InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

Air quality in the Methow Valley should be good for the most part. Westerly winds will carry smoke to the east. There may be periods of smoke, especially in the evening hours. Smoke in the Okanagan Valley will be good with periods of moderate smoke as smoke from the fire will drift east. Expect heavy periods of heavy smoke from the fire.

Location: Cle Elum Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, 13 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA Start Date: August 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Size: 334 Acres Percent Contained: 0% Vegetation: Timber between rock stringers and ridge tops Resources Assigned: 61 personnel Incident Commander: Alan Sinclair with the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 3 Summary: The Jolly Mountain Fire is made up of five fires in a remote area approximately five miles northeast of the north end of Cle Elum Lake. Steep slopes, rugged terrain and the distance from road systems limit access to the fires. Due to the inaccessibility, firefighters are continuing to scout fire line locations with the highest probability of success to protect values at risk. Today, crews will begin construct indirect line in the Morgan Creek area as well as identify any structure protection needs. Air resources will availble today to help mitigate potential fire spread as well. Additional...

Cooler, damper weather helped moderate fire behavior again on Sunday, but the wind continued to push the fire to the northeast. By the end of the day the relative humidity had dropped and the temperature had started to rise, confirming the meteorologist’s prediction of warmer, drier weather in the coming week. Winds are expected to decrease for the next several days. The west side of the fire held, and the fireline was extended further to the north. The south side also held, but it was challenged by burning material rolling out of the fire area, down the steep slopes, and across the hand-line. The fire was held in check by retardant drops from a Single Engine Air Tanker, bucket drops from large and medium helicopters, and water drops from Fire Boss scoopers. Heavy equipment working from Bridge Creek Road has opened up Summit Trail for about ¾ of a mile to the north as part of a fire break on the east side of the fire. Work will continue today to extend the west and east lines. It...

Fire Location: Diamond Creek Fire is burning within the Pasayten Wilderness approximately 12 air miles north of Mazama, Washington and 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. Fire History and Activity: On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the fire advanced over Eightmile Pass, into the upper headwaters of Eightmile drainage. A firing operation was completed from handlines in the Eightmile drainage, south of Billy Goat Trailhead, reducing heavy fuels in the path of the fire. Structure protection assessments have been completed on over 500 structures south of the fire. Current Status and Projected Operations: Infrared mapping this morning shows the fire has grown by 1,500 acres since last mapped, on August 13, 2017. The fire growth last night was primarily in the Murphy Creek drainage and Island Mountain area within the Pasayten Wilderness on the northwest side of the fire. Today, crews will continue with holding operations on the blackened firelines in Eightmile drainage....

Sunday, August. 13, 2017Summary: A lightning storm Friday afternoon ignited 13 fires within the Naches Ranger District west of Yakima, Washington. Ten of the fires are in the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wildernesses. Three of the more accessible fires were contained Friday night. A Sunday morning overflight indicated that fire activity was somewhat less than on Saturday; however, overall there was still enough heat remaining to produce visible smoke and continue steady, but slow fire growth. These fires will be fully suppressed; however, difficult access and firefighter safety concerns will likely deter immediate direct action. The strategy is to prevent these fires from coming down out of the Wilderness to SR 410 and threatening the structures and improvements adjacent to it. Throughout the western United States very high fire activity has exhausted nearly all firefighting resources. Local fire managers believe the resources they currently have are sufficient to...

Colville Tribal authorities have closed Summit Trail and all roads through the fire

Location: Cle Elum Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee NF, 13 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA Start Date: August 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Size: 327 Acres Percent Contained: 0% Vegetation: Timber between rock stringers and ridge tops Resources Assigned: 70 personnel Incident Commander: Alan Sinclair with the Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 3 Summary: Rain late Saturday night slowed spread on the five fires that make up the Jolly Mountain Fire. They are burning in a remote area approximately five miles northwest of the north end of Cle Elum Lake. Steep slopes, rugged terrain and the distance from road systems limit access to the fires. The potential complexity of the fires instituted a change from the local Type 3 Incident Management Team to a Type 2 Team. Type 2 Teams contain additional specialists and are capable of dealing with larger, more complicated incidents. The two Teams transitioned and the Southwest Area Type 2 Team assumed command this...

