8/11/2018 Okanogan-Wenatchee Fire Information

Methow Valley Fires Update Lightning sparks 20 news fires in Methow Valley; multiple resources responding

August 11, 2018 Acres: Varies from 1/10 to 20 acres                                                   Start Date: 08/11/18 Resources: Smokejumpers, air tankers, rapellers, handcrews, engines and dozers Location: Methow Valley, WA Cause: Lightning Current Activity: Firefighters on the Methow Valley Ranger District have confirmed 20 new fires following the recent lightning storm. While most of the fires are less than one acre, crews initially sized up some of the fires at up to 20 acres in size. The fire in the Falls Creek area is currently estimated to be 50 acres in size. Firefighters have already contained three of the fires as of 4:00 pm on Saturday. Fires are in the following areas (some areas had multiple strikes/fires): Lucky Jim Bluff Banker Pass - Contained Near Goat Peak Lookout Short Creek - Contained In the Montana Mine area Up the West Chewuch Above the head of Mack Creek along the Chelan-Sawtooth Ridge Blackpine area Cub Creek Falls Creek - Up to 50 acres Bolder Creek Spanish Camp in the Pasayten Wilderness Along the Pasayten Wilderness boundary a few miles north of the Goat Peak Lookout Of the new lightning caused fires, the one closest to a community is in the Montana Mine area, approximately three air miles from the community of Mazama, WA. It has been staffed with four smoke jumpers since this morning and is estimated to be ¼ acre in size.  This continues to be a dynamic situation, with resources addressing the highest priority fires before being re-distributed to others. Fires are staffed with a combination of smokejumpers, rapellers, handcrews, engines and dozers. While smoke did impact visibility during portions of the day, aerial support, including helicopters and a very large airtanker delivering retardant, have been working the fires as conditions allowed.  Weather and Fire Behavior: Red flag warning were in effect throughout the day with high winds across the area. On Sunday, smoke is expected to be widespread with northwest wind around six mph. Continued cooler temperatures and higher humidity may restrict fire growth and intensity. However, fire managers are preparing for single to group tree torching with the the potential for rapid fire growth. Evacuations: There are no evacuations at this time. The closest fire is three air miles from Mazama, WA. Closures: For public safety, the area around Goat Peak, 8-Mile and the Upper Chewuch is closed to public entry. A closure map will be issued soon. Fire Information: Phone: 509-996-4000 Twitter: twitter.com/OkaWenNF Facebook: www.facebook.com/OkaWenNF Washington Smoke Blog: wasmoke.blogspot.com #WaWildfire -End-

Photo: Lightning caused fires frequently occur throughout the national forest. This photo taken in 2006 shows a lightning strike over the mountains in the Methow Valley. Credit: Andre DuLac