InciWeb Articles WA

NORTHWEST INCIDENT MANAGEMENT TEAM #10 Al Lawson-Incident Commander Fires grow to 2,511 acres under critical fire weather Monday September 4, 2017 Fire: Uno Peak Completion: 1% Acres: 2,511 Start Date: August 30, 2017 Cause: Unknown Location: 15 miles NW of Manson, WA Total Personnel: 166 Fuels/Topography: Timber, grass, rugged terrain Yesterday: The fire continued to spread into the Safety Harbor drainage which prompted the initiation of a Level 1 evacuation notice (prepare and be aware) for two private inholdings along the lake, the Llama Ranch area to the south and Canoe Creek to the north, which the Chelan County Sherriff’s Office implemented yesterday. The fire remains approximately 3 miles from these areas. Two helicopters continued to drop water on the Safety Harbor drainage to slow fire growth. An intensive effort with four dozers and four hand crews continued to build and strengthen the containment line down Coyote Ridge to prevent fire spread to the...

Helicopter Work Continues; Critical Fire Weather Remains Acres: 75,000Location: 12 miles north of Mazama, WA. Personnel: 50Yesterday: The fire continued moving predominantly east 2-3 miles further in the Ashonola drainage as well as farther north in British Columbia. Smoke could be seen to the west as the fire progressed into the Little Willie drainage. Fire suppression efforts in Ptarmigan Creek area were minimally effective as heavy smoke hindered helicopter water drop operations. Helicopter water drops also continued to hold the fire in Drake Creek and Pat Creek. Today: With yet another day of critical fire weather, the fire will continue to actively burn in the Ashnola River drainage to the southeast toward the Spanish Camp, Remmel Lake and Ptarmigan Creek areas. Smoke will continue to affect air quality in the upper Methow Valley. Air quality is expected to be at its worst in the morning, and clearing by midafternoon. Large smoke columns are expected in the afternoon. Closures:...

Start Date 8/11 Cause LightningSize 20,975 acres Percent Containment 0% Crews 12 Helicopters 5 Engines 77 Total Personnel 677 [Full Size][Full Size] Location: Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 11 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA. Summary: Heavy smoke settled into the valleys again yesterday morning but did not lift until nearly 4 o’clock in some areas of the fire. Once it did, fire behavior increased but not as significantly as it did on Saturday. Moderated fire activity allowed firefighters to make good progress in the Teanaway Valley. Crews continued burnouts in the night to further secure the communities and values at risk in the Teanaway and Wagon Wheel. Aerial resources were successful in slowing the fire’s progress along Sasse Ridge and Hex Mountain. Structural assessments and protection measures, including fireline construction, sprinkler and hose preparation, and improvements to access roads, continues in communities affected by...

For Immediate Release Yesterday, crews primarily focused on the northeast portion of the fire, the most active part along the top of the unnamed drainage in Division G, interior to the containment lines. This is where there are young regeneration stands of trees mixed with older trees which has resulted in an incomplete burn. Firefighters conducted black line operations. This is a suppression measure usually done in heavy fuels adjacent to the control line during periods of low fire danger to reduce heat and the chance of spotting across the line. Black lining indicates there is no unburned material between the fire line and the fire’s edge. The repair group started work on the contingency lines along the southwest corner yesterday. Personnel working with heavy equipment are replacing exposed soils and repairing the suppression action area to stabilize the lines for fall or winter rain and reduce any public use. In the western perimeter of the fire, crews continued to mop-up...

