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The Echo Ridge Summer Trails area on the Chelan Ranger District was closed to access because of wildfire danger. See map for details.

On September 17 the Forest Supervisor on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest issued an area closure for the Wolverine Fire. See related closure order and map for details.

WENATCHEE, WA - Team members this week have made field trips to assess values at risk across burned areas. BAER specialists are collecting soil severity data on the Twisp River and First Creek fires, while some work remains to be finished on the Wolverine Fire. Team members expect to begin work on the Black Canyon and Lime Belt fires later this week. "It's all important," says team leader Greg Kuyumjian, "but some of it we will do first."Yesterday team members compiled data and classified values at risk for the First Creek and Wolverine fires, and they're working on modeling for the burned areas.

Oregon Incident Management Team #1 took over command of this incident Sunday September 20th, at 1800. The message of the day was, continue to keep doing the great job you have been doing, and don’t become complacent in your thoughts towards safety. It has been a long fire season, and as fatigue sets in, so do accidents. Watch out for yourself, and others, and also continue to treat each other with respect. Continued progress was made yesterday on all areas of the fire, from establishing more containment lines, to burning small brush piles that have been created during the suppression aspects of the job. The larger piles are being inventoried and covered with plastic, to be burnt next spring. Roads are continuing to be evaluated, along with chipping to clear debris. Some seeding is being done, in attempts to reestablish the area to its prior condition. Today the weather should be sunny, cooler, and drier. Temperatures will be in the 50’s to 70’s range, depending on...

Tunk Block Fire: Suppression repair is progressing and is the primary focus of activities on the Tunk Block Fire. These activities seek to mitigate resource concerns caused by fireline construction and the use of roads to access the fire. As much as possible, fire and land managers want to restore the roads and areas where firelines were constructed to pre-fire conditions. This work is specifically designed to minimize sediment delivery into streams and rivers and minimize gully and surface erosion. Approximately 160 miles of suppression repair have been completed on the Tunk Block Fire. Weather: The weather is predicted to remain cool and dry with light winds today and the next couple of days. Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests have closures encompassing the entire fire areas and adjacent forested areas. Other areas outside of the burned areas remain open to recreation, hunting and woodcutting. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas...

North Star Fire: Like the Tunk Block Fire, crews are focusing their activities on suppression repair. The suppression repair is in full swing and good progress has been made over the last several days. Approximately 240 miles of suppression repair have been completed on the North Star Fire. Weather: The weather is predicted to remain cool and dry with light winds today and the next couple of days. Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests have closures encompassing the entire fire areas and adjacent forested areas. Other areas outside of the burned areas remain open to recreation, hunting and woodcutting. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas within the fires are closed. See the maps at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3854418.pdf and http://tinyurl.com/OkaWen-Closure-Map for more specific information. Donation Information: The Long Term Recovery Group is accepting donations to benefit anyone affected by the Eastern...

BAER Team Assembled: Central Washington Fires WENATCHEE, WA – An interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team led by Greg Kuyumjian has been assembled in Wenatchee to conduct assessments of National Forest lands affected by the First Creek, Wolverine, Black Canyon, Twisp River, and Limebelt fires that burned in central Washington this summer. The 16-member interagency team includes hydrologists, soil scientists, biologists, geologists, and geographic information specialists. Team members and other contributors include resource specialists from the Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geologic Survey, and State of Washington. The BAER team gathers data about fire progression and burned fuels, and incorporates remote sensing imagery to compile its assessment. The team then conducts field surveys to evaluate soil burn...

WHAT IS BAER?Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) is the initial assessment and planned response to immediate protection needs after a wildfire. Program goals include protecting life, property, and natural or cultural resources. BAER is an emergency program for stabilization work that’s needed before the first damaging storms after a fire, focused on the following objectives:· Assess imminent post-wildfire threats to human life and safety, property, and critical natural or cultural resources on National Forest System (NFS) lands. · Identify emergency conditions and plan actions to manage unacceptable risks. · Initiate emergency responses to stabilize soils and to control water, sediment, and debris movement. · Manage risk to critical resources when actions will substantially reduce risks within the first year after a fire’s containment. · Monitor implementation and effectiveness of emergency treatments. In 2003 the Wildland Fire Leadership...

