9/10/2022 White River and Irving Peak Fires Update

 

Contact Fire Information at (509) 557-0973

White River and Irving Peak Fire Update September 10, 2022 - 11:30 AM

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. The fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Plain, WA. Suppression Strategy – Fire managers continue to implement a long-term strategy to manage these fires, including the use of primary and contingency perimeter lines for containment. Tactics include completion and reinforcement of fire lines using roads and constructed hand line. Current Situation – Fire behavior on Friday was similar to what has been occurring for the last few days, but winds out of the east/northeast late Friday had the fire pushing back into areas already burned. Today, fire behavior will continue to be active as breezy winds occur. Fire behavior is expected to diminish on Sunday as cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, as winds shift from a west/northwesterly direction. There is an increased chance of precipitation next week. As temperatures cool over the next few weeks, smoke may be visible as interior fuels continue to smolder and burn out. Today, crews will continue structure protection work on Windmill Lane southeast of the White River Fire and assess conditions to support aviation operations on the four fires the Type 3 team is now managing which include the White River, Irving Peak, Meander, and Minnow Ridge fires. Meander Fire is 6 acres and has minimal fire activity, mostly wispy smoke. The new 100+ acre Minnow Ridge Fire is burning in steep, inaccessible terrain near Chikamin Ridge 14 miles north of Plain, WA. The fire was very active late into the evening Friday. Fire resources will be doing preparation/protection work around structures in the Chiwawa River area. Plans are to utilize firelines from previous fires that have occurred in this area. Due to the proximity of this fire, a number of trails in the Chikamin Ridge area will be closed later today. The cause is undetermined. White River Fire – Acres: 2,577; 1% contained; Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA. The fire footprint remains within the control lines and geographic features being utilized as containment lines. Firefighters continue to establish an anchor point, monitor activity, and maintain structure protection along Sears Creek Road and Windmill Lane. Irving Peak Fire – Acres: 3,226; 7% contained; Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA The Irving Peak Fire saw some growth over the last few days. Firefighters continue work along roads and containment lines and monitor fire behavior and spread utilizing ground and aerial resources. Weather – A Red Flag Warning is in effect, Saturday, September 10, with potential for rapid fire spread in the east central Cascades; 5-15 mph winds, with gusts to 25 mph, out of the east are forecasted.  Minimum relative humidity in the teens to low 20s can be expected. Air Quality and Smoke – Current information about air quality and health recommendations during smoky conditions is available on the Washington Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ Closures – An emergency closure issued by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remains in place and can be viewed here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area. The PCT remains open and not directly impacted by the fires, but the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads cannot be used to access the PCT. 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: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600. Evacuations – Current Chelan County evacuation levels include a Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road and Level 1 (Stay Alert) for White River Road and Little Wenatchee Road. www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies Fire Information – The White River Fire Information phone line has transitioned to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Fire Info Phone Line: 505-557-0973 | Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo -End-

Smoke and flames from the 100-acre Minnow Ridge Fire located 14 miles north of Plain, WA, on September 9, 2022. Credit: U.S. Forest Service by Cary Stock