9/7/2022 Pasayten Wilderness Fires Update

 

Contact: NW Pasayten Fires Information (509) 228-7805, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8397/

Increased fire activity in Pasayten Wilderness Fires anticipated due to predicted weather

Wenatchee, WA (September 7, 2022) -- Increased fire activity on some of the lightning caused fires, burning in the very remote, steep, and inaccessible terrain in the northwest corner of the Pasayten Wilderness Area, spurred trail and area closures over the holiday weekend. Hot, dry, and windy conditions are expected today as a trough moves into the area which is expected to create conditions for increased fire behavior. The Shull, The Parks, Kid, Three Fools, Skagit, and Elbow fires, located near the Canadian-U.S border, are expected to grow in acreage today. In a joint delegation with the National Park Service, a National Incident Management Organization Team, NIMO Team 2, assumed command yesterday over the six fires now being called the NW Pasayten Fires, located in the Pasayten Wilderness on the Methow Valley Ranger District of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, as well as the Chilliwack Complex Fires within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. A number of closures are in effect including an area closure for the Freezeout Creek basin and a number of trails and portions of trails in the area. Portions of both the Pacific Crest Trail and Pacific Northwest Trail remain closed at this time. Smoke from these fires, and other fires burning in the region, may impact north central Washington communities over the next few days. Take precautions when recreating outdoors when heavy smoke is present. Learn more at Real-Time Air Quality Map | PurpleAir, airnow.gov or visit https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/. Update on individual NW Pasayten Fires: •     The Kid Fire, located on the ridge between Rock Creek and West Fork Pasayten, is approximately 8 miles south of the Canadian-U.S. border. The fire has been very active with spotting and torching of grouped trees. Yesterday, smokejumpers worked on protection of the historic airport cabin, situated about one quarter mile away from the Kid Fire, utilizing pumps and sprinklers. If conditions allow, smokejumpers will also be burning out unburned brush between the fire and the cabin. •     The Parks Fire is also very active. It crossed the border into Canada a couple of days ago. There is a Canadian Incident Management Team assigned to the Canadian portion (called the Heather Fire north of the border) of the Parks Fire. The fire is about one half mile from the Monument 83 Fire Lookout at the time of this release. Firefighters have prepared the lookout by wrapping the base with fire protective wrap. •    The Skagit Fire, located in Freezeout Creek 6 miles south of the border, spread northward and crossed over the top of the ridge and down the other side. •     Three Fools Fire, located 8 miles south of the border, is actively backing down the ridge and through an old burn scar, it has spotted north of the ridge.  •     The Elbow Fire, located 6 miles south of the border, is actively backing down the slope near Skagit Peak. •     Tuesday, fire activity increased on the Shull Fire located 11 miles south of the border.  -End-