Closures: Due to fire activity in the Stuart and Eightmile Lake area there is a trail and area closure in the Enchantments Permit Area and Alpine Lakes Wilderness for public safety. The following trails are closed:Eightmile Trail 1554 (east of Windy Pass)Jack Creek Trail 1558 (south of Meadow Creek Trail 1559)Eightmile Trail 1562Van Epps Creek Trail 1594Stuart Lake Trail 1599 (west of Colchuck Lake Trail 1599.1 )See Closure Order and

Norse Peak Fire Update Monday, September 4, 2017 – Morning Update Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Total acres: 17,629 Containment: 8% Structures Destroyed: 0 Injuries to date: 0 Total Personnel: 330 Fire Resources: 6 crews, 28 engines, 2 helicopters, 3 bulldozers, 7 water tenders FIRE SUMMARY Firefighters were able to take advantage of another day of reasonably favorable conditions as inversion conditions remained in place and allowed crews to make progress on containment lines on the Norse Peak Fire. As brushing operations continued along the 462 Road to the west, crews monitored the progress of the fire as it approached State Route 410 to the south and utilized tactical firing operations to fill in unburned pockets of fuel. This is done to ensure there is adequate space between the advancing fire and unburned fuels to the south to prevent the fire from crossing 410. Prep work also continued along Forest Road 1900 to the east between 410 and Kaner Flat....

A new fire, named the East Crater Fire, was reported in the Indian Heaven Wilderness on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest this morning. The approximately 1000-acre fire is located 12 miles west Trout Lake, Wa.Forest staff evacuated the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails in the area and swept affected campgrounds to ensure all people were safely out of harm’s way. The Gifford Pinchot National Forest has implemented an emergency closure for public safety that includes the following:• All of the Indian Heaven Wilderness and west to the 65 Road (65 road itself open) and the 30 Road, extending north to the 30 Road intersection with the 24 Road. • The 24 Road and all campgrounds accessed by the 24 Road, from the 30 Road to the 6020 Road.• Eastern border: from the 24 road south along the 6020 and then the 6030 road to its junction with the 6035. • Southern border: Indian Heaven wilderness and the 60 road.• Goose Lake campground remains open.• The Pacific Crest Trail is...

Community Meeting will be held Monday September 4, 2017, 7:00-8:00 at Fire District 3, located at 228 Chumstick Highway, Leavenworth, WA. Information on fire activity and areas closures will be

September 3, 2017 6:00 pm Enchantment permit area and trail closures in effect Due to increased fire activity in the Stuart and Eightmile Lake drainages the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a trail and area closure in the Enchantments Permit Area and Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake and Eightmile/Caroline Lake permit zones are CLOSED for public safety. The following trails are also closed. Eightmile-Trout Lake Trail No. 1554, Trout Creek Trail No. 1555, Jack Ridge Trail No. 1557, Jack Creek Trail No.1558, Meadow Creek Trail No. 1559, Solomon Creek Trail No. 1593, Van Epps Trail No. 1594, Blackjack Ridge Trail No. 1565, Snowwall Cradle Trail No. 1560, French Creek Trail No. 1559 starting at the Klonaqua Lake trail junction. Eightmile Road no. 7601 is closed and gate is locked beyond the Bridge Creek Campground, which is still open. Community Meeting will be held Monday September 4, 2017, 7:00-8:00 at Fire District 3, located at 228 Chumstick...

Acres: 692 Containment: 0% Start Date: August 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Location: 15 miles WSW of Leavenworth, WA An Infrared flight last night revealed the Jack Creek Fire grew to the south in the Van Epps Drainage and grew significantly east through the 2008 Jack Creek footprint. The fire spotted over Jack Ridge and is established in the Eightmile drainage, prompting immediate evacuations of campers and day hikers in the area. Expanded fire closures are being evaluated for public and firefighter safety concerns. Wilderness Rangers are currently closing and sweeping the trails in the Eightmile Lake, Caroline Lakes and Jack Creek area. Firefighters are hiking into Eightmile Lake to assess fire activity, point protection strategies and additional resource needs. Fire activity is expected to increase through the weekend due to unstable air mixed with hot and dry conditions. A Red Flag warning is in effect for high Haines indices between 5 and 6, through Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Trail...

Actualización sobre los incendios en Norse Peak Domingo, 3 de septiembre de 2017 – Actualización matutina Fecha de inicio: 11 de agosto 2017 Causa: rayo Total de acres: 17.418 Contención: 8% Estructuras destruidas: 0 Lesionados hasta la fecha: 0 Total de personal: 331 Recursos para el incendio: 6 equipos de bomberos, 28 camiones de bomberos, 2 helicópteros, 2 buldócer, 7 tanques de agua RESEÑA DEL INCENDIO Una capa de humo denso se asentó sobre gran parte del área de Nile Valley este sábado debido a que se mantuvieron las condiciones de inversión térmica, atrapando el humo de los incendios de Norse Peak y el incendio American manteniéndolo a nivel del suelo. A pesar de ser contraproducente para la calidad del aire, la visibilidad y las actividades al aire libre, este efecto climático ayudó a moderar el comportamiento del incendio, ya que bloqueó la luz solar cálida y mantuvo el crecimiento del incendio en lo mínimo. Una bandera roja de advertencia...

Summary: The fire continued moving southeast into the Ashnola drainage as well as moving farther north and east into British Columbia. The fire continued to actively burn on the west side in Ptarmigan Creek. Helicopter water drops continued in the Ptarmigan Creek area to cool the fire and prevent it from moving farther up the drainage. Helicopter water drops also continued to hold the fire in Drake Creek and Pat Creek. A heavy helicopter was available, as well as 2 medium helicopters and a light helicopter for the drops. Wilderness Rangers used pack animals to transport supplies to wrap the historic cabins at Pasayten Airstrip and Spanish Camp. This work was completed on Friday. Today chippers will continue to treat slash created as part of the preparation work on the indirect fire line. Chippers will still be working on Goat Creek Road 5225 past the 200 road junction. Fire behavior on Sunday will remain active, continuing to burn interior islands and moving into the Ashnola River...

For Immediate Release RED FLAG WARNING - Today, a Red Flag Warning will be in effect for the Okanogan Highlands from noon to 8 p.m. Warm and dry weather conditions combined with an unstable atmosphere can contribute to extreme fire behavior. The warmer and drier conditions will carry through to next week. The public is urged to take precautions as fire danger remains extremely high. The Bridge Creek Fire continues to burn within established containment lines and is 70 percent contained. Fire conditions throughout the region are at an extreme level with above average temperatures throughout the State. Governor Jay Inslee declares a state of emergency for all counties in the state of Washington due to wildfire danger. Governor Inslee states: “Current weather forecasts predict continuing elevated temperatures throughout the state, providing hot and dry conditions over the next week. I've declared a state-wide State of Emergency to help make sure we have all the resources...

Yesterday: Due to critical fire weather yesterday the fires actively spread to the bottom of the Safety Harbor drainage but did not cross to the southern side of the canyon. Fire managers continued to utilize water drops throughout the day to slow fire growth while hotshots and other ground resources improved control lines to the southeast. “This weather and terrain is extremely hazardous to our firefighters,” said Kari Grover-Wier, Chelan District Ranger. “With limited options for safe direct attack, we are working hard to improve lines that will hold the fire at Coyote Ridge.” Today: Potentially record high temperatures and low humidity could continue to drive active fire growth in the Safety Harbor Creek area. Crews and helicopters will continue to limit new growth to the southeast. The fire remains 15 air miles from the community of Manson, WA. Smoke: Smoke is anticipated to drift down Lake Chelan and over the Waterville Plateau and will be highly visible from...

Norse Peak Fire Update Sunday, September 3, 2017 – Morning Update Date Started: Aug. 11, 2017 Cause: Lightning Total acres: 17,418 Containment: 8% Structures Destroyed: 0 Injuries to date: 0 Total Personnel: 331 Fire Resources: 6 crews, 28 engines, 2 helicopters, 2 bulldozers, 7 water tenders FIRE SUMMARY Dense smoke hung over much of the Nile Valley area Saturday as inversion conditions persisted and trapped smoke from the Norse Peak and American fires lower to the ground. While bad for air quality, visibility and outdoor activities, this weather effect was helpful in moderating fire behavior by blocking warming sunlight and keeping fire growth to a minimum. There is a Red Flag Warning in place for the area until 9 p.m. Monday. Today, the inversion will be in competition with an unstable air mass which poses the threat of a dramatic increase in fire activity. All areas of the fire have the potential for substantial growth as hot, dry air remains in place. While...

