8/8/2018 - Crescent Mountain Fire Update

CRESCENT MOUNTAIN AND GILBERT FIRES Level 2 Evacuations

Wednesday, August 8, 2018  A public information meeting is scheduled for tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp.   Incident Resources 8 crews, 38 engines, 4 helicopters, 2 dozers, 4 water tenders, 462 personnel, 11,300 total acres   Incident Summary Fire activity increased yesterday with the Crescent Mountain Fire pushing west and northeast into the Lake Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness. Firefighters conducted a tactical firing operation of about 100 acres on the north side of War Creek Ridge. Last night’s infrared flight indicated the fire’s size was approximately 11,262 acres. The Gilbert Fire is holding at 38 acres with no observed fire activity. Firefighters continue to work to widen existing roads utilizing heavy equipment, evaluating ingress and egress routes, and creating defensible space around homes and other structures. The southern fire edge is approximately three miles from the closest structure in the Twisp River drainage.   Road and Trail Closure Status Twisp River Road (Forest Road 4400) from the intersection with Buttermilk Road (Forest Road 43) to the terminus at Roads End Campground West Twisp River Road (Forest Roads 4420, 4430, 4435, and 4440) from the intersection with Buttermilk Road to its terminus at Twisp River Horse Camp  All trailheads and trails originating from these roads Travel on Thompson Ridge Road (Forest Road 4410) and Little Bridge Creek Road (Forest Road 4415) is not advised. Additional closures are being approved and will be announced soon. Specific trail, road, and area closures, and a closure map for the fire, may be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6093/.   Burning Restrictions The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is under a complete fire ban.   Evacuations There is currently a Level 2 evacuation notice for residents above the road closure at the intersection of Buttermilk Road and Twisp River Road. A Level 2 evacuation notice means residents should be prepared to leave immediately in the event a Level 3 notice is issued. With predicted weather, the fire is expected to continue to move eastward.   Smoke Heavy smoke is being generated from all the fires in the area. For information on smoke and public health, please visit: wasmoke.blogspot.com. For smoke information in Spanish visit: https://www.doh.wa.gov/CommunityandEnvironment/AirQuality/SmokeFromFires/HumodeIncendios. Despite the smoke, the towns of Twisp and Winthrop are open for business.  -End-

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