In brief: Forest Service lifts most campfire bans

Campfire bans have been partially lifted in parts of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Starting today, and just in time for the busy Labor Day weekend, campers may have fires in metal fire rings in designated campgrounds in six of the seven districts, according to the Forest Service. Furthermore, backpackers will be allowed to have campfires in designated wilderness areas.

Cooler wet weather has settled across much of the forest after a summer of devastating fires up and down the eastern slopes of the Cascades. Only the Naches Ranger District is keeping its ban on fires.

Staff reports

Trio of wildfires reportedly contained

WINTHROP, Wash. – The Carlton, Little Bridge Creek and Upper Falls fires are now all 100 percent contained.

The national management team overseeing the fires for the past two weeks handed off to a regional team Monday.

About 300 firefighters still are working to repair containment lines that were carved out to corral the fires.

Many of the national forest closures associated with the Little Bridge Creek Fire have been lifted. West Chewuch Road and much of Eight Mile Road in the Upper Fall Fire area are now open.

Associated Press

Tumble can’t hinder police dog’s pursuit

A police dog and his handler fell into a culvert early Monday morning while chasing a suspect on foot.

The dog, named Laslo, was not hurt even though his handler, Spokane County sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Thurman, fell on top of him.

Despite the mishap, Laslo caught up with suspect.

The chase began when Thurman spotted a motorcycle with a passenger speeding east on Appleway Boulevard near Dishman-Mica Road just before 3:30 a.m., according to a Sheriff’s Office news release. The motorcycle, which was stolen, fled south on Farr Road and then Bowdish Road after Thurman attempted to stop it.

He found the motorcycle in a driveway in the 12500 block of South Madison Road. The driver, identified as 51-year-old Bobby K. Stafford, ran away. After the fall into the culvert, Laslo stopped Stafford until deputies could arrest him, according to the release.

Nina Culver