8/20/2014 8:00 am South Cle Elum Ridge Fire Update

This will be the last update for the South Cle Elum Ridge Fire. For information about this wildfire, please visit www.inciweb.nwcg.gov or call Cle Elum Ranger District at (509) 852-1100.

Northern Rockies Type 1 team will transition with a Type 3 team Friday.

Current Situation: Firelines were tested yesterday as a wind event moved through the area bringing erratic winds with gusts up to 30 mph.  Firefighters observed minimal smoldering fire behavior. There are a few areas on the southwest side of the fire with heavy concentrations of fuels that require mop-up.

The Forest Service closure in the area of the South Cle Elum Ridge Fire is still in place. The area closure includes all roads and trails within that area.  Be sure you know where you are and that you are not violating the closure.  It is being strictly enforced.

Weather Outlook: Today will continue to be breezy with west/northwest winds of 10-15 mph with gusts to 23. Temperatures are expected to be between 65-77 with humidities between 23-34%.

Forest Closures: For public and firefighter safety the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued an

Area Closure in the Taneum Creek Area. Road blocks are in place on Forest Road 4510 (Woods and Steele Road), junction of Forest Roads 3350 and 119 (Five Corners) and Forest Road 3300 at the Bridge across the South Fork Taneum Creek.

A campfire ban is currently in place for all forested lands in Kittitas County.  It is extremely important that forest visitors and campers continue to cooperate and support local firefighting efforts by having no campfires.

For US Forest area closure information contact: Cle Elum Ranger District: (509) 852-1100 Monday through Friday 8-4:30pm.