To provide for public and firefighter safety, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests has closed an area near the Norse Peak and American Fires. See the attached notice and map for the specific boundaries. Several trails, campgrounds, group camp sites, roads, and trailheads are also closed, as follow: - #2000 Pacific Crest Trail - #956 Union Creek Trail - #953 Crow Lake Way Trail - #954 Fife’s Ridge Trail - #951A Cougar Valley Trail - #953A Sheepherder Lake Trail - #999 Pleasant Valley Trail - #957 Kettle Creek Trail - #958B Pleasant Valley Lake Trail - #958 American Ridge Trail - #958C Goat Peak Trail - #972 Goose Prairie Trail - #959 Goat Creek Trail - #968 Dewey Lake - #969 Mesatchee Creek - #951 Ravens Roose - #945A Lousianna Saddle Trail - #967 Bear Gap Trail - #967A Fog City - #987 Cement Basin Trail - #9870A Cement Basin Lake Trail - #945 Middle Fork Trail - #946 South Fork - #952 West Crow Creek - #955 Indian Flat - #962 Sand Creek Trail - #963A Sand Creek Trail - #963B...

The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed from Chinook Pass at State Route 410 north through Government Meadow.Hikers are advised to seek an alternate route. For more information on the PCT, please visit the Pacific Crest Trail Association at

Jack Creek Fire Update CONTACT: Fire Information Officer: Carly Reed 509-548-2572 September 2, 2017 Jack Creek Fire burns into receptive fuels and puts up smoke column Containment: 0% Acres: 46 The Jack Creek Fire located entirely within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness put up a visible smoke column yesterday afternoon. Fire activity was minimal for three weeks as it sat dormant before burning into receptive fuels. Continued low humidity levels and high temperatures also contributed to increased fire activity, causing it to grow to 46 acres and spot across Jack Creek. Fire managers on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest have chosen a “monitor” management strategy to maintain wilderness values. The Jack Creek fire started naturally by lightning and is playing its important role in achieving ecological benefits. Areas surrounding the fire perimeter have previously burned, including a fire footprint from 2008 directly to the east. A natural mosaic burn pattern helps prevent large...

Fecha de inicio: 11 de agosto 2017 Causa: rayo Total de acres: 16.950 Contención: 8% Estructuras destruidas: 0 Lesionados hasta la fecha: 0 Total de personal: 326 Recursos para el incendio: 9 equipos de bomberos, 26 camiones de bomberos, 2 helicópteros, 2 buldócer, 7 tanques de agua RESEÑA DEL INCENDIO Gran parte de la zona del incendio presentó una cortina de humo el día viernes debido a que una inversión térmica se estableció en el área durante gran parte del día. Esto contribuyó a limitar el crecimiento del incendio, ya que mantuvo los vientos a nivel bajo y redujo el ascenso que contribuye, por lo general, a que el fuego se desplace. El personal de dirección del incendio ha tomado previsiones ante la posibilidad de que el incendio aumente de tamaño y de actividad, debido al aire seco y cálido que permanece en esta área. Se prevé que las temperaturas superen los 80º con humedad sobre el diez por ciento para los próximos días. Estos factores, sumados a...

For Immediate Release Public and firefighter safety is the highest priority on the Bridge Creek Fire. Firefighters continue to be challenged by the steep, rugged terrain, smoky conditions, and hot, dry weather. Many of the minor injuries on this fire include dehydration and firefighter fatigue. The Bridge Creek Fire is burning within established containment lines and considered 68 percent contained. This means there is a lower probability of escape while firefighters continue to strengthen the remaining portion of containment lines. Over the next few days, critical fire weather will move through the area. The National Weather Service has issued a Fire Weather Watch for Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening. Weather concerns increase today as high pressure leads to above normal temperatures, low relative humidity and unstable conditions with a strong chance of a Red Flag Warning on Sunday. Low relative humidity is one of the critical thresholds for increased fire behavior...