Thursday, August 23, 2018

8/23/2018 Cougar Creek, Lost and Bannock Lake Fire Update

Cougar Creek, Lost and Bannock Lakes Fires
Thursday, August 23, 2018
Acreage: 40,105
Containment: 40 percent
Personnel: 1008

Community Meeting TODAY in Entiat Chelan County Fire District #8, Station #1
(2200 Entiat Way) at 6:00 p.m.

Cougar Creek Fire:
A Red Flag warning is in effect today across the fire area. This means that firefighters can expect a combination of winds, low humidity and warm temperatures. Yesterday, crews were able to begin low intensity burnout operations along the western edge of the fire, strengthening the primary containment line. Smoke lifted again which provided opportunities for aircraft to support firefighters on the ground using both water and retardant. Helicopters were able to drop over 280,000 gallons of water once the smoke lifted.

When conditions allow, crews will continue the low intensity burnout operations along the western edge of the fire. Along the southern and eastern sides of the fire, crews continue to mop-up and monitor the fire-line. Crews will continue to assess structures in the communities of Chiwawa Pines, Shugart Flats and Plain while also continuing to use dozers and other heavy equipment to prepare the secondary containment line above the communities. Structures in the upper Entiat River Valley will also continue to be assessed and additional contingency lines are being identified as a precaution.

Lost Fire:
The Lost Fire is being monitored with the assistance of the Distributed Real Time Infrared (DRTI) Flight. Firefighters have mapped the fire at 80 acres.

Bannock Lakes Fire:
This lightning-caused fire is approximately 17 miles west of Stehekin in the Glacier Peaks Wilderness and is 476 acres in size. The fire is burning among large rocky outcroppings and isolated clusters of timber in steep, inaccessible terrain. It is being monitored by air and satellite. 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.

Weather and Fire Behavior:
Red Flag warning is in effect on Thursday. Winds will continue to stay to the west/northwest as a cold front passes over the area. Humidity recovery was low overnight, which will contribute to today red flag warning. Winds are expected to increase in the afternoon with gusts up to 30 mph.

Traffic Safety:
There is increased traffic in Leavenworth and Plain due to fire resources accessing the west side of the fire. Extra caution and slower speeds are advised.

Cougar Creek Fire Evacuation Levels:
Chelan County implemented Level 2 (GET SET) evacuation notifications on for the Chiwawa Loop Road from Plain out to the intersection with Chiwawa River Road, both sides of the roadway. This includes Chiwawa River Pine Community and Shugart Flats Community and all roads that intersect with the Chiwawa Loop Road in the affected area. Plain is remaining at a Level 1.

Entiat Area
A Level 2 evacuation status is in place from Stormy Creek MP 16.6 to the end of the Entiat River Rd. 
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 continues to be a major concern to local 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 towww.wasmoke.blogspot.com or https://bit.ly/2J22754 (Spanish). While smoke remains an obstacle for firefighting, air resources are poised to respond should visibility clear enough for safe operations.                                                                                                                                         

U.S. Forest Service Closure Orders:
·      Cougar Creek and Lost Fires: https://bit.ly/2MkmKew
·      Bannock Lakes Fire: https://bit.ly/2nezyF6
·      Whitepine Fire: https://bit.ly/2nesWqg
·      Area businesses are open. Please consider showing your support by shopping in the local community.

Incident Management Team:
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, Chelan County Fire District 3, 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., Washington Department of Transportation, American Red Cross, Chelan Public Schools, and Chelan Public Works. 19 Firefighters from Australia are supporting the fire.

Fire Information:
Phone: 509-664-9210 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Facebook: facebook.com/CougarCreekFire  #WaWildfire #CougarCreekFire
Interactive Map: https://bit.ly/2MnFB9j
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