The Donkey Fire burning in timberland 7 to 8 miles southwest of Pe Ell was 87% contained after torching about 38 acres as of Tuesday morning, according to an update from the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team.
The blaze, which started Friday afternoon, is in steep, “dry and tinder-like red slash” terrain with variable wind speeds reported.
The cause remains under investigation.
A total of 116 personnel are battling the fire with seven engines and tenders and four hand crews. Helicopters and scoop planes have also been used this week to fight the fire.
Objectives Tuesday included crews mopping up where safe to do so and keeping the fire within containment lines.
“Public and firefighter safety are the highest priorities on the Donkey Fire,” a news release from the incident management team stated.
There is no threat to structures and there are no evacuation orders in place, though fire managers are asking everyone to stay out of the area of the fire.
Hot weather conditions were expected to continue Tuesday with daytime relative humidity lowering into the 40s. A surface low pressure system will move through the region Tuesday night into Wednesday, which is expected to bring enough moisture and cloud cover to raise daytime relative humidity into the 50s Wednesday. Winds will remain less than 10 mp from the northeast Tuesday night.
“Firefighters and heavy equipment are working on and around the area roadways,” the incident management team stated. “You can help keep firefighters and the public safe by driving carefully and avoiding these areas. Fire danger is moderate and increasing rapidly. Do your part to prevent the next wildfire by exercising caution with all potential ignition sources.”
