Sunday, September 3, 2017

9/3/2017 Jack Creek Fire Update

Jack Creek Fire growth prompts new trail closures
Acres: 692                                                               
Containment: 0%
Start Date: August 11, 2017                                                                                                  
Cause: Lightning                                            
Location: 15 miles WSW of Leavenworth, WA                  

An Infrared flight last night revealed the Jack Creek Fire grew to the south in the Van Epps Drainage and grew significantly east through the 2008 Jack Creek footprint.  The fire spotted over Jack Ridge and is established in the Eightmile drainage, prompting immediate evacuations of campers and day hikers in the area.  Expanded fire closures are being evaluated for public and firefighter safety concerns.  Wilderness Rangers are currently closing and sweeping the trails in the Eightmile Lake, Caroline Lakes and Jack Creek area. 

Firefighters are hiking into Eightmile Lake to assess fire activity, point protection strategies and additional resource needs. 

Fire activity is expected to increase through the weekend due to unstable air mixed with hot and dry conditions.  A Red Flag warning is in effect for high Haines indices between 5 and 6, through Sunday at 8:00 p.m.

Trail Closures: Eightmile Lake no. 1552, Eightmile-Trout Lake Trail no. 1554, Trout Creek Trail no. 1555, Jack Ridge Trail no. 1557, Jack Creek Trail no.1558, Meadow Creek Trail no. 1559, Solomom Creek Trail no. 1593, and Van Epps Trail no. 1594.

Air Quality: Smoke from Jack Creek combined with other area fires will decrease visibility in the upper Wenatchee Valley. Visit http://tinyurl.com/WaAirQual for air quality information.  Leavenworth and Lake Wenatchee businesses are fully open and operational. There are many opportunities to recreate in and around our beautiful community.

On Saturday September 2, 2017 Gov. Inslee declared a statewide state of emergency for Washington due to wildfires throughout the state. This activates the National Guard and State EOC.

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