The Donkey Fire burning in timberland 7 to 8 miles southwest of Pe Ell was 100% contained after torching about 38 acres as of Wednesday 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 battled the fire with seven engines and tenders and four hand crews on Tuesday, with the crew dwindling to 50 personnel, three engines and tenders and two hand crews on Wednesday after the fire was fully contained.
Helicopters and scoop planes have also been used this week to fight the fire.
Objectives Tuesday and Wednesday 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.
Hot weather conditions were expected to continue Wednesday with daytime relative humidity lowering into the 40s. A surface low-pressure system moved through the region Tuesday night into Wednesday, which was expected to bring enough moisture and cloud cover to raise daytime relative humidity into the 50s Wednesday. Winds between 5 and 10 mph were expected through the day on Wednesday, with light wind overnight.
“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.”
The Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team transitioned to a smaller Type 4 team at the end of the day on Wednesday, with all unneeded resources released to other fires at the end of Wednesday’s shift.
“We would like to thank the Town of Pe Ell for the amazing stay we had here. We wish you the best,” the Type 3 Incident Management Team said in a news release.
