8/7/2020 Chikamin Fire Update

 Based on infrared data collected overnight the fire is estimated at 340 acres.

Yesterday the Entiat Hotshots contained work on east flank of the fire to tie in containment lines with smokejumpers in the northeast corner. These lines are anticipated to be finished by end of shift and smokejumpers will hike out. The Entiat Hotshots will remain spiked out and continue constructing line to the north up to the Entiat ridge.

On the west flank of the fire crews continued falling hazard trees and brushing a spur road off the FS 6210 road, with the help of heavy machinery. The use of UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) continues to be advantageous in assessing the viability of safe line construction and work by crews on the west flank. Three helicopters will be dropping water on the west region of the fire again to restrict the fire’s progression and cool the fire down, allowing for crews to more safely work in this area.
 
The lower temperatures and moderate relative humidity have been beneficial in firefighting endeavors and will continue to be helpful throughout the day.

The team’s number one priority always remains firefighter and public safety. Firefighters continue to engage the wildfire, making decisions about the best approach with the best available information at the time in order to keep public and firefighters safe.

To provide for public safety and firefighter safety, road and trail closures are still in effect.