Quick Facts Fire size: 4,000 acres Location: East of Sullivan Lake near Metaline Falls, WA Containment: 44% Cause: Lightning on 7/15/17 Resources: 1 Hotshot crew, 2 Type II Initial Attack Crew, 2 Type II Crew, 1 Type III Helicopter, 2 Type II Helicopter, 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft, 2 Dozers, 6 Type 6 Engines, 5 Water Tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Ambulance Personnel: 255 Email: noisycreekfire@gmail.com Firefighters have made excellent progress containing the Noisy Creek Fire yet remain diligent as the fire will be tested by another day of gusty winds. The fire is expected to remain active throughout the day, especially noticeable along the west face of Hall Mountain, invigorated by gusty winds associated with a passing cold front. Steep, rugged terrain, hazard trees and difficult access along portions of the 2015 Grease Creek fire scar, are presenting a challenge to the completion of a containment line along the fires eastern perimeter. One hotshot crew, two dozers and three masticators...

Smoke: The air quality for Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp will improve to a moderate AQI today and tomorrow. The Methow Valley will at times see GOOD AQI. The worst conditions will be see in the late hours to early mornings. The AQI could be around USG. Expect USG CONDITIONS for the Okanogan Valley. As winds shift to a West/North West direction smoke will drift into the valley. The AQI could reach into an Unhealthy condition by the evening into tomorrow. Fire: Fire is 25,438 acres. Other: Remember during the periods where the AQI has dropped to a rating of USG or below windows should be shut and limit the flow of outside air to inside.

Fire Location: Diamond Creek Fire is burning within the Pasayten Wilderness approximately 12 air miles north of Mazama, Washington and 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. Fire History and Activity: On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the fire advanced over Eightmile Pass, into the upper headwaters of Eightmile drainage. A firing operation was completed from handlines in the Eightmile drainage, south of Billy Goat Trailhead, reducing heavy fuels in the path of the fire. Structure protection assessments have been completed on over 500 structures south of the fire. Current Status and Projected Operations: The fire has grown by 1,788 acres since last mapped, on August 12, 2017. On Sunday, crews will be used in holding operations on the blackened fireline in Eightmile drainage. Contingency handlines and dozer lines in the Eightmile, Falls Creek, Cub Creek and Ortell creek areas will continue to be scouted and constructed. A Type 2 Team is enroute to help manage the...

The Bridge Creek Fire on the Colville Reservation is located 13 miles north-northeast of Keller, Washington. Lightning is the cause of the fire that started on August 8, 2017. Last night was the first infrared fly over of the fire decreasing the size of the fire to 939 acres. On Saturday cooler temperatures and slight rain helped the fire fighters make good progress. The fire was still active and burning downhill mostly in surface vegetation with isolated single tree torching. Fire fighters were mopping up on the west edge of the fire holding it along Bridge Creek which runs parallel to Upper Bridge Creek Road. To the Northeast firefighters found a potentially effective location to construct a fire line which will help meet the objective of minimizing acreage burned and protecting natural and cultural resources. On the east side of the fire they continue to construct dozer lines, while securing the southern edge in order to keep the fire north of Bridge Creek Road. Today, aircraft...

Saturday, August 12, 2017 – 7:05 p.m. The latest in a series of Pacific Northwest thunderstorms moved through the central Washington Cascade Mountains on Friday afternoon. Lightning associated with the storm ignited 13 fires within the Naches Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest west of Yakima, Washington. Ten of the fires were within the William O. Douglas and Norse Peak Wilderness areas. Local Forest Service fire crews attacked and contained two fires near Rimrock Lake and one near Timber Wolf Mountain Friday night. The remaining fires were too remote to take action on Friday. Saturday morning, fire managers used a helicopter to get a more detailed look at the 10 wilderness fires scattered over a 72-square-mile area approximately 62 miles northwest of Naches. Most of the fires were less than an acre in size, with one estimated at five acres, and the largest at 15 acres. The area is characterized as steep, rugged terrain and varies from bare rock...

Quick Facts Fire size: 3,870 acres Location: East of Sullivan Lake near Metaline Falls, WA Containment: 41% Cause: Lightning on 7/15/17 Resources: 1 Hotshot crew, 3 Type II Initial Attack Crew, 2 Type II Crew, 1 Type III Helicopter, 2 Type II Helicopter, 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft, 2 Dozers, 10 Type 6 Engines, 6 Water Tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Ambulance Personnel: 308 Email: noisycreekfire@gmail.com Metaline Falls, WA – Firefighters are preparing for south and southwest winds that may test established fire lines. Fire activity is expected to increase within the fire perimeter, and firefighters are strengthening containment lines while others stand by to prevent any fire from escaping. Burnout operations are complete in the north and northwest sections of the fire, and firefighters will continue to mop-up in this area. Campers at Sullivan Lake and drivers along the west side of the lake can expect to see fire activity along the slopes above the eastern shore of the lake. Unburned...

