07/13/2015 Wolverine Fire Update

Wolverine Fire Update

Email:Wolverinefire6292015@gmail.com

FireInformation:Forfurtherinformationonthe WolverineFireplease visit:

http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4354/

 

Location:

· Chelan Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

· Chelan County, Washington

· Approximately 3 miles NW of Lucerne, Washington

Start Date: June 29, 2015

Size: Approximately 317 acres Percent Contained: 0%

Cause: Lightning Personnel Assigned: Approximately 75

Vegetation: Timber Growth Potential: Medium

Notice: Hikers and backpackers; be aware trails leading into Holden Village are temporarily closed while Holden Village is at a Level 2 evacuation notification. If you are planning a visit to the Holden area, please check Inciwebhttp://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4354/ prior to your departure or call the Chelan Ranger District (509) 682-4900 for specific information.

Summary:

Weather was the big news for the Wolverine Fire yesterday. Much cooler temperatures and increased humidity over the fire decreased fire activity substantially. Infrared imaging conducted late Saturday night revealed isolated hot spots high on a ridge in the Riddle Creek drainage.

Preparations are complete along Holden Road to receive the fire if it moves south including having hose pumps quickly available. Fire movement toward the south is not anticipated in the near term. Also structure defense improvements are in place for structures at Lucerne, Riddle, and Lightning Creeks. Fire hoses, sprinklers, pumps, and fire breaks have been emplaced and cabin wrapping materials are stored and ready for quick application if the fire makes threatening movement in that direction.

Over the next two days the Incident Management Team assigned to the fire will be transitioning responsibility over to a local team who will continue to monitor the fire and make adjustments to strategy as needed. One crew and a light helicopter will remain assigned with other resources quickly available if needed.

John Thornburg’s Southeast Arizona Incident Management Team has enjoyed tremendous support from cooperators in managing this fire. Due to the logistical challenges of supporting firefighters uplake, coordination with Holden Village and Rio Tinto at the Holden Mine Remediation site has been an essential component to the Team successfully completing the mission assigned. Holden Village assisted with many tasks, including use of their buses to transport firefighters and logistical support. Rio Tinto supplied equipment for completing fire line along the Holden Road and hastened the thinning activities by transporting brush away from the road. The team would also like to thank the Lake Chelan Boat Club at Lucerne for their continuous assistance for firefighter activities.

The Level 2 evacuation notice for Holden Village and Lucerne still remain in effect. This notice means “be ready”. Although Holden itself is not threatened, there is concern that its single road access could be compromised if the fire should move to the south.

Refrigerator Harbor Campground at Lucerne remains open to the public as does the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes west of Holden.

ResourcesAssigned:

§ Firefighters:one20-personhotshot crewsandone20-person initialattack crew.

§ Onelight and two heavy Type 1 Sky Crane helicopters

§ Four boats