InciWeb Articles WA

How to Be Prepared: Effects of Wildfire Increase Flood Risks Kittitas County, WA - 09/18/2017 - The Jolly Mountain Fire has burned more than 36,808 acres of land 6 miles northwest of Cle Elum since August 11, 2017. With rain in the forecast, it is important to remember that large scale wildfires dramatically change terrain and ground conditions, which increases the risk of flooding and mudflows. Lands directly affected by fires and properties located below or downstream of burn areas are most at risk for more severe runoff and soil erosion. Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall and reduces the amount of rainfall entering the stream channel. After a fire, the lack of vegetation causes rain to runoff along the soil surface, picking up debris and ash, increasing the risk for flooding, erosion, and mud and debris flows. Landowners are urged to be aware of the potential for flooding and soil erosion. If you have culverts on your property, please monitor and maintain them. Flood risk...

Campgrounds and trails in the Teanaway Community Forest were closed as of Thursday, Aug. 31, due to the Jolly Mountain Fire and some residents of the area were evacuated as the fire moved toward the community forest. View an updated closure map

Community Reminder: The TNC-managed land on the Cle Elum Ridge remains closed to public access. It remains closed at this point due to heavy equipment activity working to repair bulldozer lines. We are discussing the closure with the fire collaborators on a regular basis and look forward to lifting the closure as soon as it is safe to do so. Thanks for your patience and

Monday, September 18, 2017- this will be the last daily update posted on Inciweb. EAST CRATER FIRE INFORMATION: 509 395-3402 (please note new phone number) East Crater Fire (Indian Heaven Wilderness), Mount Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest As of Monday, Sept. 18th work continues on fire suppression repairs on the fire line along Forest Road 6035 east of the Indian Heaven Wilderness boundary. This road will remain a functional fire line. As fire conditions have changed due to cooler, wetter weather fire resources have been released to return home or to other assignments. Significant precipitation arrived in the area late Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue into Wednesday. This rain is anticipated to dramatically reduce fire activity. Nonetheless, this may not be a season ending event and warmer temperatures are likely to return, so the Forest will continue with containment efforts and be prepared to implement more...

Evacuation Advisory To Be Reduced from Bear Creek to Night Sky Drive on Saturday Kittitas County, WA - 09/15/2017 - Effective at 8:00am Saturday morning (9/16), the Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center will officially reduce the Evacuation Level 3 Advisory to a Level 2 Advisory from Bear Creek to Night Sky Drive, allowing more residents affected by the Jolly Mountain Fire to return home. This advisory change affects all residences north of Bear Creek, including the Bell Creek community, Morgan Creek community, and the Timber Ridge community. Residents returning home are asked to leave all gates open and to use extra caution on the roads, as fire personnel and equipment are still actively working and moving through the area. The Kittitas County Fire Marshal also advises that all propane tanks were shut off and technicians placed a “lock out-tag out” lock on each tank. Residents will be responsible for contacting their propane provider for removal of these locks. ...

Pierce County has dropped the level 3 evacuation for Gold Hills and Crystal Mountain Resort to danger advisory level 2. Residents in these areas are allowed to return to their homes. ALL other awareness and evacuation levels remain the

Smoke Forecast Outlook issued September 18, 2017Outlook for Central Washington SmokeSmoke: Rain overnight has improved air quality significantly. Expect patchy smoke and haze to occur in valley bottoms. With the continued stormy pattern, smoke production from fires should decrease and air sheds should ventilate over the next several days leading to improved air quality. Smoke from the Sawmill fire will impact communities.Fire: The Jolly Mountain fire is currently burning in the Yakima River Basin on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest north of Cle Elum, WA. The current fire size is 36,808 acres, with minimal fire behavior. The Uno Peak fire is currently burning north of Lake Chelan with a current size of 8,726 acres with isolated torching and backing. The Norse Peak fire is burning northwest of Yakima. The current size is 52,502 acres with moderate fire behavior.Other: Another low pressure system is forecast to hit the Pacific Northwest over the next several days. Air quality will...

This will be the last daily update for the Jolly Mountain Fire. When available, updated fire and closure information will be shared on Inciweb and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest website.Yesterday’s Activities: Success in meeting fire management objectives have allowed crews to backhaul much of the equipment that was used to protect homes and resources and begin important repair work on the landscape. Crews continued mop-up and patrol of fireline along the 903 road and the North Fork Teanaway Road. Falling crews spent the day removing hazard trees that posed a risk to public safety or blocked access. Precipitation and increased relative humidity helped to moderate fire growth.Today’s Activities: To prevent long term environmental degradation of the land and its natural resources and to encourage recovery, fire personnel are working to identify and repair damage that resulted from fire suppression activities. Crews will also continue patrolling for hotspots and conducting...

