8/27/2022 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 27, 2022 -- 9:00 AM

Quick Facts: Personnel: 364, Crews: 6, Helicopters: 3, Engines: 13, 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.  Operations: Yesterday’s wind brought increased fire activity and growth along the southern and southeastern flanks of the Irving Peak Fire. Minimal growth on the White River Fire was observed due to helicopters checking the fire’s spread into the afternoon along the southeastern perimeter. High winds gusting to 40 mph prevented the use of helicopters in the late afternoon. Chippers continued their work west along the Little Wenatchee Road and the 6504 Road. Dozers and masticators are opening and improving the road system north of Little Wenatchee Road to use as a fire line if needed. Today, five engines and the Lakeview Hotshots will monitor the northern perimeter of the White River Fire if the fire approaches the prepared fire lines. Engines and firefighters working south of the White River Fire will monitor fire activity and hold the fire’s lines. With chipping and road operations south of the White River Fire complete, firefighters will start assessing the current sprinkler systems in place. The remaining five miles of chipping along the Little Wenatchee Road is expected to be complete within 48 hours.  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: Cooler temperatures with higher relative humidity will persist through the weekend. The eastern flank of Irving Peak will remain active in the afternoon. Even with breezy conditions, clouds, lower temperatures, and higher relative humidity are likely to inhibit significant fire spread.  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.   Safety Message: The past two days have seen cooler temperatures and pockets of moisture in the region. However, typical fire season weather will return to the region next week. These conditions 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 26, 2022. Photo credit: Heather Ibsen