InciWeb Articles WA

Summary: Southeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Moe Canyon fire at 6:00AM August 05, 2021. The fire was reported at 6PM August 03. Initial attack was carried out by crews from WA DNR and USFS supported by aircraft. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain 10 miles NW of Entiat WA.Last Night: Strong gusty winds challenged engine crews and containment lines throughout the night. The fire stayed within its perimeter and no new spot fires were detected. Today: The northern edge of the fire will be staffed today with engines and hand crews. These resources will focus on reestablishing containment lines that were compromised by yesterdays wind event. To the south of the fire, a dozer will be constructing a contingency line parallel to and just south of the Chief Joseph-Monroe transmission lines. Weather: Cooler temperatures and moderate humidity will help slow the fires progression today. Strong gusty winds are forecast to continue today and tonight....

The Whitmore and Hamilton Fires are burning on the Colville Reservation south of Omak Lake and west of Nespelem, WA. Northwest Incident Management Team 12 assumed command of both fires at 6 PM on August 5. Acreage reported includes both the Whitmore and Hamilton Fires. The Incident Command Post (ICP) has been established at the Nespelem Community Center. To ensure the health and safety of our firefighters and the communities we serve, the Incident Command Post is closed to all but essential personnel. Increasing winds will help to move smoke out of the fire area this afternoon. As the smoke clears, the two fires will likely become more active.Operations The Whitmore Fire was active last night and moved to the east, towards the Hamilton Fire. Firefighters constructed dozer line along the Kartar Valley Road, halting the advance of the Whitmore Fire to the north. Firefighters are scouting around both fires to locate additional defensible lines to keep the fires in the smallest possible...

WINDY PASS FIRE UPDATE               Date:  Friday, August 6, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. Contact:  Public Information Officer Hannah Blackstock, 509-800-7177   Windy Pass Fire Acres: 99 Containment: 0% Personnel: 46 Closures: Pending Summary: Lightning passed through the area on the evening of Tuesday August 3, igniting a fire southwest of Lookout Mountain and approximately 10 miles southwest of Cle Elum, WA.  Resources located the fire on August 4th burning in heavy timber and snags on steep, remote terrain. Access to the fire is difficult.   Southeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 6:00 AM on August 6, 2021. Fire resources are working on a full-suppression strategy with a limited number of resources.   Operations Today: Active fire behavior is expected due to predicted increase in winds associated with cold front passage. Fire personnel are working to identify areas for effective containment lines. Fire line is being prepped along...

Smoke Smoke impacts continue to lessen overall as the fires are brought under control. Westerly winds are resulting in improved air quality in areas close to the east slopes of the Cascades including Mazama. The upper Okanogan Valley remains impacted by smoke from multiple directions and smoke from Canadian fires is expected in the area again today.Health Check your local real-time air quality conditions athttps://fire.airnow.gov. If your air quality is good, consider opening windows, dusting, and vacuuming to clear out any lingering smoke particles. Or just get outside and enjoy the cooler weather and cleaner

 News Release August 6,

 Inchelium, Wa. – In the past 24 hours firefighters have kept the Summit Trail Fire largely in its previous footprint and increased containment, while continuing to respond to fire starts across the Colville Reservation.Today firefighters will take advantage of their previous hard work to strengthen containment lines in advance of forecasted winds this afternoon and tomorrow.  As these winds will be predominantly coming from the west and southwest, firefighters are focusing their efforts on reinforcing the east and northeast sides of the fire.  As part of that effort, helicopters will be dropping retardant along the northeast edge. Milder temperatures and higher humidity levels have helped temper fire activity and slow fire growth.  As conditions continue to dry out and winds increase the potential for fire growth will increase.  The incoming wind is part of a low pressure system slowly crossing western Canada.  The Chuweah Creek Fire is 93% contained with crews anticipating...

  Cub Creek 2 Fire – August 6th, 2021 Update   Fire Information Public Phone Line: (406) 426-9595 Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021   Acres: 61,026 Percent Containment: 24% Date/Time Detected: July 16th. 1:27 PM Structures burned: 3 Number of Resources: 673 Cause: Under investigation Origin/Location: 5 miles North of Winthrop, WA.   Firefighters were able to contain a new ignition near the western flank of the fire. Ground and air resources supported local resources for initial attack efforts in the vicinity of the fire, including the Muckamuck Fire and Schneider Springs Fire. Firefighters were able to mop up the western side of FS 51 and the Lake Creek Methow Trailhead from the firing operation. Firefighters are working on mop up on the west flank and back hauling supplies and equipment to the Incident Command Post. Mop up and patrolling work along the western side of FS 51...

