InciWeb Articles & Incidents for Washington and Oregon

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...

Fires in Olympic National Park exhibiting light fire activity. Cooler weather and higher humidity continue to be in the forecast throughout the weekend. Hayes, Godkin and Ignar Fires all have interior pockets of fire activity, however they are mostly smoking and smoldering due to the most recent precipitation and weather. However, it will take a considerable amount of rain to put these wildfires out (2030 inches or more). The firefighters assigned to the Ignar Fire and Godkin Fire will be released from the incident over the next two days. Two local Olympic National Park firefighters will be assigned to Godkin fire, and all other fires will be unstaffed unless activity picks up again. Fire officials will continue to monitor all fires in the park. Equipment for structure protection remains in place on structures near the fires. Visitors near the fire areas should be cautious of their surroundings. When hiking, please stay near the trail, and know that walking through blackened areas...

Cayuse Mountain Fire Information September 1, 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 Yesterday, fire personnel at the Wellpinit Lookout were able to spot several small lightning-caused fires that started on the Colville Reservation. Firefighters were sent to help out with the initial attack on those fires. Today, firefighters will focus on securing containment lines near the Matthews Lake area, which is still showing some smoke. In other areas, mop up around structures and along the fire perimeter continues. Firefighters are available to assist with initial attack if needed. A moist cold front will pass through the region increasing the chance of rain on the fire area late tonight and tomorrow morning. The Spokane Tribe of Indians Pow Wow begins today in...

Mixed intensity benefitting long-term forest health Leavenworth, WA Despite cooler temperatures and increased moisture, the Buck Creek Fire experienced beneficial new growth across the forest floor. It grew to approximately 3,400 acres and Saul remains around 464 acres in size. Currently firefighters are reporting mixed intensity burning, where some trees die and many trees survive. This mosaic burn pattern on the landscape decreases fuel loading and can lower the risk of catastrophic fires and thick, lingering smoke in the future. “Using natural wildfire ignitions to burn heavy fuels and thin the forest under predetermined fuel moisture and weather conditions is an ideal and safe way to begin to ‘reset’ the natural burn patchwork that once existed on this landscape,” said US Forest Service Research Landscape Ecologist, Paul Hessburg. Wildfires are beneficial to forest health as well as wildlife. Snags caused by the fire will create new habitat for many species, and new...

Firefighters have completed fire line construction and mop up of the 390-acre Suncrest Fire. Crews have demobilized and commanders are turning control of the incident back to Chelan County Fire District 3 and local units of the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service. Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 12 extends its warmest gratitude to all those who supported our efforts to corral and control this

LEAVENWORTH – With solid containment lines now surrounding the 390 acre Suncrest Fire, firefighters are being sent back to their home units across the great Pacific Northwest.This will be the final update from regional Type 2 Incident Management Team 12. Control of the fire will be given to local fire district, Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources agents at 6 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.The moderate intensity with which much of the fire burned will enhance revegetation and contribute to the future health of the forest. The number of firefighters assigned to the Suncrest fire peaked Monday at 368. The fire was reported at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 27 and was driven by strong, erratic winds. Firefighters from around the region quickly responded, taking advantage of pre-season preparation work done by homeowners to provide protection. No homes were burned and no injuries were reported. Cause of the fire remains under investigation. Residents of Chelan County can sign up...

Cayuse Mountain Fire Information August 31, 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 A Type III incident management team under the leadership of Incident Commander Roger Brandom is now managing the Cayuse Mountain Fire, which is now 95% contained. Yesterday, firefighters continued to improve security around structures within the fire footprint and along containment lines. Today, crews will likely complete suppression repair on interior dozer lines and continue with mop up. Firefighters are also available to help with initial attack if needed. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Wednesday night through Friday morning along with an increasing chance for a wetting rain and lower temperatures. Level 1 and Level 2 evacuations are still in place. Residents in...

Olympic National Park Fire UpdateWednesday, August 31, 2016Fire Information (360) 797-56778:00am-6:00pm Olympic National Park Fires transition to a type 4 incident. At 0700 Wednesday morning, the fire transitioned back to a local type 4 Incident. Cooler weather and higher humidity allowed for relatively moderate fire behavior yesterday. Hayes, Godkin and Ignar Creek fires all continue to exhibited interior pockets of fire activity. However, with the upcoming forecast, fire behavior is expected to remain similar if not less active than yesterday. The last assigned helicopter was released Tuesday morning, and today an engine crew is also being released from Olympic National Park Fires. Three personnel remain at the Ignar Fire and another group of three are positioned at Godkin Fire. They are likely to remain on the ground at the incidents through most of the holiday weekend, depending on the weather and fire activity. Their primary duties are to patrol and monitor the fires while...

Both the Buck Creek and Saul fires showed natural and healthy new growth with aerial reconnaissance reporting the Buck Creek Fire at 3,206 acres and the Saul Fire at 464 acres. While Monday was another warm and dry day, fire activity is predicted to diminish as the work week continues. The National Weather Service is calling for a chance of rain showers from Tuesday night through Friday night with dry and warmer days ahead this Labor Day Weekend. Both the Buck Creek and Saul fires have been continuing healthy burn patterns of creeping and smoldering across the forest floor with some isolated torching. Hand crews that were called away from working the Buck Creek Fire on Saturday to help with the initial attack on the fast moving Suncrest Fire in Leavenworth, returned to continue work on the Chiwawa River Road on Monday. Crews are continuing to prepare roads, historic structures, and other resources ahead of eventual fire spread in the coming weeks. While forest closure orders on the...