Wolverine Fire Update – Wednesday, September 16, 2015
With rain in the valley and snow on the ridgetops forecast, fire managers are describing today’s weather as a season-slowing event. Strong southerly winds are anticipated, along with afternoon rain showers with higher elevation temperatures in the 50s and valley temperatures not climbing much above 60. Rainfall may measure up to .50 inches over the ridges. Two inches of snow is forecast down to 5,000 feet elevation. However, larger sized fuels are expected to remain relatively dry.
Total fire staff on the Wolverine and First Creek fires has fallen to 563 from 662. Three type 1 helicopters are available for water drops as needed. In Washington and Oregon, 20 large fires are still burning with most moving toward containment.
Today’s predicted weather has fire officials calling for crews to observe extra situational awareness as they go about repairing and hauling equipment off the fire line. As the rain falls, firefighters will be alert for road conditions becoming wet, slick or muddy.
Post Fire Community Meeting Saturday: The public is invited to attend a post fire recovery community meeting starting 7 p.m., Saturday, September 19, at the Chelan High School Performing Arts Center, 215 Webster Avenue. The focus of the meeting is to discuss the post fire situation and recovery. Representatives from Washington State University, Chelan County Emergency Management, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and fire managers will be present.
Wolverine Fire: Between today and Friday, fire managers are projecting minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering on the ground under the forest canopy. Very isolated torching is also possible where the fire gets into heavy fuel. Fire line repair and equipment removal is underway.
First Creek Fire: The First Creek Fire is in patrol status. The repair of fire lines and the removal of sprinklers, hose lays and pumps is on-going.
Blankenship: Until the snow falls, some smoldering and creeping under the timber is expected. The Pacific Crest Trail is open.
Weather: Increasing clouds, morning rain sprinkles followed by afternoon rain showers and evening snow are forecast for today. Up slope and up valley winds could reach 10 miles per hours.
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 may have been recently 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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