8/15/2014 PM Chiwaukum Complex Update

Note: Please see Inciweb for a more up to date evacuation explanation. 

A Community Meeting was held Thursday evening at the Valley Hi Fire Station.  Those in attendance received the most current information regarding the Hansel Creek Fire as well as future plans for fire containment.

Scattered showers are expected this afternoon and evening, accompanied by minimal thunder and lightning.  Fine fuels remain moist; however, fire danger still exists.  Lightning from previous days may have ignited new fires which could show up over the next several days. Initial attack crews are available to respond to any new starts.

Through Friday and Saturday, fire behavior is expected to remain low.  However, fires are still expected to smolder in stumps and other sheltered fuels.  Over the weekend, a slight drying trend is expected.

The steep road to Shady Pass on the Duncan Fire remains very slick and hazardous for firefighters.  Progress has been made along the Entiat River Road portion of the fire with crews conducting mop-up, removing mud and debris from roads after heavy rains, and removing hoses and other equipment from the line.  Muddy conditions and erosion from the fire have caused occasional debris flow and rolling log hazards along the Entiat River Road.

Duncan Fire Evacuation Levels remain the same.  Level 1 Evacuation Notices are in effect on Entiat River Road from milepost 18 to Brief, and Level 2 Evacuation Notices are in effect on Entiat River Road from Brief to the end of County Road, on Tyee Road, Benne Rd, and Jennie Ln.

Crews have made significant progress on the eastern and northeastern portion of the Hansel Creek Fire as safety allows.  The fire remains west of Highway 97.  Structure protection is in place and the portion of the fire closest to Highway 97 remains secured.

Hansel Creek Fire Evacuation Levels remain the same.  Level 1 Evacuation Notices are in place on the stretch of Highway 97 from Ingalls Creek to Camas Creek Road, and in Valley Hi from Ingalls Ln. to Cottonwood Ln.  Level 2 Evacuation Notices are in place on Ingalls Creek Rd, Hanzel Cr. Rd, and Pine Ridge Rd.

Very steep terrain and wet conditions have made direct attack on the Shoofly Fire difficult.  Firefighters are making progress developing contingencies on Lake Creek Road and the Heather Creek drainage to the south and on Fall Creek to the north that may be used as containment lines.

The Alpine Fire is 100% lined, 80% contained, 50% mopped up, and will be unstaffed today.

Progress has been made on the northwest corner of the Chiwaukum Creek Fire at McCue Ridge.   Rehabilitation of the firelines and mop-up activities continue.  Spotting along the western/northwestern edges of the fire has been contained, and hoses are being removed from the line.  Mop-up along the northeast section is on hold, as conditions are very slick and muddy.  Firefighters will take advantage of the reduced fire activity to scout flanks at the Chiwaukum Creek Fire that are in the wilderness.  Level 1 Evacuation Notices are still in place on Coulter Rd.

All major roads including Highway 2 and Highway 97 are open.  Businesses in surrounding communities remain open and ready for business.

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