Mission Creek Fire Sweeps Canyon While Town Slumbers
By Marcia Green
July 10, 2010
Photo by Marcia Green
Early morning fire fighting shift concludes with afternoon meal
Photo by Marcia Green
Mission Creek fire advances to Cashmere Cider Mill
Fire broke out up Mission Creek in Cashmere Washington, rumored to have begun with late night fireworks, though no confirmation, includes steep inclines of Woodring & Tripp Canyons.
Writing on the scene from our own crisis, awakened at 1:00 AM by concerned friends and neighbors already on the scene at the Cashmere Cider Mill, the drive from our Olalla Canyon home filled with anxiety and mental planning.
What was a very dark night as we prepped like crazy, flames shooting high in the sky and crested over the canyon mountain tip, our thoughts moving like a roller coaster, what to load in waiting vehicles, where to place our limited time and energy as the night moved through early morning hours. We prioritized by clearing brush, setting continuous sprinklers, moving equipment and vehicles, making crew coffee, and generally trying to remain calm in the face of it all.
4 AM revealed a steady yet smoky morning dawn slowly turning to sunshine, our view of what seemed multitudes who stood watch all night with us, worked and waited through the night whatever the assignment. We spoke with crew bosses, knew plans and strategies, and felt humbled by the concern and attention to detail.
They came from federal, state, and local agencies, DNR helicopters, Forest Service hand crew to dig lines, firehouses from Leavenworth, Dryden, Orondo, Entiat, Waterville, Douglas County 1 & 2 assigned to guard structures.
By 7 AM the fire had laid down, crews driven by adrenalin stood their ground inches away from the flames, and helicopters began to fly, dumping buckets holding between 250-450 gallons for hot spots and new flames.
10 AM saw fresh crews replacing the exhausted night teams, mop up of our general area was officially underway. The fire may continue to push deeper into the forest land, weather and wind patterns will determine the outcome. Grateful for current progress, I stand directly under helicopter water buckets and feel the gentle spray of water as they whisk overhead, all structures protected at this point. A reminder that fate deals her own hand, and most things may or may not be in our control.
Comments
3 comments
Marcia, Anything new to report a few days on...
July 12, 2010 at 1:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks for the picture. It really helps tell the story.
July 13, 2010 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Excellent report Marcia - thanks for the on-the-scene update!
July 10, 2010 at 1:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)