InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Actualización sobre los incendios en Norse Peak Miércoles, 30 de agosto de 2017 – 9:00 a.m. Los datos infrarrojos del vuelo nocturno de anoche confirmaron un evidente contraste entre el comportamiento del incendio y la expansión entre las secciones norte y sur de los incendios de Norse Peak. El incendio American (301 acres), que arde del lado sur de la Carretera 410, no se ha expandido de manera significativa en los últimos dos días. Continúa retrocediendo lentamente cuesta abajo, en sentido norte hacia las líneas de mangueras instaladas sobre el Río American. No se desplazó en sentido sur hacia la Carretera de Bumping River, Bumping Lake Marina, Camp Fife o Goose Prairie, donde los negocios se encuentran abiertos y los campistas disfrutan del clima seco y caluroso. En cambio, más al norte de la Carretera 410, la zona desértica de Norse Peak ha experimentado un comportamiento extremo del incendio y una expansión significativa. El incendio de Norse Peak, el incendio...

Information: (503)765-5724 - 8 am – 6 pm Email: diamondcreekfire@gmail.com Websites: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondcreekfire2017 Smoke Conditions: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com Location: Methow Valley Ranger District on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; 12 miles north of Mazama, WA Summary: Tuesday was a second day of substantial fire growth at the north and northwest ends. The fire increased by 16,196 acres, and produced significant smoke and some ash fall in the Methow Valley. The fire has burned across the border with Canada in the Peevee Creek drainage, where it has burned an estimated 300 acres. Coordination with the British Columbia Ministry of Forest Land and Natural Resource Operations is ongoing.Helicopter water drops are still being used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek, with a large Type 1 helicopter in addition to the Type 2.Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as...

Late yesterday, three spot fires jumped the western line late in the afternoon. Firefighter lookouts, who were strategically placed in the narrow canyon to mitigate safety concerns, located the fires outside the perimeter around 4:30 p.m. Hand crews were assisted by air resources, including four helicopters and a fixed-wing airplane that dipped out of North Twin Lakes, to quickly line the three fires, with the largest growing less than 5 acres. Additional crews utilized newly opened interior roads to put in place a water point that will assist in securing portions of the line difficult to access from perimeter roads. Elsewhere, crews continued to mop-up, hold, and secure the perimeter of the fire, completing small burnout operations to clean up unburned fuels along the lines. Sawyers worked to mitigate hazardous trees along the fireline and interior roads. Today, crews will work to lock up the eastern line along Summit Trail and continue work on a direct line on the west side of...

Contact Fire Information: 775-455-5316 Hours: 7a.m. – 8 p.m. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ Date of Detection: August 11, 2017, 4:50 pm Current Size: 130 (size may increase or decrease with more accurate mapping) Location: Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, 30 miles northwest of North Bend, WA Legal Description: 47.65771N/121.583W Completed: 10% Incident Cost: $210,000.00 Incident Cause: Human Resources on Fire: There are approximately 70 personnel on this incident: Hot Shot CREWS Type 2 IA CREWS TYPE 1 HELICOPTERS (HEAVY) TYPE 2 HELICOPTERS (MED.) TYPE 3 HELICOPTERS (LIGHTS) ENGINES WATER TENDERS Excavators DOZERS 0 1 0 0 0 7 1 1 1 Remarks: Fire fighter and public safety is the most important objective. The terrain is steep and presents a challenge for the fire fighters. The fire had...

Infrared data from a flight last night confirmed stark contrast in fire behavior and expansion between south and north sections of the Norse Peak Fires. The American Fire (301 acres), burning on the south side of Hwy 410, has not spread significantly in the last two days. It continues backing slowly downhill, north toward the hose lines installed above the American River. It did not move south toward the Bumping River Road, Bumping Lake Marina, Camp Fife or Goose Prairie, where businesses are open and campers are enjoying hot dry weather. In contrast, well north of Hwy 410 in the Norse Peak Wilderness, there has been extreme fire behavior and significant fire spread. The Norse Peak Fire, Union Creek Fire, and Fire 367 (now 12,904 acres) have grown together and expanded through much of the north side of Gold Hill, Union Creek, the North Fork of Union Creek, Crow Creek, and Falls Creek. Fire crossed the Pacific Crest Trail west of Crow Lake. Flames hundreds of feet high were observed...

