Diamond Creek Fire: Monday September 18, 2017
Diamond Creek Fire slows spread while crews near completion of firelines
Location: 11 miles NNW of Mazama, WA
Total Personnel: 294
Acres: 129,000 total acres in US and Canada
Cause: Under Investigation
Containment: 30%
Start Date: July 23, 2017
Update: The Diamond Creek Fire saw little acreage growth yesterday as mild weather conditions moved into the region. Helicopter bucket drops that have continually checked fire spread in the Pat Creek area were not needed as fire behavior has moderated throughout the southern perimeter of the 129,000 acre wildfire. Firefighting resources are finishing up primary and secondary line construction throughout the ridgeline areas connecting Yellowjacket Sno Park eastward to Eightmile Peak. These are the primary and contingency network of firelines combined to protect values at risk along the southern perimeter of the wildfire. Firefighters will use these lines to defend the communities along the Methow River should the fire advance into these areas.
Ten fire crews, 11 engines, 3 helicopters and 4 dozers are currently assigned working to complete firelines. Fire managers have received all the resources needed to complete suppression efforts.
Once firelines have been completed, the process of repairing culverts and bridges that were damaged by the fire response will start with heavy equipment assigned to the wildfire. The fire continues to slowly burn into steep, rugged terrain in the Pasaytan Wilderness and is being managed using a confine strategy that combines containment by natural features and full suppression to control the spread toward the town of Mazama.
Today’s Activities: Wildland fire hand crews continue their hand line progress toward McLeod Mountain from the southwest. Heavy equipment is finishing work west from Yellowjacket along the Hart’s Pass Road toward the West Fork Methow Trailhead. They are cutting snags, chipping brush and eliminating ladder fuels.
Weather: A cold front moved into the area yesterday afternoon and continues today. There is a 20% chance of rain/snow this morning and 15% this afternoon. Temperatures at 5,500 feet will range from 43-49 degrees. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon. Overnight lows at 2,800 to 3,000 feet will be below freezing. There is a 70% chance of rain Tuesday with precipitation continuing into the evening. The longer term forecast is for it to get cooler and dryer into the weekend.
Smoke: There may be overnight smoke accumulation in the valleys. Otherwise, today’s air quality will be good. For smoke conditions and more information, visit wasmoke.blogspot.com.
Closures: Due to moderating fire behavior and completed line construction, areas on the east and west sides of the Diamond Creek Fire are being opened for public use effective September 18. On the west side, Hart’s Pass Road, Robinson Creek and Middle Fork of the Pasaytan River are now open. Open on the east side are Falls Creek, Black Lake, the lower section of Andrew’s Creek and the Chewuch 510 trail to the confluence of Basin Creek. Maps will be available this afternoon and will be posted to the Diamond Creek Fire InciWeb and Facebook pages.
Evacuation Alert Level: Mazama, Rendezvous and Lost River are currently at Level 2 evacuation, but will likely be reduced to a Level 1 later today. Monitor emergency services information for updates. The Okanogan County alert system will provide automated alerts to the public. To sign up for this service, visit okanogandem.org or call (509) 422-7206.
Information: (509) 996-4040 from 8 am – 6 pm
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Facebook: facebook.com/
Smoke Conditions: wasmoke.blogspot.
Canada: http://bcfireinfo.for.gov.bc.
#DiamondCreekFire #WaWildfire
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.