Bridge Creek Fire 42 percent contained

The lightning-caused Bridge Creek Fire, burning 13 miles northeast of Keller, is responsible for the smoke in the air lately.

So far the fire, which started on Aug. 9, has burned 3,518 acres and is at 42 percent containment, according to an Aug. 29 press release from the Colville Tribes.

Heat conditions, difficult terrain, and poor access to the fire have proved physically and mentally challenging for the crew, according to the press release, and crew members are encouraged to stay hydrated, and to be very aware of their surroundings, told to “look up, look down, and look around.”

The Keller Community Center is the headquarters for the fire crew.

Personnel on the scene are numbered at 498, manning the 12 line crews, 22 engines, six dozers, 18 water tenders, two skidgines (soft tracks that cause less environmental damage), and four masticators (attached to bulldozers to cut forest in-growth).

Aircraft fighting the fire include one heavy, two medium, and three light helicopters, with other air support being loaned from neighboring agencies as available.

All roads are closed north of Bridge Creek Road, west of Wynecoop Road, east of Keno Trail Road, and south of Lynx Creek Road, and are posted with signs.

Bridge Creek Road remains open but drivers are asked to drive cautiously due to increased traffic and smoke.