9/17/2017 Jolly Mountain Fire Update

Jolly Mountain Fire Update Sunday, September 17, 2017   Yesterday’s Activities: Continued progress in containing the fire and protecting structures has allowed crews to remove much of the equipment from around homes and public roads. Final aerial firing operations were completed south of Salmon la Sac, accompanied by hand-fired ignitions to remove spots of unburned fuel near Forest Service Road 903. Crews continued cleanup and patrol along the 903 road and the North Fork Teanaway Road. Saturday was the last night shift due to objectives being met. Today’s Activities: Crews will continue patrolling for hotspots and conducting mop-up to increase fireline security, especially along North Fork Teanaway Road and the Salmon la Sac area. Backhaul of fire equipment will also continue along the fire’s contained perimeter. A falling crew will be cutting down hazard trees that pose a risk to public safety and/or block roadways along the 903 road.  Team Transition: Pacific Northwest Team 2 will transfer command to a local Type 3 team led by Incident Commander Tom Roche. A number of division supervisors and overhead leadership will remain the same; ensuring a smooth transition with no anticipated loss in effectiveness. Repair Work to Begin Soon: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest will work with a Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team to assess landscape rehabilitation needs and develop a strategy for repairing resource damage. Weather and Fire Behavior: A westerly cold front will bring rain today and into the week, with a corresponding increase in relative humidities, helping to minimize fire behavior. Temperatures will trend downward starting today with highs in the mid-60s, decreasing over the next few days. Evacuations and Closures: Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center reduced the Evacuation Level 3 Advisory to a Level 2 Advisory from Bear Creek to Night Sky Drive yesterday morning, allowing more residents affected by the fire to return home. For the official press release, visit: http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/sheriff. Residents returning to their homes are reminded to exercise caution as fire personnel and equipment are still active in the area. Smoke and occasional flames will continue to be visible in the interior of the fire. Area fire closures remain in effect to ensure the safety of firefighters, residents, and the public.  The arrival of forecasted precipitation will accelerate the Type 3 Team’s recommendation for continued lowering of evacuation levels.