Enterprise Fire Update

Date: August 7, 2014
Contact: Denise Bausch, 509-754-7886

According to the latest reports from the Washington Department of Natural Resources, the Enterprise Fire has burned 80 acres. This lightning-caused wildfire is still active and burning through steep terrain near the shore of the Lake Roosevelt ear Fruitland, WA.

At this time strong winds are forecasted for this area beginning at 4:00 am, August 8, 2014 and expected to continue throughout the day on Friday. Due to the potential for high winds the existing level 2 evacuation area will be expanded and residents will be notified through the hyper-reach call system. If you have not signed up to receive Hyper-Reach notices through your landline phone or your cell phone, visit the Stevens County Website at https://secure.hyper-reach.com/comsignupw.jsp?id=41001 to sign up.

The fire crews continue to make progress but are slowed by the steep terrain and primitive road conditions in this area of Lake Roosevelt. Two helicopters and three airplanes are currently assisting ground crews with aerial water drops to help slow the spread of the fire. National Park Service equipment and staff are also working to shuttle fire crews and ensure the safety of visitors to the Lake.

The partial Lake Roosevelt closure and camping restrictions announced yesterday remain in place between river mile 52 and river mile 58 (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts: M650 (GPS Coordinates: N48 degrees, 02.5 minutes;
W118 degrees, 22 minutes) –M655 (GPS Coordinates: N48 degrees, 03 minutes; W118 degrees, 15.5 minutes) ). All recreational boats are prohibited within this area during daylight hours until further notice. The closure is in coordination with the Spokane Tribe of Indians, The Confederated Tribes of the
Colville Reservation, the US Coast Guard, Bureau of Reclamation, Stevens County Sheriffs, and the Ferry County Sheriffs.

Please take a moment for your safety as well as the fire fighters. Pay attention to the weather reports and stay out of the area if you don't live there. By staying out of the area, it is easier for the fire fighters and emergency personnel to get where they need to go quickly. Unauthorized visitors to the area hinder the fire fighters ability to effectively fight this fire and prevent its spread.