Diamond Creek Fire UpdateTuesday, August 29NEW TRAIL CLOSURES IN EFFECTInformation: (503)765-5724 - 8 am – 6 pm Email: diamondcreekfire@gmail.com Websites: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondcreekfire2017 Smoke Conditions: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com Location: Methow Valley Ranger District on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; 12 miles north of Mazama, WA Summary: On Monday the fire grew substantially at the north end in East Fork Pasayten Creek into Whistler Basin and around Deception Pass, bringing more smoke into the upper Methow Valley. The Diamond Creek Fire Incident Commander is coordinating with the British Columbia Ministry of Forest Land and Natural Resource Operations, which is doing additional reconnaissance flights in the area.Helicopter water drops are still being used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek.Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as part of the preparation work...

Due to heightened activity of the Norse Peak Fire, the Pacific Crest Trail has now been closed from White Pass north to Government Meadow. Government Meadow is near the northern boundary of the Norse Peak Wilderness Area. Road 1902 from the Forest Road 19, along the Little Naches River, to "Raven's Roost" is also closed. The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is updating and expanding its closure area.Thank you for respecting this closure in order to support public and firefighter

Ayer se presentó un incremento en la actividad del incendio en el área forestal de Norse Peak. Se preveían estas condiciones debido a las altas temperaturas, baja humedad relativa e inestabilidad atmosférica que se había previsto. Al norte de la Carretera 410, el incendio de Union Creek atravesó Union Creek, se desplazó hacia el este y se juntó con el incendio de Norse Peak. Estos incendios se están desplazando al sur, alrededor del lado oriental de Gold Hill, junto a Union Creek. También hubo calor intenso y una propagación considerable del lado nororiental del incendio de Norse Peak hacia Sheepherder Lake. El incendio parece no haber cruzado Survey Creek, pero se ha juntado con el Incendio 367 al norte. Estos tres incendios ahora se denominan en conjunto como el incendio de Norse Peak, con un tamaño estimado de 5.712 acres. Para esta noche se tiene planeado realizar un vuelo infrarrojo que aporte información actualizada. Al sur de la Carretera 410, el incendio American...

The Bridge Creek Fire, burning near Keller on the Colville Indian Reservation, started on August 9, and leadership on the NW IMT 11 have reminded firefighters to be aware of complacency and fatigue - remain aware of safety. Fire weakened trees have posed a hazard for firefighters and fellers have worked to mitigate that hazard, but safety officers on the fire reminded crews today in a morning briefing to “look up, look down, and look around.” Medical personnel have also asked crews to remain hydrated, as extreme heat conditions, difficult terrain, and poor access to the fire have proved physically and mentally challenging. Yesterday, crews completed development of a handline and installed a thorough hose lay that will reduce the footprint of the fire. A safety zone was developed and approved to enhance safety for crews. At this point, line has been completed around the entire perimeter of the fire and crews will now begin to secure and reinforce firelines, working toward...

There was an increase in fire activity yesterday in the Norse Peak Wilderness Area. These conditions were expected due to the high temperatures, low relative humidity, and atmospheric instability that had been forecast. North of Highway 410, the Union Creek Fire crossed Union Creek, moved east and joined the Norse Peak Fire. These fires are moving south around the eastern side of Gold Hill along Union Creek. There was also intense heating and significant fire spread on the northeast side of the Norse Peak Fire towards Sheepherder Lake. The fire does not appear to have crossed Survey Creek, but has joined Fire 367 to the north. These three fires are now referred to as the Norse Peak Fire with estimated size of 5712 acres. An infrared flight is planned for tonight to provide updated information. South of Highway 410 the American Fire continued to descend north towards the American River. It did not move south towards the Bumping Lake Recreation area. It is now at an estimated 285...

