Saturday, August 2, 2014

8/2/14 10:14 am Chiwaukum Fire Update

A combination of Local Fire District, National Forest and Chiwaukum Complex Fire resources responded to five new fires in the area:  two in the Alpine Lakes Widerness on French and Black Pine Ridges, one near Little Wenatchee River, one near Merritt Lake Trail, and one in Panther Creek north of Lake Wenatchee.   
More thunderstorms predicted today are expected to bring lightning and gusty winds.  Humidity is up slightly and temperatures are expected to be slightly lower than yesterday but still in the 90's.   
Highway 2 remains open today.  Having this road remain open will depend on firefighter and public safety, any medical emergencies and fire behavior.  The Chumstick detour may resume in the event of public or firefighter safety needs on Highway 2.  
Evacuations: The Plain River, Ponderosa Estates, Shell station and residences near Coles Corner, and Nason Creek Campground remain at a Level 1 today. 
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.
Chiwaukum Creek Fire:   The fire continues to be active on the west and south perimeters within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and just west of Highway 2.  Fire crews continue mop up along the north perimeter and extending the handline along the wilderness boundary on McCue Ridge.  Helicopters contributed to suppression efforts along the north and south perimeters with water bucket drops, effectively reducing fire activity.    
Duncan Fire:  The fire was active on the southwest flank yesterday moving down toward the fireline improvements along Entiat River Road.  Helicopters are dropping water to cool hot spots on the southern flank and to monitor the east flank along the North Fork Entiat River. Heavy equipment, in combination with hand crews, continue thinning trees and brush along Shady Pass Road (FR5900).  Structure protection measures and new assessments are ongoing above Brief along Entiat River Road.  Night shift is staffed.
Mills Canyon Fire:  95% of this fire is contained and will continue to be monitored by engine crews.  
Kelly Mountain Fire:  100% containment was declared on the fire Tuesday and is in monitor status.
Weather:  Partly cloudy today with scattered thunderstorms with possible lightning mainly after 1:00 pm.  Gusts of wind could be up to 40 mph.  Chance of wetting rain is below 20%.  The inversion will lift around 11:00 am.  Active fire behavior is expected due to the dry conditions.   
Evacuations/Closure Information:  Chelan County Emergency Services posts updated evacuations and closures on their Facebook and Twitter sites 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 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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