Saturday, August 9, 2014

8/9/2014 South Cle Elum Ridge Fire Update

South Cle Elum Ridge Fire Information Office
Incident Information cell # 206-639-7632
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South Cle Elum Ridge Fire Update

Saturday, August 09, 2014 —10:00 a.m.

Bob Allbee – Incident Commander


Website:  http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4066/
 Incident Information Office (shared with Snag Canyon Fire):  509-731-3641

Evacuation Updates from Kittitas County Emergency Operations Center:  509-933-8305

Current Fire Situation:

Smoke from the South Cle Elum Ridge Fire is visible from Interstate 90 and the Cle Elum vicinity.  The fire was estimated Friday at approximately 400 acres.  It is primarily burning in large timber on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, on the south side of South Cle Elum Ridge.  The fire spotted, less than a quarter-mile to the east, on private timber land and Forest Service land.  The nearest homes are over a mile away to the northeast, on the Woods and Steele Road.  Fifteen residences on that road have been notified by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office to be aware of the fire situation in the area and make plans in case there becomes a need to evacuate.  This is considered a Level 1 evacuation level, be "Ready" in case the fire situation changes.



Today, 3 crews and 5 engines from throughout the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest continue on their mission of keeping the fire south of Forest Road 4510 (at the top of the ridge), and west of the 114 Spur of the 4510 road.  They will be supported by helicopters currently assigned to the nearby Snag Canyon fire if needed, and air tankers are available if called.  More crews, engines, and a feller-buncher have been ordered to create fire line and stronger fuel breaks to contain the fire; these resources should arrive today and tomorrow.



Hotter temperatures and drier air are expected through the weekend.  With the dry air and the very large trees and downed logs on the ground, the fire is expected to burn actively throughout the day. Winds are expected to be lighter today than previous days, and terrain-driven. 



Safety is the Priority

Firefighter and public safety is the focus of all working on the fire, and that emphasis was shared by representatives from the Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, and Kittitas County Fire Districts at the morning briefing for firefighters.  The very steep slopes, large trees and dead standing trees (snags), and the narrow steep roads to access the fire are all concerns for fire personnel.  To help keep firefighters and the public safe in the fire area, there are Forest Service road closures in place on Forest Road 4510 (Woods and Steele Road), junction of Forest Roads 3352 and 119 (Five Corners) and Forest Road 3300 at the Bridge across the South Fork Taneum Creek.  The visibility of smoke along Interstate 90 is also a concern, and drivers are reminded to focus on the road even when smoke or air resources make interesting sights.  Forest managers remind recreationists and other forest visitors that fire danger remains very high and there are still campfire restrictions in place throughout the Okanogan Wentachee National Forest.  Smoke impact information, for this fire and others in central Washington, is available at wasmoke.blogspot.com



As of 6:00 this morning, Washington Interagency Incident Management Team 3 has been delegated responsibility for managing the fire, so local resources can be ready for initial attack if any new fires start.  The Incident Command Post is being set up just west of Thorp at the Heart K Ranch.

Cooperators:  The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Kittitas County Fire Districts 7 and 1, and Kittitas County Sheriff's Office.

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