EQUIPO #10 DE DIRECCIÓN DE INCIDENTES DEL NOROESTE Al Lawson - comandante de incidentes Cayó una precipitación leve sobre la zona del incendio Lunes, 18 de septiembre de 2017 Incendio: Uno Peak Completado: 20% Acres: 8.726 Fecha de inicio: 30 de agosto de 2017 Causa: bajo investigación Ubicación: 15 millas al NO de Manson, WA Personal total: 240 Carburantes/topografía: madera, pasto, terreno escarpado Ayer: continuo la reparación de la línea de supresión del fuego a lo largo de Coyote Ridge y partes de las líneas de contención de Nelson Butte. La manguera a lo largo de las dos líneas de contención se recuperó completamente. El fuego más activo sigue contenido al drenaje de Lone Fir Creek en el lado este de la zona de fuego dentro del área de Sawtooth area. Hubo actividad mínima en tres áreas del incendio. El grupo de protección de estructuras continuó evaluando las...

UPDATE 9/18/17 1PM: EVACUATIONS REDUCED TO LEVEL 2 AT CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN RESORT AND GOLD HILL COMMUNITY. 9-18-17 Norse Peak Fire Morning UpdateDate Started: Aug. 11, 2017; Cause: Lightning; Acreage: 52,502 (Norse Peak), 3,853 (American), 56,355 (Total); Containment: 12%; Injuries: 3 (Minor). Total Personnel: 661; Fire Resources: 19 Crews, 26 Engines, 5 Helicopters, 1 Bulldozers, 9 water tenders. Fire Summary: The Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 with Incident Commander Noel Livingston assumed command of the South Zone of the Norse Peak and American fires on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. The Saw Mill fire will transfer to the command of the Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 on September 19, 2017 at 6:00 a.m. Precipitation was seen across the fire area yesterday and more is expected today, although the east side is forecasted to receive significantly less rain than the west side. Norse Peak Fire Overview: The fire is expected to continue to...

Diamond Creek Fire slows spread while crews near completion of firelinesLocation: 11 miles NNW of Mazama, WA Total Personnel: 294Acres: 129,000 total acres in US and Canada Cause: Under InvestigationContainment: 30% Start Date: July 23, 2017 Update: The Diamond Creek Fire saw little acreage growth yesterday as mild weather conditions moved into the region. Helicopter bucket drops that have continually checked fire spread in the Pat Creek area were not needed as fire behavior has moderated throughout the southern perimeter of the 129,000 acre wildfire. Firefighting resources are finishing up primary and secondary line construction throughout the ridgeline areas connecting Yellowjacket Sno Park eastward to Eightmile Peak. These are the primary and contingency network of firelines combined to protect values at risk along the southern perimeter of the wildfire. Firefighters will use these lines to defend the communities along the Methow River should the fire advance into these areas....

Enumclaw Washington, September 18, 2017 - The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 1061 acres with 0% containment. No structures have been damaged or destroyed. In areas receiving precipitation, the Sawmill Creek Fire’s growth will continue to be minimal as it continues creeping, smoldering, and backing. The fire will persist and continue to slowly work towards a roadless area in the watershed. Forecasted significant precipitation is expected to halt fire spread for several operational periods. Fire activity will be kept to smoldering. Firefighters remain on the line today, making their way towards the fires edge and building direct containment lines. Divisions continue to focus efforts on The Dalles, Crystal Mountain Communities, and Alta Crystal Resort areas; they have completed control lines and have placed sprinkler systems to assist in structure defense. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire perimeter. As the fire backs down slopes in the area firefighters are...

Smoke: Rain overnight has improved air quality significantly. Expect patchy smoke and haze to occur in valley bottoms. With the continued stormy pattern, smoke production from fires should decrease and air sheds should ventilate over the next several days leading to improved air

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #10 Al Lawson-Incident Commander Light precipitation occurs over the fire area Monday, September 18, 2017 Fire: Uno Peak Completion: 20% Acres: 8,726 Start Date: August 30, 2017 Cause: Under Investigation Location: 15 miles NW of Manson, WA Total Personnel: 240 Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass, rugged terrain Yesterday: Fire suppression line repair continued along Coyote Ridge and portions of the Nelson Butte containment lines. All the hose along both containment lines have been fully retrieved.The most active fire behavior continues to be contained in the Lone Fir Creek drainage on the eastside of the fire area within the Sawtooth Wilderness area. Other areas of the fire showed minimal activity.The structure protection group continued to assess structures in the Canoe Creek and Llama Ranch areas. Canoe Creek and the Llama Ranch areas remain under a Level 1 evacuation (get ready). No structures are threatened.Today: Fire...

