes available.
Shelters and Animals
Officials warned that the evacuation zone continued to expand throughout Sunday and could expand even more. Updated fire and evacuation information will be posted on the CRESA website.
The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at Camas Church, Nazareth, 2204 NE Birch St. Camas.
ilani has opened car parks 10 and 11 for evacuees. Those using the lots were asked to put a sign on their window that said “fire evacuees”. There is no RV service and grey water needs to be dumped at the Gee Creek rest area.
For a livestock shelter, call 360-607-2535 for assistance. Livestock are housed at the Clark County Fair.
The Humane Society of Southwest Washington, on the edge of East Vancouver, is not required to leave the facility, but crews are monitoring the Nakia Creek Fire in case they must, according to a statement from the group. It was previously located at Level 1 – Preparation Area, but is now in a clearing outside the boundary.
“We’re less concerned with moving shelter animals right now and are ready to help the community,” said Sam Ellingson, director of communications and marketing.
Earlier Monday, shelter staff and volunteers filled a van with supplies to the Nazarene’s Camas Church, which is tending a handful of animals for evacuees.
The Humane Society of Southwest Washington does not need help at this time, but will announce a request for assistance if needed.
The Humane Society of West Columbia Gorge has always been on the fringes of a Tier 1 evacuation zone, but not anymore.
Air Quality and Forecast
Air quality is in the moderate range a day after the Nakia Creek Fire sent a plume of smoke over eastern Clark County. Sensitive groups are advised to reduce outdoor activities. Most of the Interstate 5 corridor from southern and northern Oregon to the Canadian border is in the medium range, according to airnow.gov. Those conditions are expected to continue through Thursday.
The rainy season in the Northwest will officially begin on Friday or Saturday, according to the Portland National Weather Service. Meanwhile, Monday and Tuesday should be cooler than the weekend, although October is still above average. Light winds are expected.
black hole event
A level 1 evacuation notice has been issued for the area around Chelatchie Prairie. From 2020, the fire has overlapped with some large hollow fire zones. The blaze burns near the Clark County border with Cowlitz, northwest of the Sussen Fire.
The Nakia Creek Fire started in October. 9 In a very steep area covered with brush, medium logging slash and wood. Before the fire expanded, containment was estimated at 20 percent on Sunday.
The fire has been smoldering and spreading, with some burning and short distances observed. Fire managers said the potential for fire growth remained and containment lines were being laid.
This story will be updated.