7/24/2021 Cub Creek 2 Fire Update

The fire is burning on Okanogan County Fire District 6 and Washington Department of Natural Resources protected lands and the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Winthrop, WA — Cub Creek 2 –

The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 42,786 acres with 10% containment.

Last night the fire remained active, with crews providing structure protection, as well as monitoring slop overs along Road 900, extinguishing spot fires and mopping up adjacent to existing control lines. This morning the smoke will be a challenge for crews because aviation resources will not have the visibility to safely provide air attack for crews on the ground. In the afternoon winds will become light and variable, temperatures will warm up into the 90’s in the valley, with humidity between 19 – 25%. Fire activity will increase around noon as the temperatures increase and some of the smoke dissipates.

The fire remains active along Road 52, where crews and heavy equipment have been working aggressively to establish control lines, as well as tie them into completed control lines. The fire continues to back down slopes, with occasional torching and short crown fires. Fuels in the lower elevations are characterized by grass and shrub, and in the higher elevations by timber and understory with a high amount of down dead fuel components.

The fire remains split into east and west flanks actively burning on all sides. Both of the flanks continue to move in the northern section toward previously burned areas from the Mcleod and Tripod fires. These fire scars are moderating fire behavior. On the southern portion of the fire, crews will continue to strengthen control lines to limit fire spread towards Winthrop.

Local resource advisors will continue to provide input to protect natural and historical values at risk.

Residents will continue to see smoke and smoldering or creeping fire behavior near homes, but personnel are actively monitoring those areas. Please only call 911 if flare-ups occur near structures.

Evacuation Information: The Okanogan County Emergency Management (OCEM)

evacuations for the Chewuch River drainage remain in effect. Please consult OCEM information resources at okanogancounty.org for current evacuations. Residents leaving Evacuation Level 3 areas should be extremely cautious, drive slowly, and watch for firefighters and firefighting equipment on the roadway.

  Resources for additional information:

StoryMap Link: https://arcg.is/1euzWj

Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7675/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/CubCreek2Fire2021

Smoke Blog: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ Email: 2021.cubcreek2@firenet.gov
 Highway Information: https://www.wsdot.com/traffic/trafficalerts/default.aspx
 Evacuations: https://www.okanogancounty.org/government/emergency_management/index.php
 Methow Conservancy (Wildfire Preparedness): https://methowconservancy.org/discover/fire-prep-recovery%20

Wildfire Ready Neighbors (House Assessments): https://wildfireready.dnr.wa.gov/

Resources: Total personnel–441; 1-type 1 IHC, 4-type 2 initial attack hand crews, 8-type 2 hand crews, 2- heavy helicopters, 1- medium helicopter, 2-light lift helicopter, 23- engines, 4-dozer, 7-water tenders, and 92 overhead.

Closures: A new Forest Area Emergency Closure has been issued by the Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest which closes the use of multiple roads, campgrounds, and trails. Please see the enclosed links to the Forest Closure Page. https://bit.ly/3zsRtuw and map: https://bit.ly/3wZ2y50 The documents are also available on Inciweb and Facebook.

A Temporary Flight Restriction is in place over the fire 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.

Weather: Today's temperatures will be in the 90’s and humidity recoveries will be low, between 19 – 25%. Winds will be less active. between 5-7 mph along the ridge tops. In the morning hours, the smoke will be predominant, but as the winds increase this afternoon, some of the smoke should blow out of the va

Air Quality: Please monitor the air quality on the incident FB page above and the WA Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ and take appropriate actions. All vehicle traffic is advised to travel with lights on for safety.

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