Evacuation Lifts and Closure Area is Reduced
Cougar Creek Fire: All Level 1 “Get Ready” alerts have now been lifted, and closure areas to the northeast of the fire have been reduced. Fire spread was minimal on Tuesday. Helicopters dropped water on active fire areas near Mad River on Tuesday to support containment efforts by firefighters. Fire line near Signal Peak is holding and will be monitored on Wednesday. Containment improved along the western perimeter including the Sugarloaf Peak area, raising the containment to 71 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.
On Tuesday, smoke returned to the area with air quality ranging from Moderate to Unhealthy. The smoke increase is due to current weather patterns bringing in smoke from Okanogan County and British Columbia wildfires. Smoke from the north is not expected to clear until late Thursday, at which time, smoke may come into the area from wildfires to the south. Air quality is not expected to increase above Moderate anywhere in eastern Washington before Friday.
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 is now at 497 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.
Weather and Fire Behavior: High pressure began to strengthen over the region on Tuesday, promoting light, terrain-driven winds, mild temperatures, and dry conditions. High pressure will remain over Central Washington on Wednesday continuing to support light, terrain-driven winds. Drying will increase, and temperatures will increase by a few degrees.
Evacuations: All Level 1 “Get Ready” alerts have been lifted.
Restrictions and Closures: Fox Creek, Lake Creek, Silver Falls, and Cottonwood campgrounds are reopened. Shady Pass Road #5900, North Fork Entiat Trailhead, and trails within the Glacier Peak Wilderness area on the Entiat Ranger District will also be open and accessible. In addition, the Chiwawa River Road, and campgrounds and trails off that road, will be open for use.
To ensure public and firefighter safety, road and trail closures remain in effect in the Tommy Creek, Mad River, Upper Mad River, Potato Creek, and Mud Creek areas. Forest visitors are encouraged to view the interactive closure map: https://tinyurl.com/yb5zs737. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT) also remains closed from Suiattle Pass to High Bridge. The PCT detour is from Suiattle Pass to Stehekin. More information is available at www.pcta.org.
Acreage: 42,349
Containment: 71 percent
Personnel: 460
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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