InciWeb Articles WA

Daily Update August 5, 2021 Okanogan-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: Hot and dry conditions continue for one more day. Winds will be slightly higher, starting slope and valley driven, before switching to the northwest/down valley around midday. A cold front will move through Thursday evening, bringing gust west to northwest winds overnight into Friday. There will be a small chance for showers along and behind the front, mainly for the western portion of the fire. Temperatures will be much cooler Friday going into the weekend while humidity values increase.   Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is currently estimated at 52,498 acres and is 25%...

Fire Information Public Phone Line: (406) 426-9595Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021Acres: 59,365, Percent Containment: 24%Date/Time Detected: July 16th. 1:27 PMStructures burned: 3Number of Resources: 689Cause: Under investigationOrigin/Location: 5 miles North of Winthrop, WA.  Yesterday there was increased smoke production as a result of a firing operation near Bock Creek on the west side of FS 51. The initial attack group stayed busy throughout the day supporting local fire resources on suppression efforts on fires started by the lightning on Tuesday evening. Air resources were able to successfully complete an IR (infrared) flight, which provided operations with a clear picture of where the fire is still active in the interior and on the perimeter.Crews continued to work along the western flank and in the Sweet Grass Butte area completing mop up activities and removing hazards....

News Release  - August 5th, 2021 Tonasket, WA:   The Walker Creek Fire started on August 3rd at approximately 3:22pm.  It is located approximately 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake.  The fire is located primarily in heavy, multistoried timber with observed fire behavior of single to group torching of trees with spotting.   Yesterday with increasing fire behavior, the fire spotting to the southeast in rugged, rocky terrain.  Crews constructed a contingency dozer line to contain the spots within the area.  Due to the fuels in the area, burnout operations were determined to not be beneficial in containing the fires edge.  Last night, crews patrolled the fires edge, watching for spots.  Although fire activity minimized overnight, spots continued to be produced and slowly grow in the southeast section of the fire.     Regionally, the area has experienced severe thunderstorms that have come through the area between August 3rd to 4th. ...

Tonasket, WA:  The Walker Creek Fire started on August 3rd at approximately 3:22pm.  It is located approximately 22 miles east of Tonasket and 1.5 miles southeast of Bonaparte Lake. The fire is located primarily in heavy, multistoried timber with observed fire behavior of single to group torching of trees with spotting.   Yesterday, initial attack crews utilized aerial support in addition to dozers, wildland engines and hand crews.  The fire grew to about 60 acres in size.  As thunderstorms formed into the evening and night, fire behavior intensified, forcing crews to disengage from the fire.   Today, initial attack crews regrouped and began to re-engage the fire.  An initial assessment in the morning found that over 200-300 spots had formed overnight on the northern section of the fire, traveling up to 300 yards in distance. Including the area of the spots, the fire increased by approximately 15 acres in size.  Fire behavior has increased into the evening with spotting up...

Lightning StrikesWashington: 1,399Oregon: 835If lightning occurs inside the cloud, it is called intra-cloud lightning. This makes up about 75% of all lightning produced by a thunderstorm. If the discharge hits the ground, it’s called a cloud-to-ground strike. This makes up about 20% of the lightning. Then there’s another type of lightning that is far more powerful, one in which positive charge flows instead of electrons. It’s called a positive lightning strike. "Positive lightning" is a net transfer of positive charge from the cloud to the ground. Positive lightning makes up less than 5% of all strikes. However, despite a significantly lower rate of occurrence, positive lightning is particularly dangerous for several reasons. Some positive strikes can occur within the parent thunderstorm and strike the ground beneath the cloud. If you hear thunder, you are close enough to lightning flashes that you could be struck regardless of where the storm is located. Also, positive...

 News Release August 4, 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.   Yesterday the fire stayed within containment lines and there was no fire growth. Acreage was adjusted based on updated mapping. Today: With the overnight weather crews will first evaluate the fire to determine if there was any significant changes. Crews will continue to work on reinforcing containment line around the fire and mopping up hot spots. Goal remains keeping the fire east of Redman Creek, west of Mineral Creek, south of Stimson Private Ground and north of FS 1936. Two Bull Dozers and eight hand crews continued to work on reinforcing containment line around the fire yesterday increasing fire containment to 30%. Dozers were able to add additional access points to the fire, on the south and southwest sides of the fire.   Fallers continue to work on removing the overhead...

