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Nakia Creek Fire Incident Commander: ‘All Evacuation Orders Have Been Lifted’

Fern Prairie, WA — Residents in the Nakia Creek Fire evacuation zones are free to go back to their homes today, according to Incident Commander, Matt Howard.

He said the fire is 23 percent contained and that weather conditions are favorable. 

Key takeaways:

• No houses were destroyed 

• No injuries or deaths

• Nearly 1,900 acres have burned 

• 500+ firefighters are battling the wildfire 

A firefighter tent city in Fern Prairie is housing 500+ firefighters who are served three meals a day and have all the basic essentials of life.

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Nakia Creek Fire: ‘This Fire is the Number One Priority in the Nation’

Although the Nakia Creek fire grew to 1,869 acres overnight, authorities are optimistic that containment efforts will continue to progress over the next few days as more firefighters arrive and aircraft return to combat this blaze that has affected 40,000 people over the last few days.

Dave Larson, Deputy Incident Commander, Assistant Fire Marshall Curtis Evenson, Sgt. Chris Skidmore, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Natalie Weber, Oregon Forestry Department spokesperson, all addressed media at Grove Field Wednesday.

Larson said “this fire is the number one priority in the nation” given the number of people it is affecting. He said more than 500 firefighters are now at the scene working to contain this fire that ignited on October 9.

Key takeaways:

  • 550+ firefighters are on the scene
  • Sheriff’s deputies made an arrest Tuesday night for trespassing in the fire zone
  • Evacuation zones are shrinking
  • Containment is 12 percent
  • This is the highest priority fire in the nation
  • Aircraft are back on the scene
  • Weather forecast over the next few days is favorable
  • Focus is on level 2 and 3 evacuation zones
  • There’s been a good response to the fire investigation

“Aircraft are back on the scene,” said Weber, “and this is a game changer.”

She reported the fire is 12 percent contained and it burning 1,869 acres at this time.

Evenson, who is leading the investigation into the cause of the fire, said their agency has been flooded with calls and tips about the four persons of interest (two women, two men) who were driving a white Subaru at the scene of the initial spark.

“We encourage you to call us, to talk about this, to sort it out,” he said.

Skidmore said the evacuation zones are shrinking and that they are only focusing on level 2 and 3 zones, and are working to get Livingston Mountain residents back to their homes. He added that a man was arrested Tuesday night for trespassing into the fire zone. It was quickly learned there was a warrant out for his arrest on a prior charge.

Nakia Creek
Aircraft have returned to fight the Nakia Creek fire.

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Camas Schools Superintendent, Facilities Staff Inspect Buildings for Air Quality

Following the air quality concerns raised by faculty and students at Camas High School and Liberty Middle School Tuesday, as well as others, Camas School District (CSD) Superintendent, Dr. John Anzalone, along with facilities staff, inspected multiple buildings Wednesday morning.

CSD issued this statement Wednesday morning:

“Early this morning, Dr. Anzalone and facilities staff members visited multiple buildings to assets today’s status. It was determined that schools would remain open because indoor air quality had improved compared to yesterday afternoon. Since outdoor air quality continues to be poor, recess, P.E., and athletics will remain indoors today. Today is a planned early release day; however, all professional development will be postponed so staff members may go home after students are released.

“Again, parents are always encouraged to consider the conditions of their neighborhood school and any particular circumstances or needs of their students to determine whether to keep their children home from school during adverse conditions. Students are excused from school when they have the parent or guardian’s permission.

“We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed of any changes. Thank you for your support as we navigate the impacts of the Nakia Creek fire.”

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Nakia Creek Fire: 140 New Firefighters En Route, Evacuation Zones Unchanged

Fern Prairie, WA — At a Tuesday press briefing local and regional authorities said 140 new firefighters are en route to help extinguish the Nakia Creek Fire, which has been burning since October 9. Officials also provided an update on the evacuation zone, the person of interest investigation, acreage burned, and weather conditions, among other news.

Natalie Weber, Public Information Officer for the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF), Sgt. Chris Skidmore, of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and Matt Howard, Incident Commander, briefed the media.

Weber said 600 homes in the evacuation zone had direct contact with Clark County Sheriff’s deputies informing them of the need to evacuate, and said 140 firefighters from the region are en route to assist with the blaze, which has consumed about 1,800 acres. 

“There has been slight acreage growth on the Nakia Creek Fire,” said Weber. “This is natural growth that is expected. New aircraft and equipment is coming today. Weather conditions are foggy in the morning, with higher humidity, which helps. The fog limits visibility and creates challenges. The area has steep ridges that hinder access.”

