8/22/2014 Recent news release and photos issued from the Carlton Camp Complex

Flash Flooding Impacts Fire Camp, Operations

Friday, August 22, 2014

509-997-0878 or 509-997-0880

TWISP, WA: Heavy rains and strong winds affected operations on the Little Bridge Creek and Carlton Complex fires Thursday evening, causing flash flooding on the Carlton Complex and throughout the incident command post and fire camp located on the Twisp-Carlton Road. All personnel are safe and will... be staying at the Incident Command Post (ICP) until we can determine the best course of action for the day. As several of the command post yurts flooded, personnel are setting up new work space for the team.

Last night while returning to ICP, one firefighter's vehicle was swept off the road, trapping him temporarily in his vehicle until he was able to self-extricate. He remained stranded on the opposite side of Benson Creek from the rest of the fire crew on his division for approximately an hour. Two operations supervisors worked to find a safe place for him to cross, while also helping two citizens get to higher ground. Debris flows impacted several roads in the area. As of Friday morning Hwy. 20 was closed from Twisp to Okanogan and Hwy. 153 was closed from Twisp to Carlton.

Approximately 500 fire personnel remain assigned to the three fires. About 100 personnel working on the Upper Falls Fire 17 miles north of Winthrop are staying in a spike camp off Eight Mile Road, which was unaffected by flash flooding. Those crews are back out working on the Upper Falls Fire. Line supervisors are assessing the Little Bridge Fire area to determine if it is safe for firefighters return to today. Crews assigned to the Carlton Complex will be staying in camp, helping to clean up and repair damage to the ICP.

Friday's weather is forecast to be similar to yesterdays, with thunderstorms developing this afternoon that could include heavy rains and strong winds again. Fire personnel are drying out their tents and preparing for additional rain.

Email Address: upperfallslittlebridgefire@gmail.com

Facebook: Great Basin National Incident Management Team 1

Wildfire blog: upperfallslittlebridgefire.blogspot.com

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