Cougar Creek, Lost, and Bannock Lakes Fires
Containment of Cougar Creek Fire Continues as
Some Road and Recreation Sites Re-Open
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Acreage: 41,847
Containment: 50 percent
Personnel: 438
Cause: Lightning
Team: Northwest Team 10 (Type 2)
Cougar Creek Fire: Firefighters continue their efforts to contain the northern portion of the fire by building direct containment lines, widening trails, and dropping water from helicopters. Containment along the western perimeter from Maverick Peak to Sugarloaf Peak is increasing as mop up operations and patrol progress. The southern and eastern areas of the fire are secure where suppression repair work will address erosion control and road repair. A remote camp will open in Entiat on Sunday for personnel working in southern and eastern areas of the fire to reduce travel and potential for traffic accidents.
Lost Fire: The Lost Fire has been held at 80 acres. Containment lines are complete. The fire will continue to be monitored by air using Distributed Real-Time Infrared (DRTI) and air attack aircraft.
Bannock Lakes Fire: Burning in a remote section of the Glacier Peaks Wilderness, the Bannock Lakes Fire is now 492 acres in size. The fire is creeping among large rocky outcrops and isolated clusters of timber in steep, inaccessible terrain. It is being monitored by infrared imagery and aerial reconnaissance. 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 is available at www.pcta.org.
Labor Day Weekend: Remember to be patient, well-prepared, and fire safe. Fire danger is extreme. Campfires are banned as is the operation of chainsaws and any equipment that might emit a spark. Do not park in dry grass. Fire equipment will be on the roads in and around the fire area. These vehicles may stop in unexpected locations. Please use caution when fire vehicles are present, the operator may not see you in his or her mirrors.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Gusty northwest winds are expected to continue Saturday morning with speeds of 15 to 25 mph. Winds will weaken into the afternoon hours as temperatures warm into the 60s and 70s. The air mass will remain quite dry with afternoon humidity values drying out into the 20 to 30 percent range.
Evacuations: Effective Monday (08/27/2018), the Chiwawa Loop Road area (including Shugart Flats and Chiwawa River Pines communities) is a Level 1 “Get Ready” alert. The Entiat River Road from Mile Marker 16.5, north to its end is also under a Level 1 alert. For more information, call the Chelan County Emergency Management at 509-667-6863, or visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CCSOEM.
Restrictions and Closures: The Entiat River Road, Chiwawa River Road, and most Forest Service Campgrounds along these roads are now open. All trails connecting with the Chiwawa River Road are open. The Shady Pass Road #5900 is also open. Forest visitors are encouraged to view the interactive closure map: tinyurl.com/yb5zs737.
Phone: 509-664-9210 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.