Smoke: The air quality for Winthrop and Twisp will improve to a moderate AQI today and tomorrow. Mazama will see the improvements in the Evenings around 6 PM but be aware that air quality will be poor during the day. Expect VERY UNHEALTHY CONDITIONS from Noon thru 5 PM. The Okanogan Valley should expect better conditions but the air quality will be UNHEALTHY for the entire day and clearing in the evening to a MODERATE AQI. Other: Air quality will be improving today and tomorrow for most of the Methow Valley and Okanogan Valley. Smoke Video: http://bit.ly/2uQqN5n

The Bridge Creek Fire on the Colville Reservation was ignited by lightning on the evening of August 8, 2017. It is located 13 miles north-northeast of Keller, Washington, and has spread to more than 1200 acres in size. The fire held along the southwest flank thanks to constant round-robin scoop-and-drops from a fleet of three “Fire Boss” single engine scoop planes plus additional bucket drops from three Type 2 Medium-lift helicopters and a Type 1 Heavy-lift helicopter. The Fire Bosses were scooping water from Twin Lakes, a few miles east of the fire, and the helicopters were mainly using Cody Lake to the northwest as a water source. Crews successfully constructed hand fireline between Bridge Creek and the fire to anchor the fire’s western flank, and also built handline on the south side of the fire from the creek to the ridgetop to tie in with a dozer line in an attempt to secure the southern flank. Today firefighters will scout the northeast side of the fire to determine...

Road closures have been expanded due to yesterday’s fire activity. Eightmile Creek 5130 Road is now closed from West Chewuch 51 Road to Billy Goat Trailhead. The closure includes the Ruffed Grouse, Honeymoon, Nice, and Flat campgrounds. The Ortell 5220 Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with the Sweetgrass Butte 5220-100 Road, to the Eightmile 5130 Road. Sweetgrass Butte 5220-100 Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with Ortell 5220 Road, to Sweetgrass Butte. The entire Falls Creek 5140 Road is closed. A fire area closure is in effect and that area closure is expected to be expanded today. Visitors should check conditions before traveling in the area and to register at trailheads. This fire does not currently affect access to the Pacific Crest Trail or Pacific Northwest Trail. Maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, and use of charcoal briquette barbecues, or other devices that use solid fuel is prohibited across most of the...

Road closures expanded due to fire activity on August 11. Eightmile Creek (5130) Road is now closed from West Chewuch (51) Road to Billy Goat Trailhead. The Ortell (5220) Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with the Sweetgrass Butte (5220-100) Road, to the Eightmile (5130) Road. Sweetgrass Butte (5220-100) Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with Ortell (5220) Road, to Sweetgrass Butte.Additional trail closures are Falls Creek Trail 518 and Eightmile Ridge Trail 523. There is a fire closure (Fire Closure No. 06-17-04-17-1001) in effect in the vicinity of the Diamond Creek fire.

The Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation has closed Summit Trail at both ends due to concern for public safety.

Confederated Tribes of the Colville ReservationDustiin Ensminger, Incident Commander Bridge Creek Fire UpdateAugust 11, 2017 Keller, Wash.­ – The Bridge Creek Fire started on August 8th after a lightning and thunderstorm entered the eastern portion of the Colville Indian Reservation. The fire has grown to 300 acres according to GPS mapping from a helicopter. Management of the fire will transition from Mount Tolman Fire Center to Northwest Incident Management Team 6 with Ken Paul as Incident Commander at 6 pm tonight. In-briefing occurred at 9 this morning and personnel from the incoming team are shadowing the MTFC firefighters during day shift. The Incident Command Post (ICP) is located at the Keller Community Center. The fire pushed to the northeast on Thursday. Firefighters are working today to establish a direct line along the south side of the fire, with hand crews working from Bridge Creek up to the ridgetop, and then tying in to dozer line at the ridge. Assessment of...

Quick Facts Fire size: 3,870 acres Location: East of Sullivan Lake near Metaline Falls, WA Containment: 38% Cause: Lightning on 7/15/17 Resources: 1 Hotshot crew, 4 Type II Initial Attack Crew, 2 Type II Crew, 1 Type III Helicopter, 2 Type II Helicopter, 1 Fixed Wing Aircraft, 2 Dozers, 11 Type 6 Engines, 6 Water Tenders, 3 Masticators, 1 Ambulance Personnel: 337 Email: noisycreekfire@gmail.com Firefighters have completed burnout operations in the north and northwest sections of the fire. The fire is creeping down to established lines as planned, while a team of firefighters and engines standby to prevent any fire escape. Firefighters have started mopping-up in this area. The fire team is very pleased with the results of the burnout operation. Mop-up has been completed in most of the southern perimeter and so firefighters are removing hose lines and other equipment using helicopters. Dozers, masticators (heavy-duty brush clearing equipment), and hand crews are constructing line...