8/7/2017 Diamond Creek Fire Update

Diamond Creek Fire Update Fire Information 503-765-7724 or Diamondcreekfire@gmail.com August 7, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Yesterday’s conditions: Smoky conditions improved Sunday, allowing helicopters to resume dropping water along the southwest edge of the fire, slowing the fire’s spread into Drake Creek. Movement of the fire was detected at the north end of the fire in Tony and Dollar Creeks.  South of the fire, crews continued line construction from Eightmile Road west to Billy Goat Trailhead and east to the Upper Falls Creek Fire scar, tying in hand line with avalanche chutes and other natural barriers. Crews also completed setup of hoselay and sprinklers to reinforce the line.   Further south, additional crews continued scouting for existing roads that may be used as potential fuel breaks in the event the fire continues moving south. Structure protection assessments also continued along the Methow and Chewuch Rivers. Today’s operations: Fire personnel will continue to engage the fire with aircraft if conditions allow, where appropriate, while keeping firefighter and public safety as our top priority. Although smoke from the Diamond Creek and Canadian fires is expected to continue limiting air operations, strategic firing operations are planned to remove fuels in the Larch Creek area and create a buffer at the northern edge of the fire. Preparations, including contingency line scouting and structure protection assessments, south of the fire will also continue. Fire Location: The fire is burning within the Pasayten wilderness approximately 16 air miles north of Mazama, Washington and 8.5 miles (13.6 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. Weather and Fire Behavior: Burning in an area of steep terrain, growth of the fire is largely driven by topography and fuel availability. While fire behavior is generally moderate, the fire continues to burn in in dry timber stands subject to uphill runs, torching, and spotting up to one half mile. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s, with variable winds and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms. Air Quality: Two air resource advisors arrived at the incident and have installed a new smoke monitor in Mazama. Air quality conditions have improved, with smoke levels forecast to be “unhealthy for sensitive groups” today. People with compromised respiratory systems should avoid outdoor physical activity. Public information about smoke conditions is available at http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. Closures and Restrictions: Eightmile Creek 5130 Road is closed beyond Cub Creek 5220 junction at 5 miles, restricting vehicle access to Ruffled Grouse and Honeymoon Campgrounds, and Copper Glance and Billy Goat Trailheads. A fire area closure is in effect (Fire Closure No. 06-17-04-17-1001). Visitors are reminded to check conditions before traveling in the area and to register at the 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 currently prohibited across most of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Quick Facts Incident Summary Approximate Acreage 9,486 acres Start Date and Cause: Sunday, July 23, 2017 – Human Caused Incident Commander: Chris Schulte, Pacific Northwest Team 2 Type 1 Incident Management Team Resources on the Fire Crews: 2  Helicopters: 4 Engines: 5 Water Tenders: 1 Total Personnel: 177 Jurisdiction: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest   Relevant Links Inciweb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diamondcreekfire2017/ Closures:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/closures/5409/ Interactive Fire Map: https://arcg.is/SPG1u Washington Smoke Blog:  http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/