Pacific Northwest Incident Management Team 2 (PNW2) is in command of the Chiwaukum Complex fires as well as the Duncan and Hansel Creek Fires. Chiwaukum Complex includes Chiwaukum, Shoofly, Mills Canyon, Kelly Mountain, and Alpine Fires.
A strong thermal trough over the Chiwaukum Complex will create a very hot, dry, and unstable atmosphere, resulting in a Red Flag Warning Monday. Expect highs around 100 degrees and minimum relative humidities of 10 to 15 percent. Dry thunderstorms are possible late Monday afternoon and evening and will increase Monday night through Tuesday, extending the Red Flag Warning into Wednesday. The Duncan, Shoofly, Hansel Creek, and Chiwaukum fires may all see growth today and smoke columns may form in the afternoon.
Firefighters worked with air support yesterday on the Hansel Creek Fire where uphill fire runs were slowed with helicopter bucket drops. The southern flank remains north of Ingalls Creek and the fire remains west of Highway 97. Structure protection is in place and the portion of the fire closest to Highway 97 is secured.
Duncan Fire crews continue to strengthen control lines along Shady Pass Road. The fire will likely see increased activity today, assisted by the anticipated Red Flag Warning conditions.
Fire operations spent much of yesterday on the Shoofly Fire evaluating terrain and fuel types. A determination was made that direct attack by ground forces would be ineffective without the use of heavy equipment to open up existing road systems. A helispot has been created, which will assist in getting firefighters and necessary equipment into the area.
Yesterday on the Alpine Fire, hand crews and engines worked with masticators to reduce fuel loads along a road system identified as a contingency line.
On the Chiwaukum Creek Fire, rehabilitation of the fire lines and back-hauling of excess equipment continued through the weekend. A hose line extends for almost a mile from the end of the line on the north flank out along McCue Ridge. The water will allow firefighters to push the fire towards the wilderness should it make a run to the north. Active fire remains in the Chiwaukum Creek area where spotting continues to occur.
Chiwaukum Complex fire personnel continue to provide initial attack assistance for much of the area surrounding the assigned fires. New fire starts are expected withtomorrow’s lightning.
Public Safety: There are multiple fires in the area with large equipment and increased traffic. With lightning expected, fire equipment may be on the roads at any time during the day as they respond to new starts, so please travel with caution.
All major roads and businesses in surrounding communities remain open and ready for business.
Evacuations/Closure Information: Chelan County Emergency Services posts updated evacuations and closures at facebook.com/pages/Chelan-
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/
Twitter: @ChiwaukumFire
Facebook: Chiwaukum Creek WAFire
E-mail: chiwaukumcomplex@gmail.com
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