9/15/2016 Rock Creek Fire Update

9/15/2016 9:00 a.m. PT

Fire Information: (509) 658-1366

Evacuation Levels Adjusted - Since the southern flank of the fire nearest to the SR 410 corridor is relatively secure, evacuation levels have been lowered. Those residences which were previously under a Level 2 evacuation are now under a level 1. The evacuation notice for those residences that were previously under a Level 1 has been lifted.

Location – The Rock Creek Fire is burning on the Naches Ranger District and on lands protected by the Washington Department of Natural Resources 12 miles northwest of Naches, Washington in the Rock Creek drainage east of SR 410.


Yesterday’s Operations – It was an active day on the fire yesterday. Burnout operations, intended to widen the containment buffers, have reached the top of the prepared containment line on the northeast flank. During the afternoon and late into the night, winds pushed smoke and embers over the firelines. Firefighters lined and secured all of the resulting spot fires. On the northwest flank of the fire, helicopter water drops held the fire in check while crews continued preparing for burnout operations.


Today’s Operations – The plan for the day is to complete the burnout operations in the northwest flank and encircle the fire. On the east and northeast flanks, firefighters will continue to burnout interior pockets of fuels to widen the containment lines and further secure the perimeter. All other flanks of the fire are in mop-up status. With weather conditions much like yesterday, the fire is expected to be active again and produce visible smoke in the area.


Weather and Fire Behavior – It is expected to be warm and dry again today with winds strengthening in the afternoon out of the northwest. As a result, there is a potential for active fire behavior again this afternoon. A cold front is expected to move into the area late Friday.

Evacuations – A Level One evacuation notice (i.e. be alert to a threat in the vicinity) is in effect for people residing east of SR 410 from just south of Cliffdell to Forest Road 1701.

Closures – Reference closure order and map on INCIWEB at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5025/33709/

· Closure begins from the southeast point at the junction of FSR 1701 and SR 410.
· Closure continues northeast along the south side of FSR 1701 to the junction with FSR 1714 and 1713.
· Closure then runs east along the south side of FSR 1714 to the junction with FSR 1714-615.
· Closure then runs east following the 17-615 to NF boundary and extends due east beyond the NF boundary for approximately 0.46 miles into DNR ownership.
· Closure then turns due north and continues north for approximately 5.6 miles to the northeast corner of Section 19.
· Closure then turns north and runs for 2 miles to Naches Cle Elum District boundaries and follows that until 4X4 Route 686.
· Closure travels westerly on 4X4 Route 686 on to FSR 1708 and westerly to SR 410.
· Closure follows SR 410 easterly to its point of origin at FSR 1701.

The closure order also affects lands managed by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Washington Department of Resources.