8/1/2016 Antilon Lake Fire Update

Contact: Public Information Officer Joe Smillie, 360-688-3392, antilonlakefire@gmail.com

Working day and night, firefighters upped containment of the Antilon Lake Fire near Manson, Wash., to 65 percent Sunday, despite afternoon flare-ups.

Focus now turns to finishing containment lines to close gaps in unburned fuel. After more accurate mapping, the size of the fire has been revised down to 540 acres.

Firefighters from the Forest Service, Washington  State Department of Natural Resources and Chelan County Fire District 7 have been battling the blaze since it started by an equipment failure Friday, July 29. Investigation of the cause is ongoing.

The steep, rocky terrain presents concerns for the fire escaping containment in the next few days, as well as the possibility for turned ankles and knees for firefighters on the ground.

Fire debris rollout Sunday caused multiple flare-ups and increased fire activity that prompted the return of a “fire boss” scooper plane, which dipped out of Lake Chelan to join the aerial support of a pair of Type 2 helicopters.

The strength of completed containment lines allowed fire commanders to release the two dozers and one of the helicopters from the Antilon Lake Fire Sunday night to be available for other northwest fire assignments.

The expected arrival of more strong winds Tuesday could also complicate efforts.

There have been no injuries and no structures have burned.

Residents are reminded to remain cautious and vigilant when working or playing outdoors in the hot, dry summer weather.

Command Post: Manson High School

Acres: 540

Resources:

Personnel - 150

Helicopters - 2

Engines - 10

Tenders - 2

Evacuations:

Level 1 (Get Ready) for 15 homes on

•   Grade Creek Rd

•   Canyon Ranch Rd

•   Moonbeam Rd

Road Closures:

•   Grade Creek Rd is blocked north of Canyon Ranch Rd junction

•   FS 8210 (Joe Creek Rd) at Cooper Ridge Rd

• FS 8200-17 (OssPeak Rd) at Grade Creek

•   FS 8045 at E. Fork Joe Creek Rd.