Thursday, August 21, 2014

8/21/2014 Chiwaukum Complex Update



For updated trail closure maps, please visit out inciweb at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/maps/3976/

Today's weather forecasts cooler temperatures ranging between 76-83 degrees in the lower elevations and 65-70 on the ridges. Relative humidity will be higher at 25-35%. Winds 5-10 mph can be expected with gusts of 15 mph. From Friday through the weekend, increasing clouds accompanied by scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms may result in 1/10-1/4 inches of rain.



Pacific Northwest Team 2 will transfer command to a local Type 3 organization effective Friday morning. Marty Bently will take over as Incident Commander.



Firefighters will monitor the fires closely today and throughout the weekend. Initial attack resources are identified and ready to respond to any new starts.



Fire lines will continue to be repaired and rehabilitated. Hazard tree removal along roadsides will continue to ensure public safety.



Helicopters will remain at the Fish Lake Air Strip and are available to assist crews if needed. These helicopters have played an important role fighting the Chiwaukum Complex fires, dropping approximately 6.5 million gallons of water since the fires started in July.



The Duncan Fire will be monitored and patrolled throughout the weekend. Rehabilitation of the Shady Pass Road fire break will continue.



Crews will continue strengthening firelines along the northwest fire perimeter of the Hansel Creek Fire. Rehab and repair efforts will continue throughout the weekend.



The Shoofly Fire continues to retain heat in the interior. Contingency lines will continue to be strengthened throughout the weekend. A Wildland Module (7-10 member crew specializing in fire behavior monitoring) is working with suppression crews to patrol the fire area.



Crews will continue removing hoses and conducting rehab and repair work on the Alpine Fire today and this weekend. The fire will continue to be monitored from the air and ground.



On the Chiwaukum Creek Fire, crews will continue mop-up of the northern perimeter. The fire will also be monitored and patrolled.



Firefighters are assessing damage on the Mills Canyon Fire. Although this fire is 100% contained, there is equipment and resources in the area for post-fire duties.



While there are no longer large flames and columns of smoke to be seen, burned trees and loosened debris still pose a threat. Leavenworth will be especially busy this weekend with recreational visitors and fire traffic on the roads. Please take these hazards seriously, drive carefully around firefighters and fire vehicles, and respect fire closure areas.



This will be the last scheduled update. Beginning Monday August 24, call the Wenatchee River Ranger District at 509-548-2550, the Entiat Ranger District at 509-784-4700, or the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest headquarters at 509-664-9200 for more information.



Evacuations/Closure Information:  Chelan County Emergency Services posts updated evacuations and closures at facebook.com/pages/Chelan-County-Emergency-Management/188543097925415 or follow them on twitter @ChelanCountyEM.



Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest:  http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices



Smoke Informationhttp://wasmoke.blogspot.com/



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