8/16/15 Cougar Creek Fire Update (southern Washington)

GLENWOOD, Wash. – Capitalizing on favorable weather conditions, firefighters made exceptional progress yesterday in slowing the progression of the fire along the southeastern flame front and strengthening the containment line along its southwestern boundary. Ground crews were supported by extensive air support from 6 helicopters. By the end of shift the fire was estimated to be 22,300 acres in size, increasing little from the previous day. As a result of the success of the efforts yesterday, a measurable advance in containment can now be reported at 5% and there was no movement toward Glenwood.

Firefighters continue to deal with very active fire behavior, the potential for long range spotting, treacherous terrain, and heavy fuel loading from bug-killed timber and the remains of the Cold Springs and Cascade Creek fires. Today, firefighters plan to continue their aggressive efforts along the southern and eastern perimeter of the fire to pinch off the flame front that had been advancing toward the town of Glenwood. They will also continue to build upon the progress they have made along the western fire line, working to strengthen and extend containment there to ensure protection for the town of Trout Lake.

A public information meeting is planned for Monday, Aug. 17, 5 p.m. at Trout Lake school.

Lightning ignited the fire Monday, Aug. 10, 2015. It is located approximately 6 miles north of Glenwood. Lands protected by the Yakama Indian Nation (YIN), Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the United States Forest Service (USFS) are impacted by the fire. Management of the fire was transferred to Washington Incident Management Team #5 (WIIMT5) at 6 A.M., August 12, a Type 2 team under the command of Incident Commander Dave Leitch.

With the extreme fire activity occurring throughout Washington and much of the western United States, firefighting resources are stretched exceptionally thin and little to no new resources are anticipated to be available to aid the suppression efforts.

CLOSURES: For the safety of firefighters and the public: DNR - All DNR State Trust lands and recreation sites within the Glenwood Block are closed. Yakama Indian Nation - Tract D Mt. Adams Recreation Area is closed. USFS – The South Climb & all other trails on the south & east sides of Mt. Adams are closed between Forest Road 23 at Williams Mine to the eastern boundary of the Forest. Forest Roads 80 & 82 are also closed.

Future daily updates will be posted by 9am each day on InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4484/.

An information phone line and email address has been established.

Information Office Phone: (509)364-3369

Information Email: cougarcreekfireinfo@gmail.com

Quick Facts

Fire Size:

Approximately 22,300 acres

Containment:

5%

Location:

6 miles northwest of Glenwood, Washington.

Cause:

Lightning/

Natural

Resources:

459 personnel

14 crews

15 engines

9 dozers

11 tenders

6 helos.

1 other