8/16/2014 AM Snag Canyon Fire Update

FIRE STATUS Acres Burned:  12,667 Cause:  Lightning Structures Destroyed:  21 (10 residences) Closures:  Naneum Ridge State Forest is closed; Okanogan Wenatchee area has an area closure. Numerous road closures in immediate fire area Containment:  76%

RESOURCES Crews:   16 Engines: 45 Dozers: 25 Water Tenders: 10 Helicopters: 4 Total personnel:  774 Injuries: 15

The Northern Rockies Type 1 team is managing both the Snag Canyon and South Cle Elum Ridge Fires.

Incident Summary: The Snag Canyon Fire, located 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg, was started by a lightning strike on Saturday, August 2.  The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber.  The fire is burning on state and private land. The fire is also threatening the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.

Current Situation:  Mop-up has begun on the Snag Canyon Fire which is now 76% contained.  Acres have increased to12,667 acres due to more accurate mapping.  Although precipitation has occurred across the fire, as the weather become warmer and drier, fire activity will intensify and the possibility of spot fires showing up will increase.  Smoke will become more visible as the large fuels continue to burn and fire continues to creep and smolder in the thick duff layers in the interior of the fire area.

Crews will continue to mop up 100" along the perimeter and secure and improve fire lines.  Rehab needs are being assessed and completed as opportunity allows. 

Lightning from previous days may have ignited new fires which could show up over the next several days.  Initial attack crews are available to respond to any new starts within the initial attack area.

Debmob of resources has begun and personnel assigned has decreased to 774. 

Public and firefighter safety is still a significant concern.

Weather Outlook:  Beginning tomorrow a warming, drying trend with increased temperatures and lower humidities are predicted. 

Evacuation Information: The evacuations levels have not changed. Residents affected by the fire can contact the Kittitas County EOC at 509-933-8305 for more information, or visit the county website for updates and evacuation maps at https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/.

Forest Closures: The Washington Department of Natural Resources issued a closure for the entire Naneum Ridge State Forest. Contact DNR Southeast Region at 509-925-8510 for details. The Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest has issued an Area Closure adjacent to the fire. More information can be found on http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4046/ or call the Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100.

Injuries: There have been 15 non-life threatening medical issues that received treatment at the local hospital. All were treated and released.

Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas County Sheriff, Kittitas County Emergency Management, Washington National Guard, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, National Guard, and United States Forest Service