The Chiwaukum Complex includes the Chiwaukum, Duncan, Hansel, Shoofly, Mills Canyon and the Kelly Mountain Fires.
A Community Meeting is scheduled for today, August 6 at Cascade High School in Leavenworth at 7:00 p.m.
Unseasonably hot temperatures and low humidity continued to contribute to fire activity within the Complex Tuesday, but forecasted winds were less than expected. The majority of air operations focused on the Hansel Fire. Those actions, combined with the topography of the area, contributed to success in keeping the fire on the west side of Highway 97. Evacuation levels were increased mid-morning and remain in effect today. Residents of 15 homes on Hansel Creek Road, Ingalls Creek Road and Pine Ridge Road are under a Level 3 alert. A Level 2 evacuation order is in effect for the 121 homes in the Valley High community. The Blue Shastin RV Park and residences on Highway 97 within a half mile north of Ingalls Creek Road remain under a Level 1 evacuation.
Today's plan includes constructing dozer line to tie off the west side, attempting to hold the fire at the Ingall's Creek Trail and continuing to provide structural protection.
The Duncan Fire: Winds pushed the fire southeast and it reached the bottom of Pope Creek drainage and moved north to the Crow Creek drainage. The western perimeter line along the Entiat River continues to hold. Evacuation Level was raised to 2 on the Entiat River Road, from Brief to the end of the county road. Today, efforts to strengthen the contingency fuel break along the Shady Pass Road (FR5900) and Entiat River Road will continue, with five chippers in operation. The structures above Lake Creek Campground on the Entiat River Road have been wrapped with fire-resistant material and have had sprinklers strategically placed around them. The Entiat River Road remains closed at mp 25.
The Shoofly Fire is burning in steep, difficult terrain with heavy fuels approximately 10 miles up the Little Wenatchee River drainage. The fire grew to 55 acres and management strategies are being developed. Shortages in resources are hampering containment efforts.
On the Chiwaukum Creek Fire, winds caused increased burning as it backed down from the northern perimeter. Suppression response included water drops from helicopters.
Kelly Mountain Fire: 100% containment was declared on this fire on July 29. Aerial observation will continue to monitor fire behavior.
Mills Canyon Fire: 100% containment was declared on this fire on August 2. Monitoring continues.
Twelve additional 20-person crews are scheduled to arrive today to aid in firefighting efforts.
Weather: Temperatures will be range from the 80's to the 90's today. Northwest winds are expected again today at 9-14 mph, with gusts to 20 mph on ridge tops. The Haines Index has dropped slightly, from a 5 to a 4 today.
NOTE: If your property is in or below a burned area, you may be at risk for a flood or debris flow during a rain event. Please refer to http://centralwashingtonfirerecovery.info/
Evacuations/Closure Information: Chelan County Emergency Services posts updated evacuations and closures at facebook.com/pages/Chelan-County-Emergency-Management/188543097925415 or follow them on twitter @ChelanCountyEM.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices Smoke Information: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ ###
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