Saturday, August 9, 2014

8/9/2014 AM Upper Falls Fire Update





Upper Falls Fire Update       

August 9, 2014         8:00 a.m.

Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team- Pete Blume, Incident Commander 
Information Center:  509-996-9971               
Hours of operation:  7 a.m. 9 p.m. Email:   upperfallsfire@gmail.com


Yesterday
The fire intensity was moderate and no signigicant growth occurred. Crews continued to treat and reduce fuels along Falls Creek Road in preparation for burnout. The fire did come to the road in a few places. Dozers began constructing contingency line from the Farewell Fire scar to the Falls Creek Road south of the fire. Helicopters dropped water to check and delay movement to the west and south and to keep the fire on the ground (prevent crowning).
Today 
Crews will hold the fire along Falls Creek Road; the fire has reached the road along one and one half mile section of the road. Some firing operations may occur to defend and control as necessary.  Dozers will continue line construction toward Falls Creek road to the south. Dozers will also begin constructing line from Falls Creek Road to Eight Mile. 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 the Little Bridge Fire and initial attack on new fires.
If you see a new fire, please call 911; crews will respond to 911 calls.

Evacuations  (including all evacuations in the Methow Valley area)

Level 1:  Pine Forest, Sun Mountain Resort, Pearrygin Lake State Park, East Chewuch Road to Boulder Creek, and the Twist River from Elbow Coulee to the Forest Boundary.

Weather:  Sunny, Highs around 80; wind from the northwest at12 mph with gusts to 28

Fire Statistics

Start Date:  08/03/2014                                Size: 4,426 acres                    Percent Contained:  0%
Location:  17 miles north of Winthrop, WA                                                Total Personnel:  195
Resources Assigned:  1 Type 1 hand crews, 1 Type 2 Initial Attack crew; 32 engines, 4 dozers, 9 water tenders; 2 Type 1, 2 Type 2, and 2 Type 3 Helicopters

Closures

The East Chewuch Road is now closed from the intersection of East and West Chewuch roads (at the bridge) up to the National Forest to provide a safe travel route for fire vehicles.
Forest closures:  call the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest (509) 996-4000 or go to http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices
Highway closures:  Washington Department of Transportation at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/

Other places to get information

Twitter:  #UpperFallsFire

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