8/26/2022 White River and Irving Peak Fires Update

 

Contact Fire Information at (509) 202-4184 from 8AM-8PM

White River and Irving Peak Fire Update August 26, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

Quick Facts: Personnel: 395, Crews: 8, Helicopters: 3, Engines: 15, Dozers: 1, Water Tenders: 1                                         White River Fire                    Acres: 986 |   Contained: 1%   Cause: Lightning               Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles northwest of Plain, WA Irving Peak Fire Acres: 1,536  Contained: 1%   Cause: Lightning Location: Approximately 16 miles northwest of Plain, WA Highlights: Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. They are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA. Both fires are under an “indirect” suppression strategy. Brush and small trees are being cleared and chipped along the White River and Little Wenatchee Roads, to prepare these roads for use as containment lines if the fires reach them.  Operations: Yesterday, mop up continued on a small lightning-caused fire north of the White River Road caused by Monday’s lightning. Chipping operations along White River Road near Sears Creek Road were completed. Chipping was completed along the lower five-mile stretch of the Little Wenatchee Road. Work now will move northwest up the Little Wenatchee Road. Dozer fire line and chipping are moving from Peavine Creek eastward to strengthen containment south of the Irving Peak Fire. Today, firefighters will monitor the lightning strike fire. Firefighters will work with dozers and masticators to open and improve the 200 spur and 6504 roads. Three 20-person Hotshot crews and eight engines will work along roads on the north and south sides of the fires in readiness for a windy afternoon, that will likely increase fire behavior and smoke impacts. Evacuations: Current Chelan County’s evacuations levels include a Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road, Level 1 (Stay Alert) for White River Road and Little Wenatchee Road. https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies For an interactive evacuation map of Chelan County, please visit https://tinyurl.com/whiteriverevacuationmap. To sign up for the Chelan County emergency alert system, please visit https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184. Weather and fire behavior: A cold front with cooler air will move into the area in the afternoon with wind increasing along the ridgetops throughout the day. Wind will come from the west-southwest, with gusts on ridgetops as high as 30 to 40 mph. Fire spread is expected on both fires along the eastern perimeters, with increased smoke production expected to impact downwind areas including Lake Wenatchee. Fire behavior will moderate following the frontal passage, with lowered wind speed, very moist air and continued cooler weather for the weekend. Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1054295.pdf Additionally, it is recommended to avoid recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. Restrictions: Campfires are not allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600 Recreation impacts: In addition to the forest closure and fire restrictions, fire officials recommend avoiding recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by the fires. However, the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT. The Buck Creek-Spider Meadow Loop is open and accessible but smoke and nearby fire activity may impact the area. Use the links below for updated fire and air quality information. Pacific Crest Trail: Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). While there is currently no impact to the PCT, hikers should be aware that Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT.   Safety Message: It is forecasted to be very windy for the next 24 hours. This wind coupled with very dry fuels can lead to fire growth and the potential for new starts. It is important to stay alert. There is still at least another month of fire season ahead. Please be careful. Smoke: The current smoke forecast outlook, along with information about air quality health recommendations during smoky conditions, is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be Follow Us Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo and www.facebook.com/nwteam7 A Spanish translation available will be available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8329/

Irving Peak Fire August 25, 2022. Photo credit: Lilly Mayea