EQUIPO #10 DE DIRECCIÓN DE INCIDENTES DEL NOROESTE Al Lawson - comandante de incidentes Los bomberos se centran en el trabajo de reparación Domingo, 17 de septiembre de 2017 Incendio: Uno Peak Completado: 20% Acres: 8.726 Fecha de inicio: 30 de agosto de 2017 Causa: bajo investigación Ubicación: 15 millas al NO de Manson, WA Personal total: 271 Carburantes/topografía: madera, pasto, terreno escarpado Ayer: la mayor parte del incendio sigue principalmente en el área de Lone Fir Creek al lado noroeste del fuego. Los equipos siguen centrándose en dar servicio a la línea de supresión del incendio y en el retorno del equipo en la línea de contención alternativa de Coyote Ridge. Se recuperó la mayor parte de la manguera a lo largo de Coyote Ridge. Se ha terminado la mayoría del trabajo de mejorar las carreteras; sin embargo, el mantenimiento de carreteras continuará en los próximos dos o tres días. El grupo de protección de estructuras siguió...

FIRE UPDATE: Sunday, September 17, 2017 at 10:00 am EAST CRATER FIRE INFORMATION: 509 395-3360 (effective Monday please call 509 395 3402) Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5589/ East Crater Fire (Indian Heaven Wilderness), Mount Adams Ranger District, Gifford Pinchot National Forest EAST CRATER FIRE: Yesterday fallers completed work dropping snags along the fire line on Forest Road 6035 east of the wilderness area, reducing hazards along that corridor. Today hose lays will be removed from the fire’s edge where threats to the containment line have diminished. Heavy equipment operators will be conducting some suppression repair along the Forest Road 6035 fire line, including cleaning culvert inlets. As this work is completed resources will be released to return home or to other assignments. A significant precipitation event is forecast to occur late Sunday afternoon and continuing into the week which is anticipated to dramatically reduce fire activity....

Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017, Cause: Lightning; Acreage: 52,502 (Norse Peak), 3,853 (American), 56,355 (Total); Containment: 12%, Structures Damaged or Destroyed: None; Injuries: 3 (Minor).Total Personnel: 726; Fire Resources: 20 Crews, 27 Engines, 5 Helicopters, 2 Bulldozers, 9 water tenders.Fire Summary: Today is a day of transition. Today the Central California Incident Management Team is transitioning with the Pacific Northwest Washington Type 1 Team Noel Livingston-IC as the fourth Incident Management Team on these fires. The public will notice no change in the fire’s operation. Both the Norse Peak and American Fires remained relatively quiet yesterday and overnight. Shorter days, longer nights, cooler temperatures, and higher relative humidity have all contributed to the quieting of the fires’ progress. Sunday evening and into the early parts of next week, rain is forecasted.There will be an increased in gusty winds ahead of the rain with increased cloud cover. The expected...

Diamond Creek indirect firelines nearing completionLocation: 11 miles NNW of Mazama, WA Total Personnel: 264Acres: 127,300 total acres in US and Canada Cause: Under InvestigationContainment: 30% Start Date: July 23, 2017 Update: Continued progress completing firelines through the high country occurred yesterday on the 55 day-old Diamond Creek fire near Mazama.“We are a couple of days from completing our fire lines” said Operations Chief Jon Teutrine. Wildland fire crews, dozers and feller bunchers are constructing fireline through the ridgelines connecting Yellowjacket Sno-park, Setting Sun Mountain, McLeod Mountain, Sunrise Peak, and Eightmile Peak. These are the primary and contingency network of firelines combined to protect values at risk along the southern perimeter of the wildfire. Firefighters will use these lines to defend the communities along the Methow River should the fire advance into these areas.There are still 4 areas of active fire behavior on the Diamond Creek...

Yesterday’s Activities: Continued progress in containing the fire and protecting structures has allowed crews to remove much of the equipment from around homes and public roads. Final aerial firing operations were completed south of Salmon la Sac, accompanied by hand-fired ignitions to remove spots of unburned fuel near Forest Service Road 903. Crews continued cleanup and patrol along the 903 road and the North Fork Teanaway Road. Saturday was the last night shift due to objectives being met. Today’s Activities: Crews will continue patrolling for hotspots and conducting mop-up to increase fireline security, especially along North Fork Teanaway Road and the Salmon la Sac area. Backhaul of fire equipment will also continue along the fire’s contained perimeter. A falling crew will be cutting down hazard trees that pose a risk to public safety and/or block roadways along the 903 road. Team Transition: Pacific Northwest Team 2 will transfer command to a local Type 3 team led by...

Sawmill Creek Fire Update for September 17, 2017Enumclaw Washington, September 17, 2017 - The Sawmill Creek Fire is currently 1098 acres with 0% containment. No structures have been damaged or destroyed.Firefighters remain on the line today, making their way towards the fires edge and building direct containment lines. Divisions continue to focus efforts on The Dalles, Crystal Mountain Communities, and Alta Crystal Resort areas; they have completed control lines and have placed sprinkler systems to assist in structure defense. As the fire backs down slopes in the area firefighters are mopping up near the control lines. The fire continues to threaten the watershed for the City of Tacoma, industrial timberland, DNR protected lands, and the United States Forest Service lands.State Highway 410 remains closed at SR 123, east of Cayuse Pass; the closure includes Bumping River Road and its associated trails.A storm system will impact the fire area starting today. We will see cooler...