Firefighters on the Okanogan and Chelan complexes will have help from overcast skies again today as they continue to build and strengthen containment lines around the fires. The clouds and cooler temperatures help moderate fire activity. While the fire is staying within containment lines, fire behavior analysts caution that fuels remain very dry and the fire is burning deep in some areas. When those smoldering pockets are disturbed the fire can flare up, causing increased
activity within the perimeters of the fires.Okanogan Complex
Size: 148,780 acres
Containment: 60 percent
Estimated Cost to Date: $32million
Injuries: 7
Residences Burned: 123
Total Personnel: 1,107
Committed Resources: 16 crews, 72 engines,
11 dozers, 21 water tenders, 9 helicopters
Lime Belt Fire (132,838 acres, 55 percent contained): Much of the focus of work on the Lime Belt Fire remains on portions of the western and northern perimeter. Weather permitting, crews hope to do direct line construction this weekend in the area west of the Loup Loup Road, between Buck and Peacock mountains. Firefighters are also continuing work to secure containment lines in the Sinlahekin drainage. They are using seven skidgens – specialized heavy equipment for fighting fire in rough terrain – to complete that work.
Twisp River Fire (11,222 acres, 98 percent contained) and Nine Mile Fire (4,720 acres, 98 percent contained): Work to repair areas damaged by fire suppression activities on the Twisp River Fire is expected to be completed today.
Fire managers will focus next on repairing areas of the Nine Mile Fire.
WEATHER
Some rain occurred over the fire today but not significant enough to make an impact on the fire. An influx of dry air will be moving into the area bringing some modest winds with a slight possibility of thunderstorm activity on Saturday.
Chelan Complex
Size: 93,896 acres
Containment: 75 percent
Estimated Cost to Date: $16 million
Injuries: 9
Residences Burned: 23
Total Personnel: 659
Committed Resources: 11 crews, 42 engines, 5 dozers, 14 water tenders
The fire continues to burn along Saint Luise Creek on the northern end of the fire. Due to the steep, rugged terrain in that area crews cannot directly attack the fire safely. That portion of the fire is being held in check with helicopter bucket work and being monitored for opportunities for direct attack where possible.
EVACUATIONS AND ROAD CLOSURES
- Okanogan County Emergency Operations Center provides information on evacuations and road closures: 509-422-7348,
- Washington State Department of Transportation provides additional information about road closures: www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts.
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