8/9/2017 Diamond Creek Fire Update

Fire Information 503-765-5724 or Diamondcreekfire@gmail.com August 9, 2017 - 10:00 a.m. Long-term Fire Update Fire Location: Diamond Creek Fire is burning within the Pasayten Wilderness approximately 16 air miles north of Mazama, Washington and 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) south of the Canadian border. Fire History:  A firing operation executed Monday, August 7, 2017 near Larch Pass and upper McCall Gulch helped secure the fire’s northward advancement, by eliminating heavy fuels in its path. A reconnaissance flight the following day affirmed the favorable outcome of this strategy, with no spots appearing outside the bounds of the planned ignition. As of Wednesday, August 9, 2017 crews working south of the fire cleared line construction from Eightmile Road west to Billy Goat Trailhead and east to the Upper Falls Creek Fire scar. This work linked hand line to avalanche chutes and other natural barriers, which can collectively serve as a firebreak if necessary. A hose-lay and sprinklers are in place to reinforce the line. Current Status and Projected Operations: Crews will finish removing wood and brush from Eightmile Road by Thursday, August 10. Caution is advised when traveling nearby roadways, as fire personnel use heavy equipment to haul this debris. Contingency line scouting and structure protection assessments are nearing completion south of the fire. So far, 500 structures have been assessed. Transfer of command shifts from Pacific Northwest Team 2 National Interagency Incident Management Team to Jason Cain’s Nevada Type 3 Team, effective Thursday, August 10, 2017. Weather, Fire Behavior, and Air Quality: Burning in steep terrain, fire growth is largely driven by topography and fuel availability. While fire behavior is generally moderate, 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 drainage, and backing gradually southeast into the Drake Creek drainage. Temperatures will remain in the mid 80s, with variable winds ahead of an anticipated weekend cooling trend.  Visibility remains hazy, with poor air quality. People with compromised respiratory systems should avoid outdoor physical activity. 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.  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.

Incident Summary as of August 9, 2017 Approximate Acreage 12,525 acres Start Date and Cause: Sunday, July 23, 2017 – Human Caused Resources on the Fire: Crews: 2  Helicopters: 4 Engines: 5  Water Tenders: 5 Total Personnel: 187 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/