7/24/2014 Carlton Zone Update

Carlton Zone Update July 24, 2014

Media briefings held daily at 11:00 AM at the Carlton Zone ICP located at the Liberty Bell High School south of Winthrop.

Community Meeting at 6:00 PM Thursday, July 24 at The Methow Valley Community Center in Twisp. Safety Message: Due to power outages in the affected fire area, residents have been using portable generators to provide power. Although a useful tool, portable generators can be hazardous if not used properly. Carbon monoxide, electrical and fire hazards related to improper generator use can cause serious injury and property damage. It is recommended that all users follow the proper safety guidelines which can be found in the owner’s manual. Further information related to safe generator usage can be found at http://tinyurl.com/okt34xq. Yesterday the area received significant weather including hail, wind, and heavy rains. These conditions can make driving hazardous. Please use extreme caution while driving, especially on dirt roads.  

Weather Message: Yesterday’s rainfall was considerable, with the valleys receiving ¼ to a ½ inch and the ridges receiving close to an inch of rain. There were several unconfirmed debris flows, with one confirmed debris flow in the Gold Creek area. At this time there have been no reported injuries or fatalities related to this weather event. Carlton Complex initial attack resources, in conjunction with local resources, responded to 3 lightning fires related to the weather event. The moisture, combined with a quick response time, lead to no significant fire activity. 

  Fire Operations: The Carlton Complex has been divided into three management zones. One Incident Management Team is based in Winthrop, one in Omak, and one in Chelan, respectively. The three areas are called the Carlton Zone, the Carlton East Zone, and the Carlton South Zone. Yesterday’s moisture along with aggressive suppression efforts has jumped up containment percentages considerably. The Carlton Complex is 52% contained with a total acreage of 250,258. The total perimeter of the complex is 182 miles. Work progressed all along the fire’s edge, though the weather forced resources to seek safe shelter. Work continues in the Libby and Gold Creek area, with crews constructing direct fire line and providing point protection for structures. An infrastructure group has been working with local landowners and power companies to open up roads and restore power. The weather respite will allow resources to make advances in the next few days, but the fire continues to pose challenges and crews will remain vigilant. Firefighters worked throughout the night on Wednesday, securing line and providing point protection. The Washington National Guard will be in the community today, providing wellness checks to affected residents. They will be traveling in military Humvees and will distribute sundry items such as food and water to those in need. On Wednesday they were in the Winthrop area and made over 70 community contacts.

A Fire Information Call Center for all three zones of the Carlton Complex is open in Wenatchee from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM; the Center numbers are (509) 664-9353 or 664-9277. The Center was opened to provide additional information because the Fire Information Office telephones in Winthrop are working intermittently. Fire information for all three zones of the Carlton Complex will be posted on the websites listed above. 
 
Highway Closures: Highway road closures may be in effect and closures can change quickly due to the dynamic fire situation. Contact the “511” automated Washington Department of Transportation Travel Information line for updated information, or call (509) 667-2802.
 
Up to date emergency information should be obtained from the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office or Emergency Services at (509) 422-2422, (509) 422-2428, (509) 422-2448, or (509) 422-2420. Information is also available on the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Facebook.

There is a Red Cross Shelter at the Fellowship Church in Omak. Displaced public can make contact with the Omak Red Cross Shelter at (509) 663-3907. Additional shelters are open at The Barn in Winthrop, the Chelan High School, and at the Brewster High School. 

Forest Service Area Closures: All USFS land south of the Twisp River Rd. and the #37 Rd are closed. This includes the entire Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness on both the Methow and Chelan sides of the ridge, with the exception of the Lakeside Trail near Chelan. Also included is the South Summit area of the Methow Ranger District.