9/16/2018 Crescent Mountain and McLeod Fire

CRESCENT MOUNTAIN FIRE Containment calculation has changed significantly

September 16, 2018 Crescent Mountain Fire: 51,584 acres; 75 percent contained ●  Personnel: 398 ●  Point of Origin: Approximately 21 miles west of Twisp ●  Start Date: July 29, 2018 ●  Cause: Lightning McLeod Fire: 22,848 acres; 86 percent contained ●  Personnel: 255 ●  Point of Origin: Approximately eight miles north of Mazama ●  Start Date: August 11, 2018 ●  Cause: Lightning Holman Fire: 302 acres, no containment ●  Point of Origin: Holman Peak ●  Start Date: August 17, 2018 ●  Cause: Unknown

Public Meeting Monday September 17^th 6:00pm Red Barn - Winthrop.

Containment calculation on Crescent and McLeod Fires has changed significantly due to the way fire officials assess and combine two factors: 1) suppression actions accomplished and 2) extent of fire perimeter under ‘monitor’ status, with little potential for spread. Pairing these elements together yields a more accurate containment percentage. This demonstrates the progress in achieving suppression objectives related to values at risk such as private property, infrastructure, timber, and critical habitat.

 

Crescent Mountain and McLeod Fire crews continue to repair damage caused by firefighting operations. The intent of suppression repair is to minimize soil erosion and restore damaged ecological functions to conditions that existed before the incident. Firefighters will repair trail and road systems under advisement of local Resource Advisors.  

Closure Areas Reduced: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest reduced Crescent and McLeod Fire Closure areas on September 13, 2018. Maps and information on the closures can be found on the Forest webpage or tinyurl.com/ClosureMaps. Remaining closures are still in place for firefighter and public safety and will be assessed as conditions change.

OPENED TRAILS 

Tr. No. 405 Pasayten Dr., Tr. No. 416 Crater Lake, Tr. No. 417 & 417.2 Foggy Dew, Tr. No. 418 Bryan Butte, Tr. No. 424 Navarren Way, Tr. No. 429 Martin Crk., Tr. No. 431 Eagle Lk., Tr. No. 434 Cooney Lk., Tr. No. 484 Lost River, Tr. No. 438 Foggy Dew Rdg., Tr. No 518 & 518.1 Falls Creek, Tr. No. 523 Eightmile Rdg. and Tr. No. 538 Burch Mtn.

OPENED ROADS:

Road No. 4335.215 Powderhouse, Road No.  4345.1 McClure Mtn., Road No. 4345.2 Lookout Mtn., and Road No. 5100.1 Doe Mtn.

PCT Reroute: The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Harts Pass north to Woody Pass. As of 8/31/18, there is a detour for hikers to reach the Canadian border from Slate Pass using Trail No. 575 to Trail No.478, then Trail No. 473 to Woody Pass.

Campfire Closures: Beginning Monday September 17, 2018, forest users will once again be able to have campfires in designated recreation sites, such as campgrounds, as well as most Wilderness areas. However, fire danger remains ‘High’ in Okanogan County.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Cool temperatures and chance of wetting rain is predicted across both Crescent and McLeod Fires.