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 is estimated at 22,415 acres and 11% contained. West winds are expected to moderate slightly today but the fire is expected to continue down Virginian Ridge and into the Wolf Creek drainage. Today, firefighters will be working to decrease fire activity and spread, however, smoke could impact the use of aerial resources. Firefighters have begun mop-up operations along portions of the fireline at the base of the foothills west of State Route 20 from Early Winters area south towards Gobblers Knob. From Gobblers Knob, crews plan to reopen previous dozer line from prior fires across Thompson Ridge. Dozer line has been constructed around Sun Mountain Lodge and infrastructure. The fire will remain active today due to extremely dry fuels, high temperatures and low relative humidity.
Engine strike teams and local resources, including Okanogan County Fire District 6, are providing structure protection to residences along Highway 20 and adjacent areas impacted by the Cedar Creek Fire.
The northern portion of the fire continues to slowly back down towards Highway 20. Firefighters have tied in the northeastern portion of the fire at the confluence of Cedar Creek and Early Winters Creek into State Route 20. Firefighters will continue to monitor as fire backs down the northern ridgeline of Sandy Butte. The western portion of the fire in Silverstar Creek area continues to slowly push up the drainage.
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 values at risk.
Delancy Fire: The fire has moved over Delancy Ridge and is expected to continue to creep and smolder in steep, rocky, sparsely vegetated terrain. Some downslope rollouts are possible and remains unstaffed due to the rugged and hazardous terrain. Fire managers are evaluating values and risks. Containment opportunities are being actively scouted on the east side up Lost River Road. The fire is being monitored by aircraft. The estimated size of this fire is approximately 223 acres.
Resources for additional information:
Resources: Total personnel - 459 : 3 - type 1 hotshot crews, 4 - type 2 hand crews, 2 - camp crews, 4 - type 1 (heavy) helicopters, 1 - type 2 helicopter, 2 - type 3 helicopter, 34 - engines, 2 - dozers, 10 - water tenders, 1 - masticator, 2 - skidgens, 3 - excavators, 2 - feller/bunchers, 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 Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM) 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: Lighter wind today and warmer temperatures. Expect winds to become upslope/upvalley late in the morning, switching to more westerly by mid-afternoon. Gusts to 15 mph are still possible in valleys. Smoke will linger for most of the day. High temperatures will continue to increase through the weekend with no precipitation expected. Temperatures may reach 90 degrees in Mazama. Winds will be upslope/upvalley by late morning near Mazama, then west 6 to 10 mph by mid-afternoon.
Air Quality: Expect similar to worsening smoke conditions today as were experienced yesterday. Unhealthy air conditions will persist for the upper Methow Valley (Mazama, Winthrop and Twisp areas). Some periods of clear air is possible today. Communities further down valley may experience unhealthy to very unhealthy air. Smoke has slopped over into the Okanogan Valley. Tonasket and Omak may experience unhealthy air throughout the day. Oroville is receiving heavy smoke from Canada and the Methow Valley. Chelan may start having hazy skies today. Conditions should improve overnight but smoke will return Friday morning.
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 information. https://tinyurl.com/yby4oysq
This incident is being managed by Northwest Incident Management Team 8.
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