Winthrop, WA — Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest in very steep and rocky terrain in heavy down fuels.
Cedar Creek Fire The fire has extended east of Lucky Jim Bluff and continues to move to the southeast along Virginian Ridge. The fire was active along State Route 20 today. Firefighters will continue preparations of dozer line along the base of the foothills to the west of State Route 20 working south of Wolf Creek towards Thompson Ridge area to the north and west. Contingency lines are being prepared along the valley bottom to the south. An additional strike team of engines (5 engines) arrived today to assist with structure protection along State Route 20.
In the northeast corner, crews patrolled the burnout operation conducted the day before and tied hand line into Highway 20 to secure this portion of the line. The northern and western flanks showed minimal growth during the day.
The strategy of containment is to use indirect tactics and construct containment lines in areas with a high probability of success. The objective is to keep the fire in the higher elevations above the valley and away from private property. The Cedar Creek fire is estimated at 20,806 acres with 11% containment.
Delancy Fire The fire had minimal growth today and is expected to continue to creep and smolder in steep, rocky, sparsely vegetated terrain and remains unstaffed due to the rugged terrain and scarce resource availability. Fire managers are evaluating values and risks.
Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost Creek Road. The fire is being monitored by aircraft. The estimated size of this fire is approximately 221 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Resources: Total personnel - 501 : 3 - type 1 hotshot crews, 2 - type 2 IA hand crews, 4 - type 2 hand crews, 2 - camp crews, 4 - type 1 (heavy) helicopters, 1 - type 2 (medium) helicopter, 2 - type 3 (light) helicopters, 35 - engines, 2 - dozers, 10 - water tenders, 1 - masticator, 1 - skidgens, 3 - excavators, 4 - skidders, 1- feller buncher and 147 overhead.
Closures:
For the safety of the firefighters and aircraft fighting these fires, a temporary flight restriction (TFR) has been placed over the area. Please consult the “Notice to Airmen” (NOTAM) for specifics. Wildfires are a “No Drone Zone” and any drones sighting in a TFR will immediately ground aerial firefighting resources and delay suppression actions.
State Route 20 (North Cascades Highway) remains closed at milepost 185 (7 miles west of Winthrop) to milepost 165 to all traffic due to fire activity.
The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has implemented a Fire Emergency Area Closure as of July 15, 2021. The Closure includes facilities, roads, and trails. The Closure may be viewed in its entirety at the “Cedar Creek and Delancy Fires 2021” Facebook page.
The Forest Service Fire Emergency Area Closure is separate from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s (WSDOT) closure of portions of State Route 20 and may change or be lifted at different times depending on operational needs. WSDOT is working closely with the Forest Service and Okanogan County to identify where fire activity and firefighting operations warrant closure.
Evacuation Information: The current Okanogan County Emergency Management Office (OECM) evacuation notices remain in place. The Okanogan County Emergency Management continues to reevaluate evacuation levels. For the most up to date evacuation levels, see the OCEM’s website above. Residents entering Evacuation Level 3 areas need to slow down and watch for firefighters and equipment in roadways.
Weather: There were northwesterly winds today along the Highway 20 corridor into the Valley. Humidity was above 20% in the valleys and up to 30% on the ridges. Winds were 8-12 mph with gusts to 20 mph in the Valley. Dryness, cool temperatures and downslope/down valley evening breezes will continue overnight.
Air Quality: The west wind component overnight resulted in clearer skies this morning. However, Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp experienced periods of unhealthy and hazardous smoke conditions today with degraded air quality in the Okanogan Valley including Tonasket, Conconully, Omak and Okanogan. When smoke is present, motorists should reduce speed and turn on headlights.
Fire Restrictions: Campfire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are prohibited throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, including developed campgrounds and congressionally designated Wilderness — call local ranger district offices for more
This incident is being managed by Northwest Incident Management Team 8.
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