9/10/2018 Okanogan-Wenatchee Fire Update

Iron East & West Fires Update New lightning fires near Blewitt Pass; Crews make good progress

Iron East Fire: 25 acres; 0% containment Location: 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA Start Date: September 7, 2018 Cause: Lightning Iron West Fire: 10 acres; 20% containment Location: 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA Start Date: September 7, 2018 Cause: Lightning   Current Activity: At approximately 10pm on Friday, lightning started two fires in the Blewett Pass vicinity in heavy dead and down timber. Fire managers have been utilizing both air and ground resources to engage these fires where it is safe to do so in the steep and rugged terrain. Sunday, hand crews continued building fireline on the Iron West Fire throughout the day. Favorable weather conditions allowed for air support of water and retardant drops to slow fire growth. On the Iron East Fire, dozers worked to build fireline. Fire mangers are utilizing existing roads in the area as barriers to help limit fire spread. Evacuations: A Level 2 (GO now) evacuation is in effect for approximately 12 homes in the vicinity of the Iron East Fire. Engines are actively patrolling these areas.   Closures: Closures are in place for trails in the area including the West Iron and Iron Bear Trails. Road closures include Forest Service Roads 9714 and 9715/7320. Maps and information on the closure will be available on Inciweb.   Smoke/Weather: Although a slight chance of moisture is possible for Mondaymorning, the afternoon will be warm and dry with a potential for increased fire behavior and growth. A smoke column may be from Cle Elum, WA. The Washington Smoke Information’s webpage has information on smoke and public health. Smoke information in Spanish can be found on the WA Dept. of Health’s website. Fire Information: Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6195 Phone: (509) 416-6169 #WaWildfire #IronEastFire These fires are being managed by the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team, Type 3

Photo: Retardant drops slow fire spread on the Iron East Fire located 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA on Saturday September 8, 2018. Credit: USDA Forest Service