9/12/2018 Iron East Fire Update

Iron East Fire Update Fire crews are preparing the containment lines, removing snags, and laying hose lines

Iron East Fire: 150 acres; 0% containment Location: 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA Start Date: September 7, 2018 Cause: Lightning Western Portion of Fire: 16 acres Eastern Portion of Fire: 134 acres   Current Activity: Total acres for the Iron East Fire is approximately 150 acres. Ensuring public safety and the safety of firefighters is the utmost priority as firefighters work to contain the fire. The fire is burning primarily in dry, dead and downed woody debris. These fuels retain the fire’s heat longer than twigs and grasses. Bees also continue to be an issue for firefighters in the forest. The western portion of the fire is 16 acres and has line around the perimeter. Mop up of this fire is expected to finish by Friday. The wind rapidly expanded the eastern fire earlier in the week indicated by its long narrow footprint. On Tuesday night, crews removed fuels by ignition in the northeast corner of the fire to bolster protection of structures to the north and reduce the likeliness of spread. Crews will take the controlled burning down the hill on Thursday and Friday to strengthen the firelines. The eastern portion of the fire is 134 acres. A cool and showery weather pattern is expected through at least Saturday as low pressure remains in place over the fire area. The maximum temperatures will be in the low 60s. This weather will allow crews to make progress on fully containing these fires. Air resources are being used to cool both fires. Videos of aircraft in action can be seen on Iron East’s Inciweb page. Evacuations: A Level 2 (Get Set) evacuation is in effect for approximately 12 structures 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. Highway 97 remains closed until Friday morning to allow the installation of culverts. Old Blewett Pass is closed due to fire activity, we thank the public and recreationalists for their cooperation in avoiding the area. Maps and information on the closure will be available on Inciweb.   Smoke/Weather: Weather is expected to be cooler and more moist for the next four days. The maximum temperatures will be in the mid-50s. 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 Email: IronEastFireInfo2018@gmail.com Phone: (509) 416-6169 #WaWildfire #IronEastFire #OkaWen These fires are being managed by the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team, Type 3

Photo: Aerial view of the Iron West Fire located 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA on Saturday September 8, 2018. Credit: USDA Forest Service