Friday, July 10, 2015

7/10/2015 Newby Lake Fire Update AM


Fire Information: (509) 486-4003 Email: newbylake910@gmail.com

Yesterday, hotshot crews made excellent progress building fire line to corral the fire at the northeast corner near Snowshoe Meadow. A combination of heavy mechanized line and hand line was also accomplished near the eastern edge of the fire to stop further progress into the Loomis State Forest.

Although isolated showers were scattered around the area last night, no rain fell on the fire area. Extremely dry continuous vegetation contributes to the fire spread. As a result, the fire became very active last night and is now estimated to be 3,037 acres in size.

A Red Flag warning has been issued today for scattered thunderstorms. Abundant lightning accompanied by wind gusts 25-35 mph are expected to be additional hazards to firefighters as thunderstorms move through the area this afternoon. Dry fuels consisting of timber on steep, rocky terrain continue to challenge the fire suppression efforts of the crews.

Six Interagency Hot Shot Crews and four Type II crews continue to build fire line near the fire’s eastern flank nearest the Loomis State Forest. Two strike teams of engines are being deployed along the fire line from Iron Gate Trailhead south. Crews on the ground are being assisted by five helicopters making water drops as needed to cool hot spots. Fire lines used in the 2006 Tripod fire are also being re-established using dozers, feller buncher machines, and fuel masticators.

An area closure remains in place on all National Forest Lands and WA DNR lands affected by the fire. Areas which provide entry into the fire area are also closed to public access. Campfires and briquette fires are banned on the entire Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest including developed campgrounds. For more specific closure information go to
inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4355/.

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