8/20/15 Cougar Creek Fire Update

GLENWOOD,Wash. -As forecasted,strong winds associated with a low  pressure

system  moved across the Cougar Creek Fire area yesterday. Crews worked diligently to hold established control lines along the south and west flanks  of the fire.   Minimal spotting resulted from the wind event,and crews were able to hold the fire  within its perimeter. A successful burnout operation conducted on Tuesday assisted in securing the southeast corner of the fire.   Efforts to keep  the fire south of Cunningham Creek will continue along the northern edge of the fire today.

A NationalWeather Service Red Flag Warning remains in effect untilll:OOpm Friday night. Strong winds combined with low  humidity and high temperatures are expected to continue across  the region today.

In the  unlikely event that the Cougar Creek  fire escapes its control lines,Washington Interagency Incident Management Team  #5 has established contingency plans in place, and  will continue to follow the Wildfire Public Safety  Plan established by the  Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management and the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office.

As the wildland firefighting community mourns the loss of three firefighters in Central Washington on 8/19, we would like  to take a moment to send our sincere condolences to all involved in this tragedy. A 5 minute tactical pause will be taken by all firefighters today.

Residents of Glenwood north of Ladiges Road remain under a Levelel vacuation from the  Klickitat County Sheriff's Office. The Levelnl otice advises residents to be alert of the fire's activity.

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 9 a.m. each day on lnciWeb:

http:ljinciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4484/

An information phone line and email address has been established. Information Office Phone: (509)364-3369 Email: cougarcreekfireinfo@gmail.com

Resources:

465 Personnel

12 Crews

21 Engines

10 Dozers

15 Water Tenders

6 Helicopters