Green Ridge Fire winding down; remains 61% contained

GARFIELD COUNTY–The Green Ridge Fire within the Wenaha-Tucannon wilderness remains at 61% contained over a 43,694-acre area.

The July 7, 2021 lightning-caused fire continues to be minimal, particularly with recent cooler temperatures and some light precipitation. The interior smokes remain visible as unburned fuels are consumed, primarily on the southwest corner of the fire near Godman Guard Station and to the south and southeast within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness.

Firefighters continue to patrol and mop up all containment lines on the west, north and eastern edges of the fire. Where containment lines are secured, firefighters are also completing suppression repair in the Clearwater Look Out area based on identified rehabilitation needs, such as constructing water bars to help reduce erosion potential and mastication to improve roadways used for containment lines. Crews also continue the return of equipment that is no longer needed for suppression operations.

The southern edge of the fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain with difficult access within the Wenaha-Tucannon Wilderness. Most of the southern fire edge is inaccessible and therefore does not have direct containment lines. Fire behavior and spread has been minimal over the past several weeks. Firefighters are patrolling and monitoring fire activity within the Wilderness to engage if the fire moves into an area where access is feasible and values at risk are threatened. Pockets of unburned fuel within the fire’s interior may periodically produce smoke as the fire continues to smolder in heavy fuels.

Umatilla National Forest officials reopened National Forest lands on Wednesday, October 6, 2021. Some road closures remain in place. The modified closures can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/umatilla/-alertsnotices/?cid=stelprdb5286768.

All evacuation levels and temporary flight restrictions (TFR) have been lifted.

Unless conditions change, there will be no further reports.