Violent thunderstorms rolling through the area produced at least 13 new fire starts. A quick response to catch these new fires was possible due to a high level of cooperation among Local Fire District, State, National Forest and Chiwaukum Complex fire personnel.
Wetting rain received Saturday on the Chiwaukum fire will impede fire growth on Sunday, allowing crews to focus on strengthening and rehabilitating existing fire-lines, hauling excess equipment back to camp and responding to new initial attack starts. Only trace amounts of precipitation occurred on the Duncan fire, and firefighters are being shifted from the Chiwaukum incident to effectively utilize resources.
Highway 2 remains open on Sunday. Having this road remain open depends 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.
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: A wetting rain occurred over most of the fire area which is limiting fire growth today. Firefighters will be providing initial attack on any new starts that are found. Resource Advisor Don Youkey complimented crews at the morning briefing on their efforts to rehabilitate fire-lines.
Kelly Mountain Fire: 100% containment was declared on this fire on July 29. Aerial observation will continue to monitor fire behavior.
Duncan Fire: The Duncan fire continued growth to the north where its spread is being limited by rocks and old burn scars. On the southern flank crews constructed a line to "hook" the fire and prevent its advance across the North Fork of the Entiat River. Helicopter water drops are being used extensively to retard fire intensity in this area. The fire has burned down to the Entiat River Road along a narrow front. Chipping operations along the Shady Pass Road (FR2900) and the Entiat River Road are significantly reducing fuel loads. This will increase the firefighter's ability to successfully stop the fire's advance to the south.
Mills Canyon Fire: This fire was proclaimed 100% contained on August 2. Three engines staffed by nine people are continuing to monitor any activity associated with the fire.
Weather: The Haines Index, which had reached a level of 5 earlier in the week, has dropped to 3 on Sunday, indicating a reduced chance of fire spread. Forecasts call for warmer and drier conditions heading into next week.
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 Information: http://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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