8/29/2017 Diamond Creek AM Update

Diamond Creek Fire Update
Tuesday, August 29, 2017

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Information: (503)765-5724 - 8 am – 6 pm
Email: diamondcreekfire@gmail.com
Websites: 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 Monday the fire grew substantially at the north end in East Fork Pasayten Creek into Whistler Basin and around Deception Pass, bringing more smoke into the upper Methow Valley.  The Diamond Creek Fire Incident Commander is coordinating with the British Columbia Ministry of Forest Land and Natural Resource Operations, which is doing additional reconnaissance flights in the area.

Helicopter water drops are still being used to hold the fire in Drake Creek and keep it from moving into Pat Creek.

Chippers are continuing to treat slash created as part of the preparation work on the indirect fire line along Ortell Creek and Deer Creek Roads.  A road grader and three water tenders have repaired the Goat Creek Road past Spokane Gulch, and will continue to work toward Goat Peak Lookout trailhead during the next few days.  

 
Fire behavior on Tuesday will be very active, with continued movement to the north and burning of interior islands.  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 AN ADDITIONAL TRAIL CLOSURE.  As of this morning, Boundary trail #533 will be closed between Spanish Camp and the Pasayten Airstrip. There has been no change in road closures.  Road & trail closures are posted on inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5409/

Weather:  Weather for Tuesday will be widespread haze, sunny, with a high near 94.  Minimum relative humidity will be in the teens. North wind around 7 mph will become southeast in the afternoon.  Tuesday night will be mostly clear, with a low around 55. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph will become northwest after midnight.
The outlook for Wednesday is for slightly cooler temperatures, with a high temperature near 87.  There is no rain in the extended forecast.
 
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.
 
Wildfire season in Washington may continue several more weeks. Everyone living and recreating in fire prone areas can take small steps to make a big difference for the safety of you, your property, and firefighters. Walk around your home and yard, and move flammable materials away from structures. Considering watering dry vegetation, raking pine needles and leaves away from structures, trees, and propane tanks. Move firewood at least 30 feet from any structures. Visit http://www.fireadapted.org/ for information to help you be prepared before, during, and after a fire.