9/17/2015 Wolverine and First Creek Update

Rain started falling over the Wolverine Fire area overnight and is expected to continue through the morning. Fire managers say there is only a slight chance Wolverine will see any further significant growth. However, the fire is not out and a couple weeks of dry weather could result in active burning again. Helicopters made some water drops Wednesday in the Three Creek drainage to cool hot spots. Work on a fire line at the top of Three Creek was completedWednesday as well. As of 2 p.m. yesterday, all fire evacuation levels in Chelan County were lifted. Residents and visitors should remain aware of the threat of mudslides with any significant rain over the burn scars. See Www.centralwashingtonfirerecovery.info/floodwatch for more information. Residents are still asked to watch for fire traffic on the roads as crews remain active in both the Wolverine and First Creek fire areas. The work now is gathering the hundreds of miles of hose and other equipment that was used to protect homes during the preceding weeks. Crews are also doing erosion control work on berms and bulldozer lines. Post Fire Community Meeting Saturday: There will be a post-fire recovery meeting at 7 p.m., this Saturday, September 19 at Chelan High School, 215 Webster Avenue in Chelan. Representatives from Washington State University, Chelan County Emergency Management, the Washington Department of Natural Resources and fire managers will be present to discuss possible post-fire effects. Wolverine Fire: With today’s rain, and snow expected above 5000 feet, fire managers expect very little fire activity for at least the next four days. Plans are being made to retrieve fire pumps, hose and other equipment that was placed near homes along the upper shores of Lake Chelan. Approximately two miles north of Fish Lake, crews are removing slash and other material that was cut during the contingency line’s construction.

First Creek Fire: The rain is expected to make the previously dusty roads, very slick, at least until the sun comes out later today. However, the rain is expected to actually help our erosion control efforts because some moisture will make the soil more pliable as water bars are constructed.

Blankenship:  Some smoke was visible during a flight over this small fire yesterday but it has not been active. The Pacific Crest Trail is open. Weather: Rain should continue on and off until around noon, with a chance of isolated showers this afternoon. Dry weather is forecast for Friday andSaturday. Evacuation Information: All evacuation levels in Chelan County have been lifted.

Closures: Check the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest webpage for updates on forest closures. We are expecting a lifting of most forest closures but some roads and areas will remain closed because of fire activity.  Fire restrictions remain in effect so please do your part to prevent human caused wildfires.

National Forest area closures: http://goo.gl/aTr8bU   National Park Service closures: www.nps.gov/noca/index.htm                                                                                                 ·     Methow Ranger District: 509-996-4003 ·  Wenatchee River District: 509-548-2550 ·     Chelan Ranger District: 509-682-4900