8/13/2023 Sourdough Fire Update

 

Sourdough Fire Update - August 13, 2023

Resources: 419 Total Personnel | 9 Hand Crews | 20 Engines | 5 Water Tenders | 7 Helicopters

(Newhalem, Wash.) -- The Sourdough Fire started with a lightning strike on July 29 near Diablo in the steep and rugged terrain of Ross Lake National Recreation Area, 7 miles northeast of Newhalem. The Sourdough Fire is estimated at 1,938 acres and is 5% contained. State Route 20 remains closed between milepost 120 (Newhalem) and milepost 146 (just east of the East Creek Trailhead). Large rocks and debris fell on portions of the closed road.

Yesterday: Firefighters conducted successful burn out operations throughout the day and night on the southwest flank of the fire in an effort to control the rate at which the fire consumes the fuels between the edge of the fire and the 2015 Goodell Fire burn scar. Fire crews and Seattle City Light field personnel worked to mitigate the hazard trees along the roads. Mop up operations continued along Diablo Dam Road from State Route 20 into the community of Diablo. Additionally, firefighters improved hose lays between Ross Dam and North Cascades Environmental Learning Center. Helicopters also dropped water to keep the fire from spreading beyond the Sourdough Creek drainage.

Today: Hot, dry, and unstable conditions will result in critical fire weather through Tuesday with a Red Flag Warning in effect at 11:00 a.m. today. Firefighters will monitor the results of yesterday’s burn out operations along the southwest flank of the fire above State Route 20. Crews are working to mop up a small "slop over" that crossed the road. Slop over is a significant concern as it can create a new ignition point, making the fire more difficult to control and potentially endangering additional areas. A handheld infrared camera will be used to locate any heat sources around the structures in Diablo. Working with Seattle City Light, firefighters will improve powerline corridor easements for use as fire breaks.

Weather: Hot, dry, and unstable conditions will bring increased fire activity to the area for the next few days. Temperatures will reach the mid-90s and relative humidity will be in the lower teens which is extremely hot and dry for this area.

Smoke: Smoke from the Sourdough Fire may affect communities around the region. Information about current conditions and a smoke forecast is located at: https://wasmoke.blogspot.com

Closures and Evacuations: State Route 20 is closed from Newhalem to East Creek Trailhead. Trail, area and camp closures are in effect; for more information, go to: https://www.nps.gov/noca/planyourvisit/fire-closures.htm