9/5/2017 Diamond Creek Fire

Acres: 95,000
Completion: 65%
Location: 12 miles north of Mazama, WA.
Personnel: 50

Yesterday: Firefighters reported moderate spread to the east and north in the Spanish Creek and Ashonola Creek areas. To the southwest, the fire crested over Butte Pass but remained hung up in the upper reaches of the Monument Creek area in extremely rocky terrain. An inversion resulted in heavy smoke, severely limiting air resources.

“From the start, the extreme terrain and fuel loading has limited the direct response actions that might normally be taken to put out a fire,” said Agency Administrator, Erin Uloth. “Crews have been working for weeks to protect our communities and we will continue to do so where it is safe to engage this fire.”

Today: Fire managers are anticipating a shift in winds to the southeast resulting in potentially less new growth in the Monument Creek, Remmel Lake and Ptarmigan Creek areas. However, another day of critical fire weather and an abundance of dead and down timber may result in continued fire spread to the west and northwest. Helicopter and ground crews will be utilized as it is safe to do so.

Due to continued fire growth and smoke, a community meeting is scheduled for Wednesday September 6, 2017 from 6pm-7pm at the Red Barn in Winthrop. Fire managers will be available to provide detailed information and maps.

Evacuations: Level 1 evacuations are now in effect for the communities of Lost River, Mazama, and Rendezvous. Residents of these areas should be aware there is a potential threat to the area and make plans for possible evacuations.

Closures: There are currently more than 60 roads or trails closed for public safety including Monument Trail #484 and Andrews Creek #504. Complete closure details and maps are available at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/.

Weather: This is the 65 consecutive day without precipitation over much of Central Washington. Near record high temperatures and critically low humidity will continue through mid-week.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions remain in place. 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. An Industrial Fire Precaution Level III is in effect which does not allow any firewood cutting with a power saw for commercial or personal use.

Information: (503)765-5724 from 8 am – 6 pm
Website: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5409/
Facebook: facebook.com/diamondcreekfire2017
Smoke Conditions: wasmoke.blogspot.com
#DiamondCreekFire #WaWildfire