7/15/2024 Shoofly Fire Update

Acreage: 101 acres

Containment: 56%

Cause: Undetermined

Personnel: 78

 

The Shoofly Fire located on the Wenatchee River Ranger District, roughly 25 miles west of Lake Wenatchee, WA is staying within its current footprint on the southeast slope of Shoofly Mountain in steep terrain of an old burn scar. Fire behavior has been minimal, and the fire is being held in place by a combination of firefighting efforts and favorable fuel conditions. Crews will continue to secure the fire perimeter using full-suppression tactics that minimize ecosystem impacts, supported by aircraft operations.

 

Due to the hazardous terrain and the presence of many dead-standing trees in the old burn scar, risk mitigation and firefighter safety are of utmost importance. Firefighters and fellers are working to reduce the risk of falling trees by felling them in work areas. Helicopters have been dropping buckets of water on hotspots to cool them down, allowing firefighters to work safely on the ground. Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) were utilized to detect hotspots, further reducing the risk to firefighters by limiting exposure in rough terrain areas that are not experiencing heat.

 

These combined efforts have allowed firefighters to make significant progress in gaining containment on the northern edge of the fire. This area will be monitored and patrolled over the coming days. The terrain in the southeast portion of the fire remains challenging. Crews continue to work safely in these difficult areas as conditions allow. Fire managers will meet today to assess current incident complexity and needs. As work progresses, excess food and supplies are being redirected to support the local community cupboard.

 

Trail and Road Closures: A closure order remains in place for the affected area. See posted Closure Order: 06-17-07-24-11 or visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Closure Order Webpage for more information. The Pacific Crest Trail is open and not threatened at this time but is located about 2 miles west of the fire. Recreationists are asked to avoid this area to allow firefighters to work safely, and follow the updates campfire and personal use restrictions, which have been upgraded to Stage 1.

Wildfire Smoke Preparedness: Go to https://wasmoke.blogspot.com for tips on what you can do to prepare for smoky conditions. The page is a partnership between state, county, and federal agencies, and Tribes. We coordinate to collectively share information for Washington communities affected by wildfire smoke.

 

Shoofly Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident.../waowf-shoofly