National Forest

Wildland Fire crews will be using Dayton School District facilities as a

base camp while battling the Lick Creek (Dry Gulch). For more
information regarding this fire please go to https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7615/

The following is a statement released by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office:

On July 29, 2021, at 8:30 p.m. the Columbia County Sheriff's Department
has extended the Level I evacuation notice and issued a Level II
evacuation notice.

A Level II evacuation notice for the following areas:

  • South of the previous Level I evacuation notice within Columbia County. This Level II evacuation notice extends east to the Forest Boundary including Bald Butte Mountain and south down to the Columbia County/Wallowa County state border. It extends west to the forest boundary and north to Chase Mountain. From Chase Mountain, it will extend to Middle Point Trail Head through to Midway Campground.

LEVEL II – Yellow, SET
You should be alert and ready to leave this area at any time. If you are
concerned about your safety or believe you are in danger, do not wait
for an official evacuation order – leave immediately.

To prepare for evacuation, you should arrange for transportation or other mobility
assistance, relocate livestock or large animals out of the area, and
pack essential personal belongings, medications, special dietary items,
and infant-care items.

A Level I evacuation notice has also been issued for the following areas:

  • Everything north and west of Chase Mountain and Midway camp within Forest Boundary.

Level I – Green, READY
Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor
emergency services websites and local media outlets for information.
This is the time for preparation and precautionary movement of persons
with special needs, mobile property, and (under certain circumstances)
pets and livestock. If conditions worsen, emergency services personnel
may contact you via an emergency notification system. You will be kept
advised as conditions change. Area radio and television stations have
been asked to broadcast periodic updates.
If conditions worsen, we will make every attempt to notify you. If you are absent from your home
for more than a short period of time, please leave a note with your
contact information in a visible location as an attempt will be made to
contact you by phone.

These evacuation levels will remain in place until rescinded by the Columbia County Sheriff.

Sheriff Joe Helm
Columbia County, WA



The following is a statement released by the Umatilla National Forest Incident Contact:

Lightning ignited several fires southwest of Asotin, WA on July 7. The Lick Creek Fire and the Dry Gulch Fire burned together on July 8 and are now being fought as one fire, called the Lick Creek fire.   A Type 2 Incident Management Team, California Team 12, is managing the incident.

Level 1 evacuations are in place. All Forest Service lands, roads, and trails within the Umatilla National Forest are closed.