8/17/2014 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:   11 Engines: 33 Dozers: 25 Water Tenders: 9 Helicopters: 5 Total personnel:  580 Injuries: 15

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:  Infrared flights showed very little heat along the perimeter of the fire.  Crews will concentrate on those areas, securing and improving the fireline and mopping up 100 feet into the interior.  Creeping and smoldering in the duff layer is being observed and large fuels remain dry and continue to burn.  Patrolling and monitoring will continue on the entire fire perimeter.  Smoke will remain visible.

Rehab needs are being assessed and completed as opportunity allows.    

The threat of new 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.

Demob of resources continues and personnel assigned has decreased to 580. 

Public and firefighter safety is still our main priority.

Weather Outlook:  An upper level high pressure system will continue into Monday.  Increased temperatures and lower humidities are expected with generally light winds.  A change is expected Tuesday as a dry cold front will push through resulting in stronger winds. 

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, and United States Forest Service.