Daily UpdateAugust 6, 2021Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest   Winthrop, WA — The Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest and public and private lands within Okanogan County. These fires are being managed by Great Basin Incident Management Team 1.   Fire Information Line: Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires: 509-557-0740 (8:00 am to 8:00 pm)   Fire Weather: Increasing onshore flow over western Washington will deepen the marine layer along the Cascade Crest and begin spilling into the Methow Valley. This will result in cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and breezy westerly winds. Spotty light showers or drizzle will be possible at times, especially over the western perimeter. A cold front swinging through on Saturday will bring the best chance for showers to all portions of the fire.  Winds will relax early next week with another warming and drying trend expected to develop.   Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is currently estimated at...

  8/5 Smoke Outlook   Fire Fires were active yesterday due to the hot, dry, and windy conditions although remained well within control. Today the weather will give firefighters an advantage with cooler temperatures, increasing clouds, and higher humidity. Cedar Creek is now 52,833 acres (+335) and 25% contained. Cub Creek 2 is 61,026 acres (+1,649) and 24% contained. Delancy remains at 223 acres.   Smoke Smoke impacts continue to lessen overall as the fires are brought under control. Westerly winds are resulting in improved air quality in areas close to the east slopes of the Cascades including Mazama. The upper Okanogan Valley remains impacted by smoke from multiple directions and smoke from Canadian fires is expected in the area again today.   Health Check your local real-time air quality conditions at https://fire.airnow.gov. If your air quality is good, consider opening windows, dusting, and vacuuming to clear out any lingering smoke particles....

 Summary: Southeast WA Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the Moe Canyon fire at 6:00AM August 05, 2021. The fire was reported at 6PM August 03. Initial attack was carried out by crews from WA DNR and USFS supported by aircraft. The fire is burning in steep, rugged terrain 10 miles NW of Entiat WA. Today: During the morning hours fire behavior was light allowing crews to construct and improve containment lines along both the south and north edges of the perimeter.  In the early afternoon winds pickup up as did fire behavior. Fire activity on the northern perimeter of the fire challenged containment lines, with one spot fire detected on the northwest corner of the fire. All resources were moved to the north and worked to prevent the fire from spreading to the west. Crews on the ground were supported by aircraft throughout the afternoon and early evening hours including 3 scoopers, 2 fire bosses, 1 helicopter and 1 air attack. Tonight: Engine crews will monitor the...

 In a coordinated effort MTFC along with NW Team 7 provided support and conducted initial attack (IA) on both Hamilton and Whitmore Fires located south of Omak Lake near Omak, WA. Command was transferred from MTFC to NW Team 12 through the agency delegation at 6 pm this evening. The Incident Command Post (ICP) will be setup at the Nespelem Community Center. Evacuations:  Residents south of Columbia River Rd from lower Coyote Creek Road to Peniel Ranch Road have been notified of a Level 2 Evacuation. A Level 2 Evacuation means BE READY. This level indicates there is a significant danger in our area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family /friends outside of the affected area  Residents from Kartar Valley, Goose Flats East to net pens and everything North of Columbia River Road have been notified of a Level 3 Evacuation. Level 3 Evacuation. A Level 3 Evacuation means LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Active fires with ongoing initial attack efforts: Lime...

 A lightning storm on the night of August 3rd resulted in several new fire starts on the Colville Reservation. The largest of these fires are the Hamilton and Whitmore Fires located south of Omak Lake near Omak, WA. At noon today, Mt. Tolman will hold an in-briefing with Northwest Team 12 (recently managed Chuweah Creek Fire) and may transfer command as early as this evening if enough resources are available to the team.  Road Closure: Kartar Road  Residents South of Columbia River Rd from lower Coyote Creek Road to Peniel Ranch Road have been notified of a Level 2 Evacuation. A Level 2 Evacuation means BE READY. This level indicates there is a significant danger in our area, and residents should either voluntary relocate to a shelter or with family /friends outside of the affected area  Residents from Kartar Valley, Goose Flats East to net pens and everything North of Columbia River Road have been notified of a Level 3 Evacuation. Level 3 Evacuation. A Level 3 Evacuation...

