9/10/17 Jolly Mountain Update

Location:  Cle Elum Ranger District, Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, 11 miles northwest of Cle Elum, WA.

Yesterday: Crews continued preparing containment line, reducing fuels, and performing mop-up along the eastern, southern, and western fire perimeters. Firefighting efforts benefited from continued cooler temperatures and higher humidity, breezy wind conditions did not significantly increase fire activity. Helicopters continued supporting firing and holding operations. On the southwest perimeter firefighters conducted mop-up along containment lines in the Morgan Creek drainage and areas south. On the east perimeter, firefighters continued firing activities into Jungle Creek with holding and mop-up activities along the southern fire line. Firing operations were initiated along the northern perimeter. Favorable humidity recovery resulted in less active fire behavior during night operations, which assisted firefighters with holding and mop-up on the western and southern flanks.

Today’s Activities:  The fire is backing towards containment lines on the west and east sides, fire activity is expected along the northern perimeter although limited growth is predicted. On the west perimeter, crews will begin construction on indirect fire lines south of Salmon la Sac to protect values at risk to the north. Firing activities continue north of the Morgan Creek drainage to add depth to existing lines. Crews continue to mop-up on the west, south and eastern perimeter where the fire has met containment lines. On the east perimeter, crews are firing areas in Jungle Creek and Johnson Creek to remove fuels. Structure protection crews will continue protecting east and west perimeters of the fire.

Evacuations:  Kittitas County has announced there will be no change in evacuation levels through Monday September 11. The Red Cross shelter is located at the Putnam Centennial Center (Senior Center) 719 E. 3rd St, Cle Elum, WA 98922.

Closures and Fire Restrictions: Closures are in effect to ensure the safety of firefighters, residents, and the public. Forest Service lands in the upper Cle Elum Valley are closed beyond one mile north of Roslyn on State Route 903, east to Highway 97. The Nature Conservancy lands east of Cle Elum Lake are closed. All Washington Department of Natural Resources lands in the Teanaway River Corridor west of Route 97 including all campgrounds in the Teanaway Community Forest are closed. Please check current conditions before making plans to visit the area. Washington Department of Natural Resources and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest have banned all campfires due to the high fire danger.