Wednesday, August 6, 2014

8/6/2014 AM Upper Falls Fire Update



Yesterday
The lightning caused Upper Falls Fire significantly increased intensity.  It is located 1 1/2 mile south of the wilderness; southwest of Mt. Barney; between Falls Creek and Farewell Creek. Based on aerial reconnaissance, the estimated size last night was 2,600 acres.  The fire is burning in a roadless area with heavy Subalpine/Douglas Fir stands, in steep rugged terrain. Helicopters dropped water to check and delay movement to the west and south. The fire grew in size overnight.
Today 
At 6:00 this morning, The Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team took responsibility for suppression of the Upper Falls Fire. Team operations staff will be establishing an anchor point and developing a plan for suppressing the fire. Structure assessments will be done today as well and protection measures put in place. As the plan develops, crews will be sent to begin suppression. Helicopters will continue to drop water to check and delay movement to the west and south.
Air resources are playing a vital role in the successful containment of this fire and are supporting other fires and initial attack on new fires.
Anyone who believes they have a new start is encouraged to call 911. Local fire departments continue to respond to 911 calls reporting new starts.

Evacuations  

Level 1:  Wandling Road, Rising Eagle Road, Hill Drive (Hoot and Holler), Signal Drive, Pine Forest, Sun Mountain Resort, Upper Bear Creek Road, East Chewuch Road to Boulder Creek, and Pearrygin Lake State Park.  No areas are in Level 2 or 3.

Closures

Forest closures:  call the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (509) 996-4000 or go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices
Road, trail, and campground closures:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/ closures/3967/
Highway closures:  Washington Department of Transportation at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/
Weather:  A dry cold front will move over the area today; high temperatures will be in the mid 90s with west winds up to 20 mph (mostly in the late afternoon);  inversion dispersing after 10:00a.m.

Other places to get information

Information sites are being established today.

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