A new firefighting team is taking command of operations at the Wildcat Fire, replacing a team that has been battling the 8,500-acre fire for the last two weeks.
The Wildcat Fire started about 30 miles west of Naches in the Bumping Lake area on August 25. Officials said a lightning strike caused the fire, which is burning in very heavy and thick timber. Level Two “Get Setโ evacuation notices were issued for the area around Bumping River Road and Goose Prairie in the evening of September 3 and remain in place.
Several roads and campgrounds in the area were closed for public safety and to give firefighters plenty of space to work. At 6 a.m. on September 16, Southeast Washington Type 3 Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (SEWAIMT1) took over command of the fire from Northwest Complex Incident Management Team 10. SEWAIMT1 thanked NW Team 10 for their work on the fire over the last two weeks. SEWAIMT1 members shadowed NW Team 10 firefighters on September 15 to ensure a seamless transition.
