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Effective September 19,2016 the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has replaced the previously established area closure with a temporary road closure. The new order closes Forest Service Roads 1701, 1720 and 1702 within the National Forest boundary to any type of travel. In addition, all spur roads within the interior of the polygon created by those routes are also closed. The full closure order is available on the Okanogan-Wenatchee Nation Forest website.

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/19/2016 2:00 p.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1376 (new number) Significant progress on containing this fire has allowed fire managers to scale back the resources assigned to it. Northwest Incident Management Team 7 has met its objectives and has transferred command to a smaller local team led by Incident Commander Rob Kephart to complete the remaining work. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is on lands protected by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Operations- Mop-up standards have largely been met on the southern side of the fire. On that area, attention is turning to rehabilitating fire lines and repairing damage done by suppression activities. The focus on the northern flank continues to be mop-up. Firefighters are also tasked with monitoring the entire fire edge. Weather and Fire Behavior – A “fall”...

Fire closures remain in effect for the Buck Creek Fire, which include all campgrounds and trailheads north of Alpine Meadows Campground on FS-6200. This includes the Buck Creek Trail No. 1513, Chiwawa River Trail No. 1550, Phelps Creek Trail No. 1511 and Carne Mountain Trail No. 1508. Also closed is the Indian Creek Trail No. 1502. The only campground that will remain closed up the Chiwawa River Road is the Phelps Creek Campground.

Trails and campgrounds reopen with decreased fire activity; fire managers postpone prescribed burns Leavenworth, WA – A new closure order has re-opened campgrounds and trails in the area as fire conditions have moderated on the Buck Creek Fire in the upper Chiwawa River drainage. The Buck Creek and Saul fires have experienced minimal growth since early September when storms produced a third-of-an-inch of wetting rains. With warmer and drier weather returning, the fire continues healthy growth and spread along the Forest floor. With an increase in smoke production and stagnant air movement around local communities, firefighters are postponing planed prescribed burns in the Chiwawa River/Pines area. “Clean air matters to all of us. While the Washington Department of Natural Resources has given us approval to go ahead with local prescribed burns, we have decided to delay ignition,” said Cary Stock, Fire Management Officer for the Wenatchee River Ranger District. “As soon...

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/18/2016 8:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1366 This is the final update from Northwest Incident Management Team 7. The fire will be transitioning to a local Type 3 team Monday morning at 6 a.m. The NW IMT 7 wishes to extend its gratitude to the community for their support of the firefighting effort on the Rock Creek Fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. If you have information, please contact Bruce Balderston at the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) at 509-925-8510. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is located on the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – Fire behavior was minimal yesterday. Crews continued to cool hotspots (mop-up) along the containment lines and worked to further secure the containment lines. Today’s...

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/17/2016 7:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1366 The Level 1 Evacuation Notice for residences located east of SR 410 (from south of Cliffdell to Forest Road 1701) has been lifted. The cause of the fire is unknown and under investigation. If you have information, please contact Bruce Balderston at the Washington Department of Natural Resources at 509-925-8510. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning on the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – Crews made good progress yesterday. With the warm and dry conditions isolated pockets of previously unburned vegetation within the interior of the fire continued to burn and produce some smoke. Firefighters continued cooling hotspots (mopping up) and worked to further secure the containment lines. Today’s Operations – Crews...

ROCK CREEK FIRE EVACUATION LIFTED At 7:00 p.m. on September 16, 2016 the Level 1 evacuation notice for residences located east of SR 410 (from south of Cliffdell to Forest Road 1701) has been lifted.

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/16/2016 8:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1366 Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning on the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – An inversion yesterday morning caused smoke to settle into surrounding valleys and temporarily delayed the start of burnout operations on the last remaining unlined section of the fire. Challenged by a late start and unfavorable winds, crews were still able to successfully complete the assignment. Helicopters doused hotspots near the line as the burnout fire moved toward the interior. A clearly visible vertical smoke column developed as the flame fronts merged in the late afternoon. Elsewhere, firefighters continued cooling hotspots (mopping up) and other hazards adjacent to the existing lines to further secure them. Today’s Operations – Mop up...

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/15/2016 9:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1366 Evacuation Levels Adjusted - Since the southern flank of the fire nearest to the SR 410 corridor is relatively secure, evacuation levels have been lowered. Those residences which were previously under a Level 2 evacuation are now under a level 1. The evacuation notice for those residences that were previously under a Level 1 has been lifted. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning on the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – It was an active day on the fire yesterday. Burnout operations, intended to widen the containment buffers, have reached the top of the prepared containment line on the northeast flank. During the afternoon and late into the night, winds pushed smoke and embers over the firelines. Firefighters lined and...

