8/13/2017 Diamond Creek Fire Update

Diamond Creek Fire Update Fire Information 503-765-5724 or Diamondcreekfire@gmail.com August 13, 2017 Fire Location: Diamond Creek Fire is burning within the Pasayten Wilderness approximately 12 air miles north of Mazama, Washington and 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. Fire History and Activity: On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the fire advanced over Eightmile Pass, into the upper headwaters of Eightmile drainage. A firing operation was completed from handlines in the Eightmile drainage, south of Billy Goat Trailhead, reducing heavy fuels in the path of the fire. Structure protection assessments have been completed on over 500 structures south of the fire. Current Status and Projected Operations: The fire has grown by 1,788 acres since last mapped, on August 12, 2017. On Sunday, crews will be used in holding operations on the blackened fireline in Eightmile drainage. Contingency handlines and dozer lines in the Eightmile, Falls Creek, Cub Creek and Ortell creek areas will continue to be scouted and constructed. A Type 2 Team is enroute to help manage the additional resources that have been ordered. Caution is advised when traveling nearby roadways, as fire-related traffic is heavy at times. Weather, Fire Behavior, and Air Quality: Due to cloud cover and higher humidity, fire movement and intensity was moderate Saturday. Cooler weather may allow for similar conditions in the next few days. Temperatures tomorroware predicted to be in the 60’s and 70’s, with possible showers and gusty winds. Closures and Restrictions: A large fire area closure is in effect. Eightmile Creek 5130 Road is now closed from West Chewuch 51 Road to Billy Goat Trailhead. The closure includes the Ruffed Grouse, Honeymoon, Nice, Flat, and Buck Lake campgrounds. The Ortell 5220 Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with the Sweetgrass Butte 5220-100 Road, to the Eightmile 5130 Road. Sweetgrass Butte 5220-100 Road is closed from Cub Pass, at the intersection with Ortell 5220 Road, to Sweetgrass Butte. The entire Falls Creek 5140 Road is closed. Visitors should check conditions before traveling in the area and to register at trailheads. This fire does not currently affect access to the Pacific Crest Trail or Pacific Northwest Trail. Maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire, and use of charcoal briquette barbecues, or other devices that use solid fuel is prohibited across most of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.