Monday, July 28, 2014

7/28/2014 Chiwaukum and Mills Canyon Fire Update

Suppression of these fires is an interagency effort, including Chelan County Fire Districts 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9; Washington DNR; Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, and the National Guard.
The Type 1 Southern Area Incident Management Team (Dueitt) is managing the Chiwaukum Complex.
Aircraft continue to fly reconnaissance on all fires. As fire activity picked up, air operations increased the number of water drops. Smoke in the area has increased. The size of Chiwaukum fire decreased to 10,987 acres due to more accurate mapping.
Highway 2 from Coles Corner to Mile Post 99 (just west of Leavenworth, WA) remains closed due to increasing fire activity and to provide for public and firefighter safety.
Chiwaukum Creek Fire:   Firefighters are making progress and will continue handline construction and mop up on the northeast fire perimeter. Fire activity increased in the northwest corner where the burnout was initiated a few days ago. The fire has been moving across the slope above Thomson Creek. Additional crews have been moved into the area to keep the fire in check and watch for spot fires to the east of Highway 2. National Guard crews continue to mop up along Highway 2 giving the burned area more depth. Helicopters are dropping water on hot spots along the fire perimeter as needed. 
Kelly Mountain Fire:  Hotshot crews are working to complete mop up on the Kelly Mountain fire today.
Duncan Fire:  Additional crews and equipment have been brought in to assist in clearing heavy brush and small trees along the Entiat River and Shady Pass roads. This fuel break will create a contingency line if the fire moves to the south and east.
Mills Canyon Fire:  95% of this fire is contained and will continue to be monitored by three engine crews. Full containment is anticipated in 6-8 days.   
Weather:  A high pressure system is keeping warmer and drier weather in the area through the rest of the week. These conditions are causing increased fire activity. There is a chance of thunderstorms on Wednesday night into Thursday.
Evacuations/Closure Information:  Road closures along all county roads located between, or originating from, Highway 2 between Nason Creek Rest Area and Coles Corner have been lifted. The level 3 evacuation notice in effect for the same area has been downgraded to level 1. Chelan County Emergency Services posts updated evacuations and closures on their Facebook and Twitter sites at 
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices
Smoke Informationhttp://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ and Leavenworth  webcam at:   http://www.leavenworth.org/news-weather
Highway Information: http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/ or follow twitter: @wsdot

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