7/24/2014 AM Carlton South Zone Update

Fire Name: Carlton Complex (South Zone) 
Start Date: 7/14/2014 
Cause: Lightning

Location: The Carlton Complex South Zone is located on private, state and federally managed lands north of Chelan, Washington.

Current Information: Last night, the Carlton Complex South Zone had minimal fire activity due to the effects of the precipitation over the past few days. However, the wind blew ash and dust despite recent moisture. Firefighters mopped up in the Black Canyon area, extinguishing hot spots into the fire’s interior. At this time, there is no threat from fire activity to the cities of Pateros, Brewster, Chelan, or Manson. Today is a transition day, as the weather will gradually warm up to into the 90’s by this weekend. Winds will pick up during the day to 25-35 mph on the ridges, blowing from the west/northwest. The Methow Valley will have gusts up to 30 mph. As the fine dead fuels such as grasses dry out, potential for increased fire activity may occur. Firefighters will be on the lookout for rolling material in steep drainages and falling snags (dead trees). Today, crews will continue to hold the fire from further progress to the west. They will be pushing north towards Libby Creek, as they continue to construct fireline along the edge of the fire and mop up in Black Canyon and Squaw Creek. A helicopter will be flying over the Black Canyon area in order to determine the location and intensity of hot spots. The Washington National Guard is assisting the firefighting effort in air support, logistics, and communications.

Advisories: Portions of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remain closed due to the fire activity. Please contact the Fire Information line listed at the top of the page for more specific information. Evacuations: Several areas continue to be under evacuation orders by the Okanogan County Sheriff'’s Office. For detailed information, go to the Facebook pages of the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office or Chelan County Office of Emergency Management. The community of Lake Chelan would like the public to know that businesses are open as usual.