Tuesday, September 4, 2018

9/4/2018 Cougar Creek fire Update


Cougar Creek, Lost and Bannock Lakes Fires
Tuesday, September 4, 2018
Containment Increases and Repair Work Continues
Cougar Creek Fire: The fire saw no increase in size on Monday. Firefighters are constructing containment lines and working to address active fire areas in the north, particularly near Mad River and Signal Peak. Helicopters are dropping water to support on-the-ground efforts. Line has been completed along the western perimeter except for a small area near Sugarloaf Peak, raising the containment to 64 percent. Mop up operations, infrared imaging to find hot spots, and patrolling are continuing along completed line on the western perimeter. The southern and eastern areas of the fire are secure, and firefighters are conducting mop up, backhaul, and repair work.

Team 10 would like to thank the Australian firefighters, the Air National Guard, and the Washington State Guard for their assistance on the Cougar Creek Fire. The Air National Guard and Washington State Guard have been assisting with security and road closures. Most of their service members are approaching the end of their 14-day shift and will be leaving on Wednesday. Their duties will be assumed by the Washington National Guard and additional service members of the Washington State Guard. Australian firefighters will begin their long journey home on Tuesday.

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 infrared imagery and aerial reconnaissance.

Bannock Lakes Fire: The Bannock fire remains at 493 acres. 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.

Weather and Fire Behavior: As expected, a dry cold front moved through the area Monday morning bringing gusty northwest winds. Wind gusts of 25 of 40 mph were common. Behind the front, drier air moved into the area, delivering afternoon sunshine and low humidity. High pressure will build over the region on Tuesday, beginning a warming and drying trend. Temperatures will be warming near to above normal while humidity values will continue to decrease. Thursday will be the driest and warmest day, and another dry cold front is expected on Friday.

Evacuations: 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 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: 42,134
Containment: 64 percent
Personnel: 519
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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