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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.

Background
Nakia Creek
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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.

Background
Nakia Creek

Nakia Creek
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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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How to Maintain the Tracks on Your Construction Equipment

Maintaining the tracks on your construction equipment is essential for keeping the machine in working condition while reducing premature wear and tear that could cost your business time and money to repair or replace. To extend the lifespan of your equipment, you must take good care of the components that run it. To top it off, the machine may not perform to its full potential if you do not properly service the tracks—maintain the equipment correctly so that it can maneuver through the job site safely and efficiently.

Clear Away Dirt and Debris After Each Workday

At the end of each workday, you must take the time to wash away any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the machine’s tracks and undercarriage. A power washer is the best tool for this job because it can quickly flake and wash away dirt. Skipping this step and leaving the debris could cause premature wear on the tracks; plus, the extra weight will affect your gas mileage.

Routinely Inspect the Undercarriage

The undercarriage on your construction equipment also correlates with maintaining the tracks on the machine. Over time, oil could leak, sprockets and rollers wear out, and small or large tears can appear. If you’re not routinely inspecting the undercarriage, you could leave these issues to fester and cause bigger problems with the equipment. Cuts in the tracks could damage the cords in the undercarriage, which could become a costly problem if you do not take the precaution of checking for damages.

Construction

Adjust Track Tension as Needed

The soil you’re driving over could determine the tension on your tracks. Loose tracks can damage the undercarriage, but muddy conditions or softer dirt might call for looser tracks to ensure the effectiveness of the machine. Be aware of how tight the tracks are on the rollers because it will affect the performance of the equipment. You never want this component to accidentally slip off the machine because the tension wasn’t high enough.

Prevent Repairs by Adhering to Simple Driving Instructions

Not following the directions on how to drive the machine properly could lead to premature wear and tear, costing you extra money down the road. Take care of your equipment by avoiding steep inclines and declines, not driving over chemicals or salt, and not taking sharp turns. Do not drive over sharp objects, curbs, or abrasive materials like asphalt. Train your staff to not only maintain the tracks on the construction equipment but also to operate the machines in a safe way that could prevent maintenance issues.

Follow the steps given by the manufacturer to care for the equipment properly. Do not avoid regular maintenance, or you could damage the tracks and cause the company to spend additional money on replacements or repairs. Maintain the machines to keep them working efficiently and safely throughout the job site.

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Tips: What You Should Look For in a Quality Belt Grinder

Purpose and Functionality

One of the first things you should consider before choosing a belt grinder is which kind of projects you’ll need it for. For example, some belt grinders can be used with attachments and accessories that give them a wider range of functions. Occasionally, manufacturers will even include bonus attachments with certain models.

Belt Size and Length

While more compact belt grinders are typically less expensive than other models, you may end up paying more for replacement belts. Longer belts are better able to handle the heat from grinding since the wear is dispersed over more material. 

You may also be tempted to get a belt grinder with a wide belt, but these are not ideal for all kinds of projects. Knife making, for example, requires a two-inch belt. Anything thinner or wider will make it harder to perform the right functions.

Speed Settings

Not every belt grinder comes with a variable speed belt, but getting one that does can be a huge help. Some projects require very high speeds, while others don’t. Having the ability to choose the speed you’re using increases the number of materials you can work with.

Belt

Motor Size

Another important thing to look for in a quality belt grinder is a reliable and high-power motor, especially if you’re looking at a model without variable speed. A grinder with a weak motor just won’t perform as well, even if the price is more affordable.

The Right Belt Grinder

Follow these tips to make sure you choose the belt grinder that’s right for your projects. Once you have the machine you want, you’ll need to properly maintain your belt grinder to ensure it lasts as long as possible. With the right care, a quality belt grinder should last you quite a while.

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Business: The 5 Best Type of Caterpillar Engines

When you think about construction equipment, the sizeable yellow machinery associated with Caterpillar is probably the first to come to mind. There are many advantages of Caterpillar engines when it comes to quality; however, if you’re wondering which are the best types of Caterpillar engines, consider the following.

Cat C7

The C7 was in production throughout the 2000s and was a memorable piece of equipment for being one of the earlier engines to adapt to new regulations imposed by the EPA. Trucking companies favored the C7 during that time for its reliability. However, Cat decided to take things in another direction and stopped production of the C7 in 2010.

Cat 3306

The 3306 is one of Cat’s older and more reliable engines, having made its debut in the 1970s. The main draw of the 3306 is that this engine ran efficiently but had a simple design that was easy to maintain and repair. Cat ceased production on the 3306 in the early 2000s when emission regulations led to the C7 and C9 models, which adhere to government regulations.

Caterpillar
https://www.wvv.com/Ownership

Cat 3116

While we often associate Caterpillar engines with construction equipment or heavy trucks, the 3116 made a big splash thanks to its frequent use in marine equipment. At 2400 rpm, the 3116 had around 205 horsepower, though the engine had some issues with a weaker top end compared to other models.

Cat C15

The C15 remains one of the best Caterpillar engines for industrial usage. The engine boasts a single turbocharger and parts that can be easily swapped out with the similar 3406E engine. Relief slots in the C15 are beneficial in protecting the gaskets from heavy weight.

Cat 3408

Cat’s 3408 engine remains one of their most popular engines on the market. The 3408 contains a lot of power and is stable, reliable, and easy to modify. The eight-cylinder engine produces around 500 horsepower and remains a popular model for construction, mining, and other heavy equipment uses.

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Washougal Mayor Resigns, Will Relocate For New Career Opportunity

Washougal, WA — Rochelle Ramos is resigning as Washougal Mayor (City Council Position #1) effective at midnight on September 17. She is pursuing a career growth opportunity in another state. Mayor Pro Tem David Stuebe will fulfill the Mayoral function until the Council appoints someone to fill the vacant Council Position #1 seat.

“It has been an honor to serve as Mayor. It was not my plan when I ran for office to only serve 10 months. I was also not actively seeking a new position. I was approached with an opportunity that is very positive for my family, and although it was a very difficult decision, I just couldn’t turn it down,” said Mayor Ramos.

In November of 2021 Mayor Ramos was elected to a four-year term to Council Position #1, which is designated as Mayor, taking office on November 23 of that year. Her election as Mayor was the culmination of years of volunteerism, service and support in the Washougal community.

“We are grateful for Rochelle’s long history of service in our community. We as a City have been very fortunate to have had such a passionate and engaged community member who has done an outstanding job in all her roles, including her current position as Mayor. She will be greatly missed,” said Mayor Pro Tem Stuebe.

The Council will be discussing the vacancy and appointment process during its September 12, 2022 worksession. The appointed individual will serve as Mayor until late November 2023. Council Position #1 will then be on the ballot in November 2023, with the elected individual serving the remainder of the four-year term through the end of 2025.

“I am excited for Washougal’s future. We are in the middle of updating our Strategic Plan, which will guide the community into the future, and there are several exciting projects in the works. I encourage Washougal citizens to get involved by volunteering to serve the community through the many opportunities available,” said Ramos. “It is with mixed emotions that I move into this next phase in life and I will miss Washougal.”

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