Nisqually John Fire nearing 100% containment; local fire district taking charge by end of Sunday

Crews are expecting to reach 100% containment for the Nisqually John Fire today, according to a news release distributed Sunday morning.

Firefighters expect high humidity and moderate temperatures to minimize further spread of the fire. Small pockets of unburned fuel may ignite, leading to observable smoke for short periods of time.

Wildland firefighters will demobilize throughout the day, and the Nisqually John Fire will be returned to Whitman County Fire District #14 by the end of Sunday’s shift, according to the news release sent by the Northeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team that had managed the fire starting Saturday morning.

On Saturday, crews battled wind between 20 and 30 miles per hour, with some guests as high as 40-45 miles per hour. Fire crews worked on rugged terrain to reach 50% containment by the evening.

The state mobilization strike team provided structure protection along Steptoe Canyon Road.

The Incident Management Team in the news release thanked the community of Colton, Whitman County Fire District #14, the Washington State Patrol for helping fight the fire.