With a Red Flag Warning in effect today for wind and dry conditions, firefighters have been asked to “look up” continually as they work to avoid the risk of fire-damaged trees blowing over and rolling downslope. The same holds true for recreationists and hunters as they make their way outside for a day of fun in the sun. Fire crews were advised this morning that high temperatures and low humidity represent the leading edge of a changing weather pattern moving into the region. A wetting rain is forecast for Wednesday.
Same as yesterday, more than 650 firefighters today will be staffing shovels, pulaskis, engines, dozers, water tenders and helicopters to detect and contain fire as it smolders and creeps along, lays hidden in hot ashes, or torches up into active fire. Four Type 1 helicopters will be dropping water in support of fire suppression activities.
A Burn Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team is also arriving over the next couple of days to conduct a specialized assessment of the southwest corner of the fire within the Entiat drainage. BAER teams evaluate fire areas to determine whether any actions are needed to prevent additional damage caused by the fire.
Wolverine: Yesterday’s hot, dry, windy weather in the Three Creek and Shetipo Creek drainage areas resulted in the slight push of mid-slope fire to the north, but not up and over the ridge. Keeping fire from topping the ridge remains a major priority today, as does the strengthening of existing lines and the construction of new hand and dozer lines where needed. Four hand crews, two of them flow in, will be doing that work.
First Creek: The repair of fire lines continues today with the installation of water bars and other erosion prevention measures. Residents of the First Creek area are asked to be aware of the possibility of mudslides following any rain. Visit: http://www.
Blankenship: Air staff today will continue to fly over and monitor this extreme-slope spot fire. The Pacific Crest Trail remains open.
Weather: A Red Flag Warning for wind and dry conditions is in effect for today and has triggered special safety precautions in carrying out today’s fire tactics.
Evacuation/Aid Information: LEVEL 1 areas: Entiat River Road starting at approximately mile post 21.5 (Brief) up to the end of Entiat River Road; First Creek Road and South Shore from Morning Sun Drive to Shady Pass.
Road Closures and Evacuations:
· Washington State Patrol: 509-682-8090
Note: Forest closures are still in place, but have been modified. Check the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest webpage for details. Fire restrictions remain in effect so please remain vigilant and prevent human caused wildfires.
National Forest area closures: http://goo.gl/aTr8bU National Park Service closures: www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm
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