ANNOUNCEMENTEVACUATION LEVELS NEAR THE ROCK CREEK FIRE HAVE BEEN REDUCED At 6:30 p.m. on September 14, 2016 the evacuation levels associated with the Rock Creek Fire have been changed to the following: · Those residences which were previously under a Level 2 evacuation (east of SR 410 from south of Cliffdell to Forest Road 1701) are now under a level 1. · The evacuation notice for those residences along the SR 410 corridor that were previously under a Level 1 has been lifted. Level 1: A Level 1 Evacuation means “BE READY” for potential evacuation. Residents should be aware of the danger that exists in their area, monitor emergency services websites and local media outlets for information. Level 2: A Level 2 Evacuation means “BE SET” to evacuate. YOU MUST PREPARE TO LEAVE AT A MOMENTS NOTICE. This level indicates there is significant danger to your area, and residents should either voluntarily relocate to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area, or...

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/14/2016 10:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 658-1366 Please Note the New Fire Information Telephone Number At this time the Rock Creek Fire is suspected to be human caused and is under investigation. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning in the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Resources (DNR) 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – Firefighters made significant progress in establishing and securing containment lines. The west, south and east flanks now have initial containment lines in place with varying stages of securing actions being accomplished. Warmer temperatures supported increased fire activity, particularly on the northwest corner of the fire. The upslope movement had been anticipated with crews preparing line out ahead of it. Burnout operations, lighting fires along the line to back toward the main fire, helped widen...

ANNOUNCEMENT ROCK CREEK FIRE PUBLIC MEETING A public meeting will be held concerning the Rock Creek Fire suppression and related issues. When: Wednesday September 14, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. Where: at the Nile Library, 1891 Nile Rd; Naches, Washington. Topic discussed will include: Fire managers and agency representatives will be on hand to discuss current Rock Creek Fire suppression effort and future strategies, the fire investigation process and the recent area closure for the Rock Creek Fire. In addition, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest staff will present information regarding the upcoming prescribed burning program and smoke management pilot project. Speakers: · Northwest Incident Management Team 7 Incident Commander & Fire Operations · Washington Department of Natural Resources Agency Representatives · Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Agency Representatives · Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Agency Representatives · Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest...

Rock Creek Fire Update9/13/2016 8:00 a.m. PTFire Information: (509) 653-1468 A closure order has been issued by the Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forest for portions of the National Forest System Lands and trails within the Naches Ranger District around the fire area. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning in the Naches Ranger District 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – Firefighters continued to work hard to hold the northwest portion of the fire below road the Forest Service Road (FSR) 1720. The southwest flank of the fire, above residences in Rock Creek, is being mopped up and secured. In the southeastern portion of the fire crews began burning out along the FSR 1701 to extend and widen the fireline. Helicopters continued to be used to suppress small new spot fires and “flare ups” on all flanks. Today’s Operations – There are several suppression tactics being utilized to contain the...

A closure order has been issued by the Okanogan – Wenatchee National Forest for portions of the National Forest System Lands and trails within the Naches Ranger District around the fire area. Naches Ranger District Closure Order No. 06-17-08-16-989 – Reference attached closure order and map.· Closure begins from the southeast point at the junction of FSR 1701 and SR 410. · Closure continues northeast along the south side of FSR 1701 to the junction with FSR 1714 and 1713. · Closure then runs east along the south side of FSR 1714 to the junction with FSR 1714-615. · Closure then runs east following the 17-615 to NF boundary and extends due east beyond the NF boundary for approximately 0.46 miles into DNR ownership. · Closure then turns due north and continues north for approximately 5.6 miles to the northeast corner of Section 19. · Closure then turns north and runs for 2 miles to Naches Cle Elum District boundaries and follows that until 4X4 Route 686. · Closure travels...

Rock Creek Fire Update 9/12/2016 10:00 a.m. PT Fire Information: (509) 653-1468 Officials continue to advise the public to stay away from the fire area due to the potential for rapid fire spread and fire fighting vehicles in the area. At 0600 today, Northwest Interagency Incident Management Team 7 took over management of the Rock Creek Fire. The Incident Command Post is located at the Chinook Pass Work Center in Yakima County. Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning in the Naches Ranger District 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410. Yesterday’s Operations – Hot shot crews built fireline from the western edge of the fire eastward along the south flank. Both fixed wing retardant aircraft and helicopters were heavily used on both the eastern and northwest flanks to check the spread of the fire. There was active fire behavior late into the night and firefighters contained several additional spot fires. Today’s Operations – Air...