Oregon Incident Management Team #1 took over command of this incident Sunday September 20th, at 1800. Incident Commander, Shawn Sheldon thanked the crews for all the quality work they have done so far, but stated we are not done yet. We need to finish preparing this fire to be able to be returned back to the local forest. Good progress was made yesterday on all divisions of the fire, from containing unsecured areas, to repairs of damage from prior firefighting activities. The crews were brought in early last night, as an effort to control the safety concerns from potential falling snags, due to the wind event that transpired. Gusts were reported up to 40 mph. There was some precipitation that came through the fire area last night, but that is the last in the forecast for a few days. Today the weather is expected to be sunny, cooler, and drier. Temperatures will be 5-10 degrees cooler today, with RH’s in the mid 20 percent range. Winds will be lighter at 8-12 mph, with...

Smaller number of firefighters; back to the usual sources for Fire Information. Nile, Wash. – Due to increases in fire containment and the reduction in threat to communities and natural resources, the number of firefighters working on the Meeks Table Fire is getting smaller. Approximately 100 firefighters will continue to be engaged in mop up, patrol and repairing any damage caused by suppression activities, under the leadership of Jason Emhoff incident commander and Hayley Grant incident commander trainee. The fire is not expected to grow. The fire is 1,183 acres and 60% contained. The 6-acre drop in size since yesterday is due to a slight change in how one line was mapped. The southern edge (40% of the perimeter) will not be contained with constructed firelines. It is north of Rattlesnake Creek below steep cliffs. It continues to be patrolled. Smoke will continue to rise from within the Meeks Table Fire containment area as interior fuels continue to be consumed. This will...

Tunk Block Fire: Suppression repair is progressing and is the primary focus of activities on the Tunk Block Fire. These activities seek to mitigate resource concerns caused by fireline construction and the use of roads to access the fire. As much as possible, fire and land managers want to restore the roads and areas where firelines were constructed to pre-fire conditions. This work is specifically designed to minimize sediment delivery into streams and rivers and minimize gully and surface erosion. Approximately 150 miles of suppression repair have been completed on the Tunk Block Fire. The fire was “tested” with strong winds yesterday but no spots have been found. Weather: The weather is predicted to be cooler and drier today and then return to seasonal norms for this time of year tomorrow. Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests have closures encompassing the entire fire areas and adjacent forested areas. Other areas outside of the burned areas remain...

North Star Fire: Like the Tunk Block Fire, crews are focusing their activities on suppression repair. The suppression repair is in full swing and good progress has been made over the last several days. Approximately 230 miles of suppression repair have been completed on the North Star Fire. There was blowing dust in the fire area yesterday. The fire was “tested” with strong winds yesterday but no spots have been found. Weather: The weather is predicted to be cooler and drier today and then return to seasonal norms for this time of year tomorrow. Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests have closures encompassing the entire fire areas and adjacent forested areas. Other areas outside of the burned areas remain open to recreation, hunting and woodcutting. Colville Indian Reservation forest and recreational areas within the fires are closed. See the maps at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprd3854418.pdf and...

Because the containment goals have been accomplished and the Meeks Table Fire is less likely to spread, the assigned fire management staff are being reduced. Fire Information updates will now be available from the Naches Ranger District 509 653-1401 or from its Public Affairs Officer 509 653-1468. Thank you for your interest in the Meeks Table Fire and your consistent support for the firefighters who continue working to suppress, mop up, patrol, monitor and conduct suppression repair

As of 11:59 pm in September 20, 2015, the current road closure that affects the entire Forest Road 1600 system and the Forest Road 1500 system west of Bethel Ridge will be changed. The new closure affects a much smaller area, in close proximity to the Meeks Table Fire. The text of the closure follows. A signed first page and printable version with a map are attached. ORDER NO. ___ EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE OKANOGAN-WENATCHEE NATIONAL FOREST Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a) and (b) the following acts are prohibited on designated portions of National Forest System (NFS) Lands and Trails of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest as described below and shown on the attached map: 1. USE BY ANY TYPE OF TRAFFIC ON NATIONAL FOREST SYSTEM ROADS LISTED BELOW AND SHOWN ON EXHIBIT A. For the purpose of this order, any type of travel is prohibited on the following National Forest Roads due to fire: a. Forest Service Road 1601 from the junction of the 232 spur road to the terminus of the...

Breezy conditions will increase interior burning; mop up proceeds; road closures being reduced. Nile, Wash. – Conditions are expected to become increasingly breezy today as a cold front moves across the Meeks Table Fire area in mid-afternoon and evening. West winds 5-7 mph in the morning could become 12-15 mph with gusts to 20 mph after 3 pm. Higher than predicted winds could develop where narrow canyons align or winds become focused. This has the potential to increase fire activity. Crews who are mopping up and improving containment lines will be on alert to threats and the fire is not expected to escape. Today firefighters will be engaged in heavy mop up: using hand tools and water to completely extinguish a distance within the perimeter that will be adequate to ensure the fire cannot cross the containment lines. Where safely accessible, fire crews are suppressing small spot fires between steep cliffs and Rattlesnake Creek on the south edge of the fire. To protect...

