8/18/2018 Miriam Fire Update

Miriam Fire Update Saturday, August 18, 2018

Miriam Fire Update Fire Information Line: 360-481-0031 August 18, 2018 – 9 a.m. Acres: Miriam Fire – 2,680 acres: Clear Fork Fire - 10 acres                                                                                                                       Percent Containment: 10%                                                                                                                                                                        Start Date: 07/30/18 Personnel/Resources: 2-Type 2 IA hand crews, 3-Type 2 hand crews, 1-camp crew, 1-heavy lift helicopter, 1-medium lift helicopter, 1-light lift helicopter, 12-engines, 1-dozer, 8-water tenders, 2-masticator and 1-forwarder processor for 332 total personnel. Location: Two miles east of White Pass Ski Area, within the Goat Rocks Wilderness on the Naches Ranger District, 13 miles east of Packwood, WA. Cause: Lightning Estimated Incident Containment or completion: 9/1/2018 Smoke Information: Smokey conditions are expected to persist and impact the local area. Those sensitive to the smoke should take proper precautions. For further smoke information visit http://wasmoke.blogspot.com/p/state.html or https://www.airnow.gov/ Current Situation on the Miriam Fire: Yesterday, smoke and clouds shaded fuels on the Miriam Fire the majority of the day resulting in low to moderate fire activity. This also decreased visibility and limited helicopter operations. The fire moved across Scatter Creek and over the adjacent ridge and is backing downhill on the south flank. Hand line was lightly constructed from the end of FR 1207 into the wilderness using minimal impact suppression tactics (MIST) tying to a wet, green area to check the forward movement. Hose was then laid out along the line to wet fuels if the fire advances towards the line. Holding, mop-up, chipping, and fuels reduction work was ongoing along Forest (FR) 1207. The fire backed down to the FR 1207 in several locations burning out islands of unburned fuels. Firefighters were able to hold the fire from crossing the road. Work is ongoing moving logs and vegetative debris generated from preparing FR 1205 and 1204 as contingency lines. The material is being moved off site for utilization, as determined by local forest district management. Approximately six loads of logs per day are being hauled and decked. Firefighters worked to improve the containment line on the north flank. Structure protection is ongoing in the White Pass Ski Area near the High Camp Lodge. The structure protection group is scouting and developing a treatment plan for FR 540 and evaluating structures east of Clear Lake.. Firefighters are remaining vigilant and at the ready to respond to any spot and new fire starts. With improved visibility, helicopters are expected to be available to assist firefights with water bucket drops. Current Situation on the Clear Fork Fire: This fire will be monitored closely with aerial resources. Weather and Fire Behavior: Marginally cooler conditions are forecasted. Winds will continue through the day from the northwest 6-10 mph with gusts to up to 20 mph. These increased winds will likely alleviate air quality and visibility concerns. Temperatures will be near 80 degrees with relative humidity to 25%. Low to moderate fire activity is expected with torching runs when aided by slope or winds. Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain the same. The need for these levels are evaluated daily. Please see the Yakima County Office of Emergency Management Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/yakimacountyoem for a full description. Closures: A Closure Area is in effect for the Miriam Fire on the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Gifford Pinchot National Forests for safety to the public and firefighters. A Fire Closure is also in effect for the Clear Fork Fire on the Gifford Pinchot National Forest adjacent to the current closure area associated with the Miriam Fire. Find maps and a list of affected sites at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6066/ Fire managers are aware of the upcoming hunting seasons and closures will be assessed frequently. The PCT is closed from Elk Pass to White Pass. A detour is available. Please see the Pacific Crest Trail Association website at https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures/ for current closure maps. A TFR has been established over the two fire areas as a safety precaution to aerial firefighting resources. Please consult the notice to airmen for specifications. Local businesses remain open. Please consider showing your support by shopping in the local communities. Fire danger is very high so please be careful with sparks, and burning materials while enjoying the outdoors. For Online Miriam Fire Updates visit: Inciweb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6066/ Miriam Fire Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MiriamFire Incident Management Team: Northwest Incident Management Team 8, Incident Command Doug Johnson.