7/16/2014 6:15 pm Mills Canyon Complex Fire Update

Chiwaukum Creek fire is one of three fires being managed under the Mills Canyon Complex.  The fire experienced significant growth today, pushed by winds to the southeast and spotting over State Highway 2 late this afternoon. Air support, including a VLAT, or Very Large Air Tanker, is attempting to keep the fire in check.  Firefighters assigned to the fire, including type 1 hot shot crews, engines and dozers, shifted their focus to point protection when fire growth increased. Given smoke conditions, there is not an accurate acreage to report on the Chiwaukum Creek fire.  Closures and evacuation levels continue to change as the fire grows.  The most recent evacuation and closure information can be found online at the Chelan County Emergency Services facebook and twitter feeds.  The two other fires that are part of the Mills Canyon Complex include Mills Canyon Fire and Kelly Mountain Fire.  Mills Canyon Fire stayed within its perimeter today; the acreage is unchanged.  Firefighters focused their efforts on Divisions J, K and R; mopping up and working to strengthen containment lines.  Today's staffing level is expected to continue on the Mills Canyon Fire tomorrow in order to ensure that the good work that has occurred so far continues. Eight smokejumpers responded to Kelly Mountain Fire, northwest of Entiat, Washington.  The fire is estimated to be 65 acres burning in subalpine fir near the ridgeline.

Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Baptist Church in Leavenworth.