8/19/2014 Snag Canyon Fire

FIRE STATUS Acres Burned:  12,667 Cause:  Lightning Structures Destroyed:  22 (10 residences) Closures:  Naneum Ridge State Forest is closed; Okanogan Wenatchee area has an area closure. Numerous road closures in immediate fire area Containment:  81%

RESOURCES Crews:   13 Engines: 24 Dozers: 10 Water Tenders: 4 Helicopters: 6 Total personnel:  583 Injuries: 16

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 and the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.

Current Situation:  Firelines will be tested today as a wind event moves through the area bringing erratic winds with gusts up to 30 mph.   Although minimal fire behavior is expected, un-detected hot spots could show with the windy conditions.  Crews continue to make progress in strengthening lines and increasing containment of the fire.  Mop up operations continue along the contained perimeter, focusing upon uncontained sections on the eastern slope of Naneum Canyon. 

Rehab is underway as damages caused by suppression efforts are repaired as soon as possible after the fire is contained.   Mitigation efforts include leveling soil berms caused by dozer line, repairing and replacing fences, installing water bars and grass seeding of disturbed soils.  All fireline rehab is completed as part of the on-going fire suppression rehabilitation efforts.

The threat of hold over fires from lightning that occurred last week remains and initial attack crews are available to respond to any new starts within the initial attack area.

Public and firefighter safety will be a priority today as strong winds could bring down trees whose roots have been weakened by the fire.

Weather Outlook:  An upper level high pressure system dominated today with warm temperatures and low humidity.  A change is expected Tuesday as a dry cold front will push through resulting in stronger west/northwest winds with gusts up to 20 mph.

Evacuation Information: The evacuations levels and roadblocks remain the same. A wind event is expected today, and while fire operations feel they will maintain control of the fire, the evacuation levels will remain in place as a precaution.  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 16 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, and United States Forest Service.