The Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team took over fire command and operations early this morning, August 4th and have an update for us.

 The Margarita Fire started August 3rd at approximately 12:30am. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene in response to a 911 call. The Quinault Indian Nation requested support yesterday and the Western Washington Type 3 Incident Management Team responded, in-briefing yesterday afternoon. 

The fire is currently 61 acres and 0% contained. It is burning in a timber sale unit that is a mix of cedar slash and standing trees, surrounded by heavy timber. Crews worked yesterday to keep the fire in check with the support of two helicopters and two scooper aircraft. Aerial support is dropping water to cool hot spots, assisting firefighters on the ground. 

The objective today is to continue developing primary, alternate, and contingency fire lines to work toward containment. Air support will continue, especially along the south and west edges of the fire. The Incident Management Team has ordered heavy equipment to support ground crews in developing fire lines and improving roads in the fire area. 

The only evacuation warning is a Level 2 – Get Set – for the community of Quinault Village, also known as Moclips Estates. The initial evacuation notice to Quinault Village was a Level 1 – Get Ready. Emergency management officials upgraded the evacuation level yesterday not due to any major change in the fire, but rather to be consistent with their existing message: residents should have essentials packed and be ready to go if conditions change. 

Weather today is expected to be sunny with areas of smoke, becoming cloudy in the evening. The high temperature is forecast to be 70 degrees. Winds will be out of the northwest at 7-9 mph. You can support firefighting efforts by watching out for vehicles on Highway 109 and taking care with any potential spark. 

While this area has not historically seen much fire, we have had a hot and dry spring and summer. The forest has a greater potential to burn than in most years.