As of today, August 5, 2021 at 5 PM the EVACUATION LEVELS issued due to the Cub Creek 2 Fire are being reduced. (Winthrop Washington) The area labeled as EIGHT MILE (on the Okanogan County Advisory MAP) that was issued a Level 2 has been reduced to Level 1 (Advisory). The area labeled CHEWUCH that was issued a Level 2 has been reduced to a Level 1 (Advisory). The area labeled as UPPER RENDEZVOUS that was issued a Level 1 has been reduced to a Level 0. No Level. Persons returning to these areas should be cautious of hazards caused by the fire. Be aware of your surroundings and take action if needed. The Cub Creek 2 Fire is still active with fire personnel and equipment in the area. Again, view the current evacuation levels on the map:

Mobile Retardant Base on Cub Creek 2Firefighting Air operations often rely on the use of helicopters or fixed wing tankers utilizing retardant drops.  While these drops can be useful in slowing the spread of a fire there can be significant turnaround time between drops as the aircraft reloads at a base a great distance away.  So, when needed, mobile retardant bases, such as the one located at Pearrygin Lake State Park are activated. The base is available to helicopters flying both the Cub Creek 2 and Cedar Creek fires.See below in related information for the full

Maps Where are you? Where are you going?  How hard will it be to get there?If you’re operating on a wildfire, maps hold the answer to these and many other critical questions. See below in related information for the full

Smoke Smoke impacts from the Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy fires are becoming more localized as the fires are brought under control. Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp will continue to experience air quality impacts because of their proximity to the fires although the severity of impact continues to decrease. The afternoon wind event today, though challenging for firefighters, will be good for air quality in the Methow Valley. Learn More Have you checked out the Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ ? It's a great source for all kinds of information about current and forecast smoke and air quality, health effects, and other local

 News Release August 5, 2021 Cusick, WA - The Molybdenite Fire is located about 9 miles Southeast of Ione, WA. It started on Saturday, July 31st and has burned approximately 55 acres of forested land.   Tuesday nights weather tested the fire containment lines.  Wednesday crews reported that all fire lines held.   The overnight weather Tuesday helped with wetting the fire area and allowed the crews yesterday to make progress on fire mop up.   One bulldozer and seven hand crews continued to work on mop up operations and overall fire containment increased to 50%.   Fallers continue to work on removing the overhead hazards. Fallers are crew members whose purpose is to cut down trees the pose a hazard to fire crews.   Fire crews were successful with completion of constructing hose lays around the fire to continue mop up operations within fire perimeter. Water to these hose lines is supported by water tenders.   Yesterday one crew was sent out on initial attack to another...

SCHNEIDER SPRINGS FIRE UPDATE             Date:  Thursday, August 5, 2021 – 10:00 a.m. Contact:  Public Information Officer Heather Appelhof, 509-653-1468   Schneider Springs Fire Acres: 300 Containment: 0%   Personnel: 20 Closures: Pending   Summary: Lightning passed through the Naches Ranger District the evening of Tuesday August 3 igniting a fire in the Schneider Springs area of the Naches Ranger District approximately 20 miles northwest of Naches, WA.     Resources located the fire mid-day on August 4th burning in heavy timber, standing dead trees, and very steep terrain making it difficult for ground resources to access. Fire activity increased rapidly due to the terrain and receptive fuels with active fire behavior observed including torching, running, and spreading through the timber canopy.     Fire resources are working on a full-suppression strategy with a limited number of resources.   Operations Today: Active fire behavior is...

Inchelium, Wa. – Wednesday’s early morning lightning storms sparked nine new fire starts surrounding the Summit Trail Fire and many more across the Colville Reservation. NW Team 7 shifted much of yesterday’s operations to support initial attack on these new fires and are supporting firefighters as they address two of them. NW Team 12, the same Incident Management Type 2 Team that managed Chuweah Creek Fire, is mobilizing and will take command of the Whitmore and Hamilton Fires near Omak Lake. Today, fire resources will primarily focus on the Summit Trail Fire. Along the east and southeast side, firefighters are reinforcing containment lines, taking advantage of opportunities to build line directly against the fire’s edge. To the north, dozers and hand crews are building containment line near Sitdown Creek and Johns Mountain while on the west crews are working to keep the fire east of the 14 Rd. Helicopters will be looking for any new smokes from the past two days. ...

   8/5 Smoke Outlook   Fire Hot, dry, and windy weather today means the fires are expected to be active and the possibility of fire spread when winds increase in the afternoon is a risk. Cedar Creek is now 52,498 acres (+468) and 25% contained. Cub Creek 2 is 59,377 acres (+680) and 24% contained. Delancy remains at 223 acres.   Smoke Smoke impacts from the Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy fires are becoming more localized as the fires are brought under control. Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp will continue to experience air quality impacts because of their proximity to the fires although the severity of impact continues to decrease. The afternoon wind event today, though challenging for firefighters, will be good for air quality in the Methow Valley.   Learn More Have you checked out the Washington Smoke Blog at https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ ? It's a great source for all kinds of information about current and forecast smoke and air quality, health...