Key takeaways:

  • The weather outlook is mostly favorable, with some winds forecast.
  • Evacuation zones are unchanged from Monday.
  • 222 homes are still in the evacuation zone, affecting 2,500 people.
  • Containment is 5 percent.
  • Oregon firefighter crews will remain through the weekend.
  • Crew moral is high.
  • It took time to get enough firefighters to battle this fire.
  • No structure has been lost.
  • A new camp in Fern Prairie has been set up to house all the firefighters. It has tents, showers and a kitchen to help them function.
  • Firefighters have all they need for supplies.

Skidmore said the Sheriff’s Office determines the evacuation zones, based on intelligence from Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and ODF. He also addressed the fire investigation, which is focusing on four persons of interest who were recorded at the scene when the fire first erupted.

“The persons of interest include four adults, two females and two males,” said Skidmore. “It also includes a white Subaru Forrester. They were encountered by two people down the trail who provided more descriptions about the number of people. Many people have called in.”

Skidmore said deputies are patrolling the area to protect people’s property, and he urged people to steer clear of the area for recreation purposes. 

Howard said it’s been 20 years since Oregon firefighters have worked on the ground in Washington. 

“Morale with the crew is high,” Skidmore said. “They recognize the need for them to be here. Crews are are and well trained.”

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Fire Marshal Seeks Persons, Vehicle of Interest in Nakia Creek Fire Investigation

The Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying persons and a vehicle of interest in an ongoing Nakia Creek fire investigation.

The Fire Marshal’s office is asking the public to review the video and photo below to see if they recognize the people or vehicle. The video was taken Sunday, Oct. 9 at approximately 3:30 pm on a ridge near where the Nakia Creek fire is burning on Larch Mountain. The fire was first reported to CRESA about an hour later.

“We are looking for what we believe is a white or light-colored Subaru vehicle,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Curtis Eavenson. “Based on witness statements, we also believe there were two men and two women connected with this vehicle.”

If anyone recognizes the vehicle or people depicted in the video or has any information regarding the ongoing wildfire investigation, they are urged to contact the county’s Fire Marshal Office at (564) 397-3320.

The Nakia Creek fire is located nine miles northeast of Camas in the Yacolt Burn State Forest. 

More information on the fire including evacuation updates can be found online at http://cresa911.org/2022/10/11/nakia-creek-fire-updates/.

Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/dwziCVbAmLs?feature=share

Close up video: https://youtu.be/sdPnLlNgiHE

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Nakia Creek Fire Update: Fire Grows From 156 Acres to 2,000 Acres Sunday

From CRESA: Officials estimate the Nakia Creek Fire today grew from 156 acres to about 2000 acres.   The easterly winds were so strong today that air assets were grounded at times for safety.  New containment is listed at 5 percent.

Please note this is a very rough estimate as there is so much smoke in the air, it is difficult to get a good visual on the fire.  CRESA believes we will have better numbers by morning.

CRESA sent out multiple notification alerts today including a Wireless Emergency Alert.  Please be sure you are looking at the most current map and updates for the most accurate notification areas. The most current information can be found at:  http://cresa911.org/2022/10/11/nakia-creek-fire-updates/.  

At this time we have:

• 28,765 homes under “Level 1 Be Ready” Notice  (Nakia Creek Fire)

• 5017 homes under “Level 2 Be Set” Notice 

• 2903 homes under “Level 3 Go Now” Notice

Grove Field is a gathering location for Livingston Mountain evacuees who have been meeting with each other and first responders.

At this time Clark County has also signed an Emergency Declaration due to the fires. 

Additionally American Red Cross has opened a shelter in Camas at:

Camas Church of Nazarene 

2204 NE Birch St,

Camas, WA 98607

The Cowlitz Tribe and Ilani has also made parking lots available for vehicles as well:

Parking Lots 10 and 11

Please put a sign in window “Fire Evacuee”

Parking Only, Gray water will need to be dumped at Gee Creek Rest Area

CRESA EOC Volunteers have also staffed a call center to assist anyone seeking assistance. The number is staffed 7 am to 10 pm. Please call 360-992-9229.

We will continue to update as we get information.

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CRESA Says Nakia Creek Fire Human Caused, Burning 156 Acres

Aerial surveys show the Nakia Creek Fire near Larch Mountain, which started Sunday afternoon, is burning approximately 156 acres, and is smaller than fire fighters previously thought, according to Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA). Officials also confirmed the fire was human caused, and the investigation continues.

CRESA said firefighter teams are making good progress on control lines around the fire. Firefighters strengthened control lines south of the fire, which CRESA spokesman Eric Frank said is good news for people in evacuation zones.

