Upriver Beacon fire largely contained; three structures lost

Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday in the vicinity of the Upriver Beacon fire, while fire crews continued to secure containment lines around the burn.

Crews were standing by Thursday night to mop up any hotspots, but had the blaze largely under control as of 7 p.m. Thursday, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.

The fast-moving fire, sparked Tuesday afternoon on private property at 6413 E. Upriver Drive, overtook at least three structures, said Jeff Sevigney, spokesman for the agencies fighting the fire. One home belonging to Frederick M. Schunter at the fire’s origin, and two outbuildings, were burned. There were no reported injuries.

Crews were able to establish a fire line surrounding the burned area, but due to multiple downed power lines, were not able to access much of the 115 acres that burned uphill and crested on Beacon Hill. Sevigney said that the poles in question had been replaced and downed lines removed from the area, and that the department would focus most of Thursday on cleaning up remaining hotspots not previously accessible.

“We know the weather is not going to stay cool like this for very long,” he said.

Camp Sekani and Shield Park remained closed Thursday. Citizens are asked to stay clear of the area as work continues to clean up the last of the hotspots.