Acreage: 34,482
Containment: 35 percent
Personnel: 1,119
Cougar Creek Fire:
Increased winds Thursday pushed fire smoke out of Leavenworth and parts of the Entiat River Valley. The winds also aided firefighters who conducted low intensity burnout operations along the southern perimeter from Sugarloaf Lookout to Gold Ridge.
Winds will increase Friday with a Red Flag Warning across the fire area. Humidity continues to be critically low. Friday’s focus is to hold the containment lines in the Entiat River Valley and reinforce protection on the southern perimeter. Weather permitting, helicopters will assist firefighters on the ground in the Sugarloaf Lookout area where they will work to gain more depth of the containment line; and above Grandma Creek, crews will work to hold fire in the steep and rocky terrain.
Lost Fire:
The Rogue River Hotshots began working the Lost Fire Thursday, and they remained overnight to monitor it. They will be pulled out today to support the Cougar Creek Fire and any new starts. The acreage remains at 114.
Transition of Incident Command Post and Teams:
The incident command post was transitioned to the Leavenworth Fish Hatchery on Thursday. This transition will lead to shorter drive times as crews and equipment begin to focus on the West and Northern sides of the fire. However, a spike camp remains at the Entiat Kiwanis Park to support fire activity in the Entiat River Valley. The Pacific Northwest Team 3 (Type 1) assumed command Friday morning at 6:00 a.m.
Bannock Lakes Fire:
This lightning-caused fire is approximately 17 miles west of Stehekin in the Glacier Peaks Wilderness. The fire is currently around 444 acres. It is burning among large rocky outcroppings and isolated clusters of timber in steep, inaccessible terrain. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) is closed from Suiattle Pass to High Bridge. The PCT detour is from Suiattle Pass to Stehekin. More information and a map is available at www.pcta.org. Aerial observers continue to monitor the fire.
Whitepine Fire:
The Whitepine Fire, in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, is approximately three miles south of Stevens Pass Nordic Center and 19 miles northwest of Leavenworth. This lightning-caused fire remains at 10 acres.
Weather and Fire Behavior:
Friday’s Red Flag Warning continues through midnight. Dry conditions and increased winds could result in rapid rates of spread in lower elevations. Active torching and fire growth are likely on the dead and down trees, with potential crowning on live trees within the fire’s interior.
Traffic Safety:
Fire traffic will increase in Leavenworth, primarily on Icicle Road and East Leavenworth Road. Motorists are encouraged to drive slowly. The Chelan County Sheriff’s Office has also lowered the speed limit to 25 MPH on Entiat River Road between Mad River Road and to the end of the road (approximately near milepost 25).
Cougar Creek Fire Evacuation Levels Reduced:
· Evacuation levels at Entiat River Road north from Mad River Road to the end of Entiat River Road, Ardenvoir, and Mad River Road are reduced from Level 3 to Level 2. Although roadblocks will not be staffed, deputies will patrol the valley and strictly enforce the lower speed limit of 25 mph.
· Evacuation levels at Entiat River Road from Crum Canyon north to Ardenvoir and all of Crum Canyon Road are reduced from Level 2 to Level 1.
· Evacuation levels at Entiat River Road from 97A to Crum Canyon Road, Oklahoma Gulch Road, Navarre Coulee Road from Hwy 97-ALT to South Lakeshore Road, Johnson Creek Road, and First Creek Road are no longer in effect.
For more information, call the Chelan County Emergency Management at 509-667-6863 or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CCSOEM. An American Red Cross shelter, at 14916 US 97A in Entiat, is on standby. The Red Cross can be contacted at 509-663-3907.
Smoke:
Smoke from the Cougar Creek Fire continues to affect surrounding communities. Individuals with respiratory problems are encouraged to acquire N95 masks. These masks are available at local fire stations, provided by the Chelan County Sheriff's Office. For more information on smoke and public health, go to www.wasmoke.blogspot.com or https://bit.ly/2J22754 (Spanish).
U.S. Forest Service Closure Orders:
· Area businesses are open. Please consider showing your support by shopping in the local community.
Incident Management Team:
The Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 3 (Type 1) continues to work closely with cooperators from the US Forest Service, Washington Department of Natural Resources, Entiat Rural Fire District 8, Peshastin Rural District 6, Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, Chelan County Department of Emergency Management, Chelan County Public Utility Dept., WA Dept. of Transportation, American Red Cross, Chelan Public Schools, and Chelan Public Works.
Fire Information:
Phone: 509-664-9210 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
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