Jolly Mountain FireCommunity Briefing Thurs., Aug. 31, 6 p.m. Walter Strom Middle School2694 State Route 903, Cle Elum, WA 98922

Fire Information Phone: (509)596-2423 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm) Pre-recorded line: (505)585-5048 Email: JollyMountainFireInfo@gmail.com Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/5496/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jollymountainfireinfo/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jolly_mountain Start 8/11Cause LightningSize 4,682 acres Containment 0% Percent Crews 6Helicopters 4Engines 21Total Personnel 332Location: Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 11 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA Summary: Fire activity did increase on the Jolly Mountain Fire yesterday, especially on the western perimeter, between Sasse Mountain and the northwestern corner of the fire. However, the smoke that inundated the valleys and caused ash to fall in and around Cle Elum was from the Norse Peak Fire. Smoke was thick enough to limit the use of aircraft in the midafternoon. Nevertheless, helicopters dropped nearly 100,000 gallons of water on the fire yesterday. Information on the...

Quarry Fire Update 08/29/2017Contact Fire Information: 775-455-5316 Hours: 7a.m. – 8 p.m. http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ Date of Detection: August 11, 2017, 4:50 pm Current Size: 130 (size may increase or decrease with more accurate mapping) Location: Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest, 30 miles northwest of North Bend, WA Legal Description: 47.65771N/121.583W Completed: 10% Incident Cost: $154,000.00 Incident Cause: Human Resources on Fire: There are approximately 71 personnel on this incident: Hot Shot CREWS Type 2 IA CREWS TYPE 1 HELICOPTERS (HEAVY) TYPE 2 HELICOPTERS (MED.) TYPE 3 HELICOPTERS (LIGHTS) ENGINES WATER TENDERS Excavators DOZERS 0 1 0 0 0 7 2 1 1 Remarks: Fire fighter and public safety is the most important objective. The terrain is steep and presents a challenge for the fire...

Roads Closed - FS road 5130 (Eightmile Creek Road) and all of its spur roads FS road 5140 (Falls Creek Road) and all of its spur roads FS road 5220 (Cub Creek/Ortell Creek Road) east of Cub Pass and all of its spur roads east of Cub Pass FS road 5220100 (Sweetgrass Butte Road) and all of its spur roads Trails Closed - FS trail 511 - Goat Creek FS trail 518 - Falls Creek FS trail 519 - Copper Glance FS trail 523 - Eightmile Ridge FS trail 477 – Ptarmigan Creek beyond the Dot Creek crossing FS trail 500 – Lake Creek beyond Black Lake FS trail 502 – Sand Ridge FS trail 533 – Boundary Trail, between Spanish Camp (junction with Andrews Creek #504) and the Pasayten Airstrip (junction with trail #478) Area Closures: Fire area closures are in effect, and will continue until fall. Eightmile Creek 5130 Road is closed for its entire length, from West Chewuch 51 Road to Billy Goat Trailhead. This closure includes the Ruffed Grouse, Honeymoon, Nice, Flat, and Buck Lake...

Throughout the afternoon today, smoke built up over the Norse Peak Fire area indicating increased fire activity and spread. These conditions were expected due to the weather that had been forecast for the area. North of Gold Hill, the Union Creek Fire crossed Union Creek, moved east and joined the Norse Peak Fire. These fires are moving south around the eastern side of Gold Hill along Union Creek. There was also intense heating and significant fire spread along the northeast side of the Norse Peak Fire deeper into the wilderness. Fire does not appear to have crossed Survey Creek, but may have joined Fire 367 to the north. The American Fire continued to descend north towards the American River. It did not move south towards the Bumping Lake Recreation area. Night Crews will be monitoring the fires and conditions along Highway 410 through the

The Norse Peak Fires were very active today, which may affect driving conditions on the roadway and require extra caution. Travelers should be aware that there could be smoke, firefighters working, flashing lights, and possibly fire activity in the area. The highway has been closed during the day from east of Chinook Pass (mile post 69) and west of Hell’s Crossing (mile post 84), and open nights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the night and if necessary, the road could be closed for the safety of the public and firefighters. Check the Department of Transportation travel alerts at http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/.

