7/26/2021 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.

The Cub Creek 2 Fire is estimated at 44,100 acres with 10% containment.

Overnight, the region saw poor humidity recoveries, which made the fire remain active. Crews remained vigilant with tactical patrols  and  monitoring throughout the fire area.  Hand crews worked through the night and continued with line construction and preparation that had begun during the day.

Today, it is forecasted that in Methow Valley the smoke from the Cedar Creek Fire and Cub Creek 2 Fire will shadow the region, leading to continued poor air quality. The western flank of the fire perimeter remains the top priority, as crews engage in building and strengthening control lines up and out through Sweet Grass Butte into the McLeod fire scar where limited fuels will slow its growth. Contingent on optimal conditions, a strategic firing operation is planned near FS Road 100 and 157 to minimize the narrow roads near FS Road 57. Adjacent to these roads, the fire will be tied into Buck Mountain and Division Mike. Aviation resources will be limited today, as aircraft are shared between the Cedar Creek Fire and Cub Creek 2 fire. Along the southern portion of the fire crews will reinforce containment lines and continue mop up. Along the ridgetops of Eight Mile and the McLeod burn scar, crews will continue to improve control lines and mop-up. The eastern flank remains active along FS Road 37 into Pebble Creek and firefighters have been engaged in tactical patrols to minimize any further fire spread.

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.