This will be the final update unless significant activity occurs. Cooler weather and higher humidity’s have dampened the fires to light activity. All four fires will continue to be actively monitored by Olympic National Park fire officials. Equipment for structure protection remains in place on structures near the fires. These fires remain active and are not out. Depending on the weather and fire activity, smoke may be seen at times throughout the surrounding valleys within the Olympic Peninsula. All trail closures remain the same until further notice. Visitors near the fire areas should be cautious of their surroundings. When hiking, please stay near the trail, and know that walking through recently burnt areas is not safe. White ash may indicate deep pockets of heat where roots and group vegetation continues to burn below ground level. Below are the trails affected by the fires: ● The 8-mile section of the Elwha River trail remains closed from Hayes River Ranger Station south...

Cayuse Mountain Fire Information September 4, 2016, 10 am Roger Brandom, Incident Commander Type III Team Start date: Aug. 21, 2016 Current Size: 18,116 acres Percent Containment: 95% Structures lost: 14 houses, 9 other structures Location: Wellpinit, WA on the Spokane Indian Reservation Today, firefighters on the Cayuse Mountain Fire will continue to focus on securing the containment line in the Matthews Lake area while rehabilitation of dozer and hand lines continues in other areas of the fire. There are 97 personnel assigned to the fire. Management of the Cayuse Mountain Fire will transition to a local Type 4 team on Tuesday morning at 7 am. Today is the final day a daily update will be produced. A Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) will continue their work to assess threats to critical values caused by the fire. BAER team members include a geologist, hydrologist, forester, fisheries biologist, and archeologists. Level 1 and...

Cayuse Mountain Fire Information September 3, 2016, 11 am Roger Brandom, Incident Commander Type III Team Start date: Aug. 21, 2016 Current Size: 18,116 acres Percent Containment: 95% Structures lost: 14 houses, 9 other structures Location: Wellpinit, WA on the Spokane Indian Reservation The Cayuse Mountain Fire remains at 95% contained and 18,116 acres. Today, firefighters will continue to secure the containment line in the Matthews Lake area. In other areas of the fire, the focus is on patrol and mop up. Fire personnel are available to assist with initial attack if needed. A Burned Area Emergency Response Team (BAER) will continue their work to assess threats to critical values (human life and safety, property, critical natural and cultural resources) caused by the fire. The Spokane Tribe of Indians Pow Wow is underway in Wellpinit. Last night, a ceremony was held to recognize the brave firefighters and public safety officers who...

Shift in weather patterns slows fire growth Leavenworth, WA – A dramatic turn in weather patterns will mean cooler and wetter conditions on both the Buck Creek and Saul fires over the next several days. For over a month, these naturally ignited fires have been burning almost completely inside the Glacier Peak Wilderness. The Buck Creek Fire is now approximately 3,500 acres in size, while the Saul Fire is approximately 500 acres. While new fire growth may be limited, fire managers are continuing to actively monitor the healthy spread of these fires through reconnaissance flights as weather conditions allow. Hunters and other forest visitors wishing to access high elevation areas may still access the Boulder Pass area from White River. Other areas for high elevation hunters to consider in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest include the Chelan-Sawtooth and the Pasayten Wilderness areas. As activity on these fires decreases going into fall, public information updates will...

Cayuse Mountain Fire Information September 2, 2016, 10 am Roger Brandom, Incident Commander Type III Team Start date: Aug. 21, 2016 Current Size: 18,116 acres Percent Containment: 95% Structures lost: 14 houses, 9 other structures Location: Wellpinit, WA on the Spokane Indian Reservation The Cayuse Mountain Fire is 95% contained and 18,116 acres. The fire is being managed by a Type III team under the leadership of Incident Commander Roger Brandom. Today, the Cherokee Hotshots and several engines will continue working together to improve the security of containment lines in the Matthews Lake area. Mop up and patrol continues around the rest of the fire perimeter, along with rehabilitation of dozer and hand lines. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team arrived on the Cayuse Mountain Fire yesterday. This is a team of resource specialists who identify threats to critical values (human life and safety, property, critical natural and cultural resources) and determine...