Inchelium, Wa. – Yesterday was an active day on the Summit Trail Fire. Clearing skies on Tuesday allowed air tankers and helicopters to drop water on the west flank and retardant along the southeast flank to slow fire spread. Firefighters also conducted firing operations to remove unburned fuel between the active fire front and indirect fire line to create containment line and minimize growth.   Last night’s storms resulted in at least four new fire starts outside of the Summit Trail perimeter, with several more across the Colville Reservation.  The largest of these new fires, estimated to be between 1,000- 2,000 acres, is the Whitmore Fire east of Goose Lake. Also in the vicinity of Columbia River Rd. is the Hamilton Fire, which is about 200 acres. Multiple engines and crews are supporting Mt. Tolman Fire Center as they respond to these emerging fires.   Overnight rain varied between 0.1” and 0.2”; however, there was not enough rain in many areas to penetrate beyond tree...

Smoke Strong winds late in the day yesterday scoured smoke out of the area and Wednesday morning we are experiencing some of the best air quality we've seen around here in days. Light winds and hot temperatures today will lead to smoke accumulations in valleys near the fires. Health You can build a simple DIY air quality filter by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan. Find instructions here: https://youtu.be/4qr1Aj6Di7w And here:

  8/4 Smoke Outlook Fire Hot temperatures are expected again today and the heat advisory remains in effect. The fires are expected to burn actively again today although perimeter growth is not expected. Lightning yesterday afternoon and evening has started some new fires. Initial attack efforts are underway as new fires are identified. Cedar Creek remains at 50,406 acres and 23% contained. Cub Creek 2 is 58,793 and 24% contained.   Smoke Strong winds late in the day yesterday scoured smoke out of the area and Wednesday morning we are experiencing some of the best air quality we've seen around here in days. Light winds and hot temperatures today will lead to smoke accumulations in valleys near the fires.   Health You can build a simple DIY air quality filter by attaching a furnace filter to a box fan. Find instructions here: https://youtu.be/4qr1Aj6Di7w And here:

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: 58,697, Percent Containment: 24% Date/Time Detected: July 16th. 1:27 PM Structures burned: 3 Number of Resources: 651 Cause: Under investigation Origin/Location: 5 miles North of Winthrop, WA.Yesterday firefighters continued to have success on the western flank as they were able to progress up Eightmile Road safely and successfully securing established containment lines. Crews were also working up the Falls Creek Road removing hazard trees making access to the northern perimeter. The northern perimeter remains in its current footprint as the fire burned into high severity burn scars.As smoke lifted in the Methow Valley aviation resources were utilized throughout the day as they were able to support ground resources with water dropping missions, aerial supervision, mapping missions and...

Daily UpdateAugust 4, 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: High pressure over Central Washington will continue to deliver very warm conditions today.  Moisture from yesterday’s rain will lead to muggy conditions early in the day.  Winds will be light, and terrain driven.  The ridge will weaken Thursday with increasing onshore flow and deepening marine layer west of the Cascade Crest.  Northwest winds will slowly increase on Thursday and become breezy late afternoon and evening.  A cold front will pass over the fire Thursday night into Friday bringing increasing humidity, cooler air, and strong northwest winds.  Light showers will be...

See the related documents below for the Closure Order and Exhibit A. PROHIBITIONS: 1. Entering into or being upon National Forest System (NFS) lands, as described belowand displayed on the attached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261. 53(e)].2. Being on a National Forest System Trail as described below and displayed on theattached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR § 261.55(a)].3. Being on a National Forest System Road as described below and displayed on theattached map, Exhibit A [36 CFR §

 “Dry” thunderstorms forecast for Cub Creek 2, Cedar Creek fire areas A weak low pressure system near the coast is creating conditions that are ripe for the development of thunderstorms in the Winthrop and Twisp areas. Jack Messick, incident meteorologist for the Cub Creek 2, has been watching regional and local patterns and said any thunderstorm over the fire areas could cause issues. “Dry thunderstorms usually have really gusty winds; we’re looking at up to 45 mph.,” he said. “They have an updraft of air on one side and a down draft on the other. The down draft hits the ground and has to go somewhere so it spreads out in every direction. These winds can be enhanced by ridges and valleys that channel the direction and flow.” Firefighters on the Cub Creek 2 Fire have been working to strengthen containment lines but a significant wind event certainly would test them. Messick said even though it’s referred to as a dry thunderstorm, that doesn’t mean there will be...

