8/8/2017 Diamond Creek Fire Update

Fire Location: Diamond Creek 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.

Yesterday: When afternoon conditions aligned, crews accomplished a firing operation near Larch Pass and upper McCall Gulch. This helped secure the fire’s northward advancement, by eliminating heavy fuels in its path. The operation was executed before thunderstorms moved through the area Monday afternoon, bringing powerful outflow winds, scattered lightning, and a trace of precipitation.

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, linking hand line to avalanche chutes and other natural barriers. A hose-lay and sprinklers are in place to reinforce the line, if necessary.

Today’s operations: Fire personnel will assess results of yesterday’s north end firing operation. Infrared mapping gives early indication of favorable results. Lingering smoke from the Diamond Creek and Canadian fires may hamper use of aircraft intermittently.

Contingency line scouting and structure protection assessments are nearing completion south of the fire. Crews are expediting removal of wood and brush debris from Eightmile Road utilizing a dumptruck.

Pacific Northwest Team 2 National Interagency Incident Management Team initiates a transfer of command process today. A Nevada Type 3 Team is enroute, and will be in place by Thursday, August 10, 2017.

Weather, Fire Behavior, and Air Quality: 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 dry timber stands prompt uphill runs, torching, and spotting up to one half mile. Infrared mapping shows fire movement north into Tony Creek, west into Johnny Creek, and backing southeast into Drake Creek. Temperatures will be in the mid 80s, with variable winds and a slight chance of afternoon thunderstorms.

Visibility remains hazy, with air quality declining through the day. 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 Ruffed 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.

Incident Summary

Approximate Acreage 12,278 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: 5

Total Personnel: 188

Jurisdiction: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest