Cougar Creek, Lost, and Bannock Lakes Fires
Little fire growth while suppression efforts continue
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Cougar Creek Fire: Fire activity has been minimal for the last few days. Firefighters are working hard to build containment lines on the northern portion of the fire. Helicopters are dropping water to support on-the-ground efforts. Containment along the western perimeter from Maverick Peak to Sugarloaf Peak continues with mop up operations, infrared imaging to find hot spots, and patrolling. The southern and eastern areas of the fire are secure and suppression repair work continues on roads and firelines for erosion control.
A remote camp will open in Entiat Sunday for personnel working on the east side of the fire to reduce travel times and the potential for traffic accidents.
Saturday, four crews were sent to assist in initial attack for the Crystal Fire near Pangborn Airport in East Wenatchee. “That’s just what we do - help a neighbor out,” stated Incident Commander Al Lawson.
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: The Bannock fire has increased by 1 acre, to 493. This fire is creeping among rocky outcrops and isolated groups 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: Fire danger is extreme in the forest. Campfires are banned. Chainsaw use, as well as any equipment that might emit a spark are also banned. Do not park in dry grass. Fire equipment may be working in unexpected locations along roads and surrounding fire areas. Please use caution and patience when fire vehicles are present.
Weather and Fire Behavior: Light winds will begin the day with stronger West Northwest winds predicted for the late afternoon. Expect gusts of 16 to 26 mph as temperatures warm into the 60s and 70s. The air mass will remain quite dry with afternoon humidity values drying out into the upper 20 percent range.
Evacuations: Effective Monday (08/27/2018), the Chiwawa Loop Road area (including Shugart Flats and Chiwawa River Pines communities) is at 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: https://tinyurl.com/yb5zs737 .
Acreage: 42,104
Containment: 50 percent
Personnel: 482
Cause: Lightning
Incident Mgt Team: NW Team 10 Lawson (Type 2)
Phone: 509-664-9210 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
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