Update: Fire burning southeast of Keller now 80% contained

A lightning-caused fire burning eight miles southeast of Keller is 80 percent contained, as of mid-morning on Thursday, and with continued success demobilization of fire crews is expected early this weekend.

The 681-acre Redford Canyon fire, located just northeast of where the San Poil river empties into the Columbia, has been burning primarily grass, sage, and timber. The fire was reported on July 15 at 4:50 a.m., according to a joint press release from the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Some 359 firefighters are assigned to the fire as of Thursday, July 20, with 18 fire engines, four bulldozers, and six skid engines.

Firefighters are performing mop up activities around the fire perimeter.

Road closures are in place on Nine Mile Road, and Four Corners Road that goes to the six-mile area, which will be open to residence and logging operations only.

“Boaters along Lake Roosevelt need to be aware of potential helicopters and fixed wing aircraft dipping out of the lake,” the press release states. “Please stay clear of areas being used by firefighting aircraft.”

Air resources include fixed-wing aircrafts of two Fire Bosses (a type of seaplane with water scooping capabilities); one SEAT, or Single Engine Air Tanker (an aerial spray plane); two type-1 helicopters (capable of carrying up to 15 passengers and 700 gallons of water); and a type-3 helicopter (capable of carrying four passengers and 100 gallons of water) supporting ground crews.

A command post for fighting the fire has been established at the Keller Community Center.