8/13/2014 Chiwaukum Complex Fire Update

Last night widespread thunderstorms produced significant rainfall over all fires in the area.  Hansel Creek Fire received ½ inch of rain, while ¾-1 inch of rain fell on the Chiwaukum Creek Fire.  Thunderstorms produced ¾-1inch of precipitation on the Duncan Fire.  Alpine and Shoofly Fires received the most rainfall with 1-2 inches of rain produced by the storms.  However, significant amounts of lightning were also produced by the storms last night possibly igniting new fires.  Possibly new fires may manifest themselves over the next several days.

The fire situation has changed significantly overnight due to the rainfall and fire behavior is expected to be more benign.  However, fires are still expected to creep and smolder under forested areas with heavy canopy.  Woody fuels are still dry.  For example, dead woody material three to eight inches in diameter would require days of precipitation to respond significantly with an increase in moisture content.  Before last night's rainfall, firefighters have been faced with dry fuels with moisture contents as low as four to nine percent.  

 

A Public Meeting will be held Thursday, August 14 at 7:00 pm at the Valley Hi Fire Station.  All members of the public are invited to attend.

Yesterday, excellent progress was accomplished by crews mopping up hot spots at the northeastern /eastern portion of the Hansel Creek Fire closest to any structures and Highway 97.   At the northwest corner of the fire, firefighters made significant progress tying in and building a fire line toward a rocky area.  The fire remains west of Highway 97.  Structure protection is in place and the portion of the fire closest to Highway 97 remains secured.  The Chelan County Sheriff has notified residents on Highway 97 of a Level 1 Evacuation Notice in the stretch of the highway from Ingalls Creek to Camas Creek Road, including Blu Shastin RV Park, and Old Blewett Highway and Camas Creek Road. 

A burn out operation from the Shady Pass Road was very successful yesterday on the Duncan Fire.  The burn-out was conducted to reinforce the fuel break constructed along the road.  Crews assisted in the burn-out while a helicopter was also used to discharge "pyrotechnic spherical devices" (commonly referred to as "ping pong balls") to ignite the burn-out.   

With a two hour hike into the Shoofly Fire, heavy equipment is working to open up roads and access to the fire.  The roads are also planned to be used as containment lines.  The fire remains a priority with a full suppression strategy.

The Alpine Fire is now 100% contained and mop up continues.

Mop up continues on the northwest corner of Chiwaukum Creek Fire at McCue Ridge.   Rehabilitation of the fire lines and mop-up activities continue. Active fire remains in the Chiwaukum Creek area where spotting continues to occur.

All major roads including Highway 2 and Highway 97 are open.  Businesses in surrounding communities remain open and ready for business.

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.

Quick Facts

Incident Summary

Approximate Acreages based on overnight infra- red flight;

Chiwaukum  Creek:

13,895 ac

Duncan:  10,406 ac

Hansel Creek:  970 ac

Shoofly:  160 ac

Alpine: 19 ac