7/11/2015 Wolverine Fire Update AM

Notice:  Hikers and backpackers need to 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 Inciweb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4354/ prior to your departure or call the Chelan Ranger District (509) 682-4900 for specific information.

Approximately 117 personnel are assigned to the lightning-caused Wolverine Fire, located in remote, steep, timbered terrain three miles northwest of Lucerne, Washington.  The fire is approximately 314 acres with 0% containment.

Thunderstorms moved into the Chelan Ranger District area Friday as predicted, bringing a small amount of much needed rain and cooler temperatures. The weather change resulted in continued light fire behavior. Crews were continuing work to prepare structures at Lucerne, Lightning Creek and Riddle Creek. They also continued clean up along Holden Camp road.

As thunderstorms moved across the area, initial attack became a high priority for crews assigned to the Wolverine Fire to provide support for the Chelan District.

Some crews and support resources assigned to the Wolverine Fire will be reassigned in the coming days. The Incident Command System used by agencies fighting wildland fires is designed to enable rapid response to incidents and allows the size of the response to be tailored to the need. As fire intensity increases, resources can quickly be added to address needed response or reduced when activity is light. In this manner, costs of managing incidents are minimized and resources, such as Hotshot crews, are able to be shared between agencies and states as they are needed. The Wolverine Fire will continue to be resourced as needed until the fire is declared out, but may see reductions or increases in size of the forces confronting it during coming days.

A Level 2 evacuation notice for Holden Village and Lucerne is still 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 remain open to the public as does the Pacific Crest Trail, which passes west of Holden.

Resources assigned to the fire include four 20-person crews, four helicopters and four boats.