Monday, September 27, 2021

9/27/2021 Schneider Springs Fire Update

 

Contact: Schneider Springs Information at (509) 653-1468, 8AM-7PM
Schneider Springs Fire Update
September 27, 2021
Start Date: August 4, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Size: 107,115 acres (43,348 hectares)
Percent Contained: 47%
Resources Assigned: 433 resources including
Crews (10); Engines (23); Dozers (2); Air Resources (2); Other Heavy Equipment (14)

Yesterday and Overnight: Although slightly cooler than Saturday, Sunday’s warm temperatures and gusty winds out of the west promoted active fire behavior on the northwest corner and through the unburned fuels around Devil’s Table. Still, firefighters increased the fire’s containment percentage and successfully protected structures. There was some increase in acreage in the wilderness on the fire’s western flank. Firefighters in the communities around Bumping Lake continued with structure protection, mop-up and hazard tree mitigation along the roadway while work is on-going to repair the damage from a dozer line behind Goose Prairie. Around the clusters of cabins along SR 410, where the fire over American Ridge is closest, crews continued to maintain structure protection measures. Between Edgar Rock and American Ridge, crews added to existing containment lines. Around Cliffdell, firefighters conducted another day of extensive mop-up to strengthen the increased containment lines west of the Naches River.  Backhaul (equipment retrieval) was completed along the fire’s southern edge; suppression repair and road work were on-going. Last night, rain fell across the fire’s northwest corner and firefighters patrolled the areas where the fire has been most active near structures along SR 410 west of Bumping River Road.

Today: Increased cloud cover, cooler temperatures, higher humidity and wind are forecast for the fire area through Wednesday but minimal rainfall is expected.  Around the western flank, crews will continue to monitor the fire’s movement. Firefighters will provide structure protection, conduct mop-up and backhaul equipment along Bumping River Road. They will monitor fire activity on American Ridge, keep evaluating the protection measures in place around the ski lodge and provide structure protection along SR 410 as needed. Fire managers also plan to bring in tree fellers to mitigate dangerous snags along the American River. From Swamp Creek to the eastern edge of the wilderness, crews will strengthen containment lines by grinding, shredding and chopping debris with masticating equipment. In the Cliffdell area, firefighters will mop-up 150 feet around structures where safe to do so and continue chipping debris along the 250 and 1600 Roads. On the fire’s southern edge, crews will disperse piles of chips from previous line construction work and continue chipping debris on Bethel Ridge Road. The suppression repair crews will work on the 1500, 1600, 1706, 1709 and Indian Creek Roads with the goal of restoring these routes so crews can gain access and for winter recreation in the area.

Closures: Closures remain on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest lands. For current forest closure information, see https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. Campfire restrictions are in place for Washington Dept. of Natural Resources (WADNR) lands. WADNR managed lands outside the fire area are open. For more information, go to https://tinyurl.com/WADNR-lands-reopen. A Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) has been established to protect aircraft that are involved in the firefighting operation. Please do not use drones or any other restricted aircraft listed near the fire as it is a federal crime.

Smoke Information: Visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ for local air quality information.

Safety: It’s the last week of National Preparedness Month. Take this opportunity to refresh your family’s disaster plans. Find tips at www.ready.gov.  

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