Approximately 220 homes in the area (near the Skamania County line) were issued evacuation notices Tuesday. Most notices were Level 1 — Be Ready. About 14 addresses fell under a Level 2 notice — Be Set. No residents were under a Level 3 notice — Go Now, according to Frank. CRESA said evacuation notices didn’t change Wednesday.

As of today, the fire was 10 percent contained. Anyone with information about the cause should contact the Clark County Fire Marshal’s Office at 564-397-3320.

Photos courtesy of DNR.

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Nakia Creek Fire on Larch Mountain Grows to 150 Acres

Camas, WA — The Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reported this morning that the Nakia Creek fire on Larch Mountain, which was first reported to CRESA at 4:30 pm Sunday, has grown to 150 acres.

The DNR said that crews will continue to engage the fire throughout the day utilizing both ground and air resources. An acreage update will be provided after aerial survey.

No evacuation orders are in place at this time. The public is asked to remain clear of the area.

One of these images shows satellite hot spots this morning from NOAA’s smoke map for the #NakiaCreekFire on Larch Mountain area of Clark County, WA. 8 am, Oct 10, 2022.

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City of Washougal Appoints New Mayor, David Stuebe

David Stuebe was sworn in as Mayor of Washougal Monday, September 26, 2022, after a unanimous vote by Washougal City Council. He will serve in Council Position #1 until late November 2023. Rochelle Ramos stepped down from the role on September 17 to pursue a career growth opportunity in Utah.

“I’m honored and humbled to accept the Council’s vote of confidence to fill the role of mayor,” commented Stuebe. “I’ll continue providing leadership and sound judgement as we help grow and serve our community.”

As a resident of Washougal since 2007, he was appointed to the City Council March 29, 2021. Stuebe is committed to helping Washougal provide intelligent and responsible growth, resident safety and youth/adult resources and activities. He serves on many city and county boards and commissions and is also a VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) lifetime member, Back a Hero committee member and sits on the All-Service Academy Interview Committee for Congressional Appointments.

“I think this decision makes sense,” said Councilmember Molly Coston. “As Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember Stuebe has become very adept at understanding the role as extending beyond the chair of the council. He is very engaged in almost all of our activities.”

Background

Stuebe served over 30 years in the United States Marine Corps (active duty and reserves), retiring as a Colonel in 2016. As a Marine, he managed multiple humanitarian projects, coalition trainings and combat operations around the world, in addition to leading several large commands. Stuebe has also held senior management positions in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries for over 20 years. Stuebe is a graduate of the University of Redlands with a degree in Political Science.

“I have served around the world in many different roles and have made Washougal my home,” remarked Stuebe. “I’m committed to making this a great place for all.”

Council Position #1 will be on the ballot in November 2023, with the elected individual serving the remainder of the four-year term through the end of 2025.

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All The Ways a Criminal Record Impacts Your Life

More people have a criminal record than you may think. Anything from a small misdemeanor all the way to a full-on arrest has a significant impact on your record and can change your life. Read on to learn about all the ways a criminal record impacts your life.

Finding Work

Unfortunately, one of the most significant ways a criminal record can hurt you is in your ability to find a job. Employers can turn away candidates based on a criminal record, regardless of the conviction. They can discover your criminal record through a background check or just by noticing your absence of employment history. Even when your conviction is not related to drugs or violence, your criminal record impacts how employers perceive you as an employee. Some employers may take a chance on you, but finding one will take some time.  

Child Custody

If you are going through a divorce, you may need to figure out child custody. You can solve this sort of thing amicably, but often it goes to a court where the judge will consider various factors to determine the best situation for the child(ren). A criminal record will affect child custody because it is one of the factors that the judge considers. Criminal records hurt your ability to get custody of children, but the judge will also consider the nature of the conviction and how old the conviction is. Older, non-violent offenses are less likely to hurt your chances than if you are a repeat offender.

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Limited Rights

In addition to struggling to find a job or obtain custody, you will have some other rights limited. These limitations vary from state to state, but some federal restrictions exist. For example, you cannot serve as a juror or run for public office if you have a criminal conviction. You may not have wanted to, but now you definitely can’t. You also cannot legally own a firearm or vote.  

Limitations like these can be alarming for many since they never knew about these limitations. Some career paths require licenses and certifications you cannot get with a criminal record. You cannot enter into real estate, insurance, the medical field, or even become a social worker.

A criminal record impacts your life in many ways, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Once people learn you have a criminal record, they start to treat you differently, even when it is in no way a reflection of who you are today. Hopefully, with this new perspective, you’ll understand how important it is to abide by the law.

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