Diamond Creek Fire UpdateMonday, August 28, 2017Information: (503)765-5724 - 8 am – 6 pm Email: diamondcreekfire@gmail.com Websites: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondcreekfire2017 Smoke Conditions: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com Location: Methow Valley Ranger District on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; 12 miles north of Mazama, WA Summary: On Sunday there was active burning in Drake Creek at the south end of the fire, and in the East Fork Pasayten Creek and Deception Pass at the north end. Fire growth was 458 acres at the north end. Smoke columns were seen in the Methow Valley. Helicopter water drops were used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek, while firefighters flew in for a short mission to maintain sprinklers at Hidden Lakes cabins.Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as part of the preparation work on the indirect fire line along Ortell Creek Road. In addition, a road grader...

The Bridge Creek Fire, which is burning 13 miles north of Keller on the Colville Indian Reservation, has moderated behavior with backing and flanking fire and occasional single tree torching inside the perimeter. Conditions have allowed the Northwest Incident Management Team 11 (NW IMT 11) to utilize direct suppression strategies that have the potential to considerably reduce the footprint of the fire. The strategy utilizes a well- established anchor at the heel of the fire along Bridge Creek Road as well as previously developed contingency lines. In order to employ the direct attack strategy, fire crews have begun to open up roads on the interior of the fire, which provides additional escape routes and reduces hazards posed to firefighters as they employ the new, direct attack tactic. An additional safety zone, developed yesterday, will be utilized to mitigate concerns for firefighter safety. Crews will also continue to reduce hazard trees on the eastern fireline where they...

Firefighters have been consistently diligent in their preparations each day they have worked on the Norse Peak Fires, strengthening containment lines; putting in contingency lines, hoselays, sprinklers; and protecting structures. Today is a critical day on the fires and those preparations may be put to the test as extreme dry and hot weather have cured and heated fuels, making them ready to burn. Today’s temperatures are expected to be in the upper 80s and 90s, with extremely low relative humidity. Today is day 76 without rain. “We are in a good place because of all of your hard work,” Dean Warner, fire behavior analyst, told firefighters during the morning briefing. Sunday’s Accomplishments: The Norse Peak Fire (2,222 acres) progressed eastward toward Survey Creek, but helicopters dropping water on the fire kept it on the west side of the creek. The Union Creek Fire (355 acres) to the west of the Norse Peak Fire continues to push down against Union Creek but was kept north...

Los bomberos han sido sistemáticamente diligentes en sus preparaciones cada uno de los días que han trabajado en los incendios de Norse Peak, fortaleciendo las líneas de contención, instalando líneas de contingencia, mangueras, rociadores, y protegiendo estructuras. Hoy es un día crítico, y dichas preparaciones serán puestas a prueba debido a que el clima sumamente cálido y seco ha avivado y calentado los materiales combustibles, preparándolos para arder. Se espera que las temperaturas de hoy superen los 80º y 90º, con humedad relativa extremamente baja. Han pasado 76 días sin lluvia. “Estamos en un buen punto gracias a su arduo trabajo” dijo Dean Warner, analista de comportamiento de incendios, a los bomberos durante el informe matutino. Logros del domingo: El incendio de Norse Peak (2.222 acres) avanzó hacia el este, hacia Survey Creek. Sin embargo, los helicópteros que vierten agua sobre el incendio pudieron mantenerlo del lado oeste del arroyo. El incendio de...