8/14/2014 AM Snag Canyon Update

Incident Summary: The Snag Canyon Fire, located 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg, was started by a lightning strike on Saturday, August 2. The fire is burning in grass, brush and timber. The fire is burning on state and private land. The fire is also threatening the Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest.

Current Situation: The Snag Canyon fire is now an estimated 12,500 acres with 875 personnel assigned. An unstable air mass moved in the area earlier this week bringing in nightly rain showers. Up to an additional ¼ inch of rain fell on some parts of the fire last night. The moisture from the last few days has greatly aided firefighter efforts. They are taking every advantage to secure existing lines, and prepare for drier weather when it comes.

Containment lines to the east, west, and south continue to hold and will be monitored today. Crews will find and extinguish pockets of heat within 100 feet of the fireline and 300 feet around structures. Handheld infared cameras

will be used to locate pockets of heat not visible to the eye. Construction of line will continue along the north edge and burnout operations will occur where appropriate and when the opportunity exists.

Several new fires from last night’s lightning occurred but were quickly extinguished. Resources will be available for initial attack and will continue to monitor for new fires.

The Northern Rockies Incident Management Team, led by Incident Commander Doug Turman, took command of the Snag Canyon Fire at 6 AM this morning and the Incident Command Post will relocate to the Hart K Ranch west of Ellensburg.

Public and firefighter safety is still a significant concern.

Weather Outlook: Thunderstorms are predicted again today and tomorrow bringing additional moisture. A flash flood watch is in effect today and tomorrow with heavy rain and gusty erratic winds to 30 mph possible with these thunderstorms.

Evacuation Information: The evacuations levels have not changed. Residents affected by the fire can contact the Kittitas County EOC at 509-933-8305 for more information, or visit the county website for updates and evacuation maps at https://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/.

Forest Closures: The Washington Department of Natural Resources issued a closure for the entire Naneum Ridge State Forest. Contact DNR Southeast Region at 509-925-8510 for details. The Okanogan Wenatchee National Forest has issued an Area Closure adjacent to the fire. More information can be found on http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4046/ or call the Cle Elum Ranger District at 509-852-1100.

Injuries: There have been 8 non-life threatening medical issues that received treatment at the local hospital. All were treated and released.

Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas County Sheriff, Kittitas County Emergency Management, Washington National Guard, Kittitas Valley Fire and Rescue, National Guard, and United States Forest Service