8/19/2014 South Cle Elum Ridge Fire

FIRE STATUS Acres Burned: 894 acres Containment: 77% Structures Destroyed:  0 Closures:  Closure Area for Taneum Creek on Cle Elum Ranger District, Campfire Ban                   Cause:  Lightning/Natural

RESOURCES Crews: 8 Engines: 20 Dozers: 5 Helicopters: 0 Total personnel:  337 Injuries: 6

Current Situation:  Firelines will be tested today as a wind event moves through the area bringing erratic winds with gusts up to 30 mph.  Minimal fire behavior is expected, but as the weather warms and fuels dry, the potential for more active behavior will increase. Un-detected hot spots could show with the windy conditions.  Air resources are available from the Snag Canyon Fire.

The Forest Service closure in the area of the South Cle Elum Ridge Fire is still in place.  The area closure includes all roads and trails within that area.  Be sure you know where you are and that you are not violating the closure.  It is being strictly enforced.

Weather Outlook:  A dry cold front will quickly push through this morning allowing gusty west-northwest winds to develop over the fires.  Possibility of a thunderstorm with gusty erratic winds to 30 mph is possible.

Forest Closures: For public and firefighter safety the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued an Area Closure in the Taneum Creek Area. Road blocks are in place on Forest Road 4510 (Woods and Steele Road), junction of Forest Roads 3350 and 119 (Five Corners) and Forest Road 3300 at the Bridge across the South Fork Taneum Creek.

A campfire ban is currently in place for all forested lands in Kittitas County.  It is extremely important that forest visitors and campers continue to cooperate and support local firefighting efforts by having no campfires.

For US Forest area closure information contact: Cle Elum Ranger District: (509) 852-1100 Monday through Friday 8-4:30pm.

Evacuation Information: The Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center removed the Level 1 evacuation 8/18/14, for the Woods & Steele Road.

Cooperating Agencies: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas County Fire Districts 7 and 1, Kittitas County Sheriff's Office and the Washington State National Guard.