8/5/2014 Snag Canyon Fire Update

Incident Summary: The Snag Canyon Fire, located 12 miles northwest of Ellensburg, 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 fire has grown to an estimated 3,500 acres. Gusty west winds have pushed the fire about a mile to the east. The fire is now burning in the Naneum Canyon.  There are approximately

200 personnel. Fire crews are aggressively fighting this fire, but are concerned about the weather forecast and fuel conditions. Public and firefighter safety is a significant concern, and incident

management personnel are looking at all options for suppression.

The Kittitas County Sheriff’s office has closed the roads leading to Naneum, Schnebly, and Coleman canyons.

Community Meeting: A public meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 5th at 7:00pm at Central Washington University’s Student Union Recreation Center Theater, 400 E. University Way, in Ellensburg. Representatives from the Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the Washington Incident Management Team 1 will be present to give a fire update and answer questions.  Parking is free.

Weather Outlook: The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for much of central Washington, including the fire area until 10 PM this evening. Warm and dry conditions continue to prevail in the fire area; there is no chance of precipitation in the next week. A series of dry cold fronts will bring westerly winds; breezy conditions in the Kittitas Valley will likely reach the elevation of the fire. Officials are preparing for sustained winds of 5 to 8 miles per hour with gusts to 30 MPH overnight.

Evacuation Information: The evacuation levels have not changed in Sun East, however effective at noon today the Kittitas County EOC has downgraded the evacuation level for the areas of Wilson Creek Road and Naneum Road south of Charlton Road to a Level 1 notice.  Residences 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 western half of the Naneum Ridge State Forest. The public will be updated as these closures expand or decrease. A state-wide burn ban is currently in effect.

Injuries: There have been no injuries.

For road and trail closure information: Naneum Ridge Forest: Southeast Region office: 509-925-8522

Cooperating Agencies: Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas County Sheriff, Kittitas County

Emergency Management, Washington National Guard, and United States Forest Service