9/16/2018 Iron East Fire Update

Mop-up and patrol continues

Iron East Fire: 117 acres; 75% containment

Location: 12 miles northeast of Cle Elum, WA

Start Date: September 7, 2018

Cause: Lightning

 

Current Activity: The fire is now 75% contained. Total acreage for the Iron East Fire is 117 acres. Acreage estimates were updated due to improved fire mapping. Drawdown of resources is underway as fire severity decreases. There are fewer than 100 personnel on the fire.

Hot spots and smoke will be present in the interior until heavy rain or snow.

The fire perimeter is fully lined. Firefighters will patrol and mop up around the perimeter up to 50 feet including hazard trees to secure the line. If a hot spot is identified, firefighters will dig down to the spot, bring it up to the surface, douse it with water and use other methods to extinguish all heat.

Water bars will be constructed at an angle to divert water runoff on hand and dozer lines, this assists in diverting water across the roadway while minimizing erosion.

Ensuring public safety and the safety of firefighters is the utmost priority. Old Blewett Pass is closed for fire activity. We thank the public and recreationalists for their cooperation in avoiding the area. All evacuation notices have been lifted.

This team will be transferring command of the fire on Monday to the local unit. Crews have made excellent progress.

More information on this fire can be found on https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6195/

Evacuations: None.

 

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

These fires are being managed by the Southeast Washington Incident Management Team, Type 3