8/28/17 Diamond Creek Fire Update

Monday, August 28, 2017

Fire Information: (503)-765-5724 - 8 am – 6 pm
Email: diamondcreekfire@gmail
Website: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DiamondCreekFire2017
Smoke Conditions: http://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Location: Methow Valley Ranger District on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest; 12 miles north of Mazama, WA

Summary: On Sunday there was active burning in Drake Creek at the south end of the fire, and in the East Fork Pasayten Creek and Deception Pass at the north end. Fire growth was 458 acres at the north end. Smoke columns were seen in the Methow Valley. Helicopter water drops were used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek, while firefighters flew in for a short mission to maintain sprinklers at Hidden Lakes cabins.

Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as part of the preparation work on the indirect fire line along Ortell Creek Road. In addition, a road grader and three water tenders are working on the Goat Creek Road to repair road impacts caused by suppression efforts.

Fire behavior on Monday will be continued movement to the north, and burning of interior islands, with active burning during the night. Smoke will continue to affect air quality in the upper Methow Valley. Caution: Anyone using the Goat Creek 5225 Road is urged to exercise caution. While it has not been officially closed, be aware that heavy equipment is working on this road.

Closures: There has been no change in fire closures, which will continue until fall. Road and trail closures are posted on inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5409/ 

Weather: Weather for Monday will be widespread haze, sunny, with a high near 92. North wind 5 to 7 mph becoming southeast in the morning. Monday night will be clear, with a low around 57. South wind 5 to 8 mph becoming northwest in the evening. The outlook through Tuesday is for continued high temperatures, with minimum relative humidity in the teens both Monday and Tuesday. Wind gusts to 18 mph are expected on Tuesday, which will bring more active burning conditions.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions remain in place. 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. An Industrial Fire Precaution Level III is in effect which does not allow any firewood cutting with a power saw for commercial or personal use. Fire danger is VERY HIGH. Don’t park your car on dry grass, or allow trailer chains to drag behind vehicles where they can cause sparks and ignite new fires.