Inchelium, Wa. – On Monday there was minimal fire growth. Crews made progress strengthening dozer and handlines in the Oregon Ridge area.   Warm and dry conditions have prompted a Heat Advisory to be in place between 11:00 a.m. today and Wednesday night. An active fire day is expected. An approaching weather system has the potential to bring thunderstorms and erratic winds that could gust up to 35mph. This storm system is expected to pass through the fire area between this afternoon into the evening.  These gusting and shifting winds can create challenging conditions on the ground for firefighters with the potential for torching, short crown runs, and quick rates of spread through dry grasses.   Crews are building direct and indirect fire line along the fire’s north and east sides.  Mop up and reinforcement continues to the west and on parts of the northern edge of the fire. Crews continue to prepare dozer line in the southeast and plan to use helicopters to drop water on the...

  News Release August 3, 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 54 acres of forested land.   Yesterday the fire stayed within containment lines and there was no fire growth.   Two Bull Dozers and eight hand crews continued to work on constructing containment line around the fire yesterday increasing fire containment to 20%.   Fallers were brought in yesterday 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.   A Skidgen was also added yesterday to support crews with water. A skidgen is a log skidder that has been equipped with a water tank allowing crews to get water to areas that cannot be reached with large water tenders.   In addition crews laid out hundreds of feet of hose line around the fire to continue mop up of the fire perimeter. Water to these hose lines is supported by...

SmokeAir quality improved late in the day yesterday and we are still seeing benefits from that improvement this morning. Air quality remains impaired but not as bad as it's been. Areas near the fires - Winthrop, Twisp, and Mazama - will continue to be smoky at times, but overall conditions around the forecast area are expected to be better than yesterday. Health Please remember to check with your doctor if you're feeling effects from the smoke such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing. Some health effects from breathing smoke can be delayed by a day or

 Cedar Creek and Delancy FiresMorning Update August 3, 2021 Okanogan-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: Residual moisture from Sunday's rain showers helped moderate fire behavior on Monday, but warm temperatures have returned. Today will be hotter and drier, with unstable air conditions in the afternoon. There is the potential for thundershowers over the fire area this afternoon and evening. Erratic outflow winds are possible.   Cedar Creek Fire: The fire is currently estimated at 50,406 acres and is 23% contained.   Public Meeting: A public meeting hosted by the Southwest Area and Great Basin IMTs was held yesterday evening at Mack Lloyd Park in...

  8/3 Smoke Outlook for Cedar Creek, Delancy and Cub Creek 2 Area   Fire Hot temperatures are expected today with a heat advisory in effect for the area. Sun and heat on the fires mean they will burn actively. The possibility of thunderstorms in the afternoon could bring brisk and erratic winds. Cedar Creek is now 50,406 acres (+1635) and 23% contained. Cub Creek 2 is 58,793 (+0) and 24% contained.   Smoke Air quality improved late in the day yesterday and we are still seeing benefits from that improvement this morning. Air quality remains impaired but not as bad as it's been. Areas near the fires - Winthrop, Twisp, and Mazama - will continue to be smoky at times, but overall conditions around the forecast area are expected to be better than yesterday.   Health Please remember to check with your doctor if you're feeling effects from the smoke such as chest tightness or difficulty breathing. Some health effects from breathing smoke can be delayed by a day or

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: 58,793 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, WAThe Methow Valley saw some relief from smoke impacts as the inversion lifted by early afternoon. As long term smoke will continue, we would like to encourage communities to refer to the air quality information resources for daily Air Quality Index’s (AQI) and provide guidance for preventative health measures. Yesterday firefighters progressed along FS Road 37 with heavy equipment as they worked to extend their containment features on the Eastern flank towards Baldy Pass. On FS Road 39 similar operations will continue as firefighters work north towards Tiffany Springs. Along the southern perimeter...

Two community meetings to provide updates on the Cedar Creek, Cub Creek 2, and Delancy Fires will be offered this week:Winthrop Community Meeting, 6 p.m. Monday:   https://www.facebook.com/events/956409008544757/ Twisp Meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday:  https://www.facebook.com/events/183654560419521/ For those unable to attend, meetings can be watched through any browser without a Facebook account.