KETTLE COMPLEX FIRE UPDATE Sunday, September 20, 2015 9:00 AM FIRE INFORMATION: 509-724-0040 website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4536 email: stickpinfireinfo@gmail.com facebook: tinyurl.com/kettlecmplxfire Mike Ciraulo, Incident Commander SUMMARY Stickpin 53,729 acres; 85% contained Total Personnel: 715 Graves Mtn. 8,557 acres; 80% contained Renner 13,775 acres; 85% contained Total 76,061 acres Committed Resources: 20 Crews, 24 Engines, 1 Helicopter, 10 Dozers, 8 Water Tenders Transition: Oregon Incident Management Team 1, led by Incident Commander Shawn Sheldon, will assume command of the Kettle Complex at 6 PM this evening. The Washington Incident Management Team 1 will return home Monday after a second deployment on this incident. Incident Commander Mike Ciraulo and all the members of Washington IMT 1 thank the community for their support and patience during suppression and repair activities of...

Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Sunday September 20, 2015 Prepared by Carolyn Kelly (ckelly8384@gmail.com), Air Resource Advisor Trainee This will be the final report for this area. Please check current monitor status for up to date information Smoke Summary: A dry, cold front is expected to pass through the area with windy conditions occurring late this afternoon into the evening. Warmer temperatures and a potential for some light rains, especially over the northern parts of the Tunk and North Star Fires, are expected. Low relative humidities will allow for heavy fuels to continue burning out while fire behavior is expected to be minimal overall. Extended Outlook: Winds will subside on Monday, and the weather will be dry and mild through at least Wednesday. ·Monitoring stations for Tonasket, Orient, and Kettle Falls have been shut down due to machine malfunction as of 09/10/2015.

Air Quality Forecast-NE Washington Regional Fires- Sunday September 20, 2015 Prepared by Carolyn Kelly (ckelly8384@gmail.com), Air Resource Advisor Trainee This will be the final report for this area. Please check current monitor status for up to date information Smoke Summary: A dry, cold front is expected to pass through the area with windy conditions occurring late this afternoon into the evening. Warmer temperatures and a potential for some light rains, especially over the northern parts of the Tunk and North Star Fires, are expected. Low relative humidities will allow for heavy fuels to continue burning out while fire behavior is expected to be minimal overall. Extended Outlook: Winds will subside on Monday, and the weather will be dry and mild through at least Wednesday. ·Monitoring stations for Tonasket, Orient, and Kettle Falls have been shut down due to machine malfunction as of 09/10/2015.

Kaniksu Complex—Tower Fire Idaho Panhandle and Colville National Forests and Washington DNR Kaniksu Type 3 Team — Tom Kennedy, Incident Commander September 20, 2015, 7:00 am For Immediate Release Diane Mann-Klager, 509-445-1868 towerfireinfo@gmail.com Please remember parts of the Colville and Idaho Panhandle National Forests are still closed to the public for the safety of all. Law enforcement officers are patrolling closed areas and violators may be cited. Please check with local ranger districts for more information. The Tower Fire, along with six smaller fires, comprises the Kaniksu Complex. The other fires are Onata, Baldy, Grease Creek, Hall Mountain, Slate Creek, and South Fork Creek Trail. The total acreage of all fires in the Complex is 26,120 acres with 80 percent containment as of 6:00 pm, September 19, 2015. The fire and suppression repair crews continued to address all suppression repair tasks on Tower Fire, including the two spots north of the fire near Fourth...

Tunk Block Fire: Suppression repair is progressing well and is the primary focus of activities on the Tunk Block Fire. These activities seek to mitigate resource concerns caused by fireline construction and the use of roads to access the fire. As much as possible, fire and land managers want to restore the roads and areas where firelines were constructed to pre-fire conditions. This work is specifically designed to minimize sediment delivery into streams and rivers and minimize gully and surface erosion. Approximately 130 miles of suppression repair have been completed on the Tunk Block Fire. Firefighters are responding to smokes of concern as needed. Weather: A cold front is predicted to reach the fires by this afternoon or early evening. Strong gusty winds are expected in front of the cold front. The areas near the fire perimeter are still moist from the recent rain; temperatures will be lower and humidity high. Due to these factors, spot fires are unlikely and no fire growth is...