8/21/2015 Cougar Creek Update

GLENWOOD, Wash. – As forecasted, strong winds associated with a low pressure system moved across the Cougar Creek Fire area yesterday andWednesday.  Crews held established control lines along the south and east flanks of the fire.  Minimal spotting resulted from the wind event, and crews were able to hold the fire within its perimeter.  Burnout operations assisted in securing fire line around the fire contributing to the increase in reported fire size. Winds helped firefighters on the northeast flank of the fire by pushing the fire back toward the interior. Gusty winds increased fire activity on the west flank of the fire.  Crews were successful in completing line construction to Hellroaring Creek on the northwest portion of the fire line. A National Weather Service Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11:00 pm tonight.  Strong winds combined with low humidity and high temperatures are expected to continue across the region today.  We are now in day three of this wind event and crews were successful in maintaining established fire lines. Safety continues to be a priority with no injuries reported yesterday. In the unlikely event that the Cougar Creek fire escapes its control lines, Washington Interagency Incident Management Team #5 has established contingency plans in place, and will continue to follow the Wildfire Public Safety Plan established by the Klickitat County Department of Emergency Management and the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office. Residents of Glenwood north of Ladiges Road remain under a Level 1 evacuation from    the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office. The Level 1 notice advises residents to be alert of the fire’s activity. CLOSURES:  For the safety of firefighters and the public: DNR - All DNR State Trust lands and recreation sites within the Glenwood Block are closed.Yakama Indian Nation - Tract D Mt. Adams Recreation Area is closed. USFS – The South Climb & all other trails on the south & east sides of Mt. Adams are closed between Forest Road 23 at Williams Mine to the eastern boundary of the Forest. Forest Roads 80 & 82 are also closed. Future daily updates will be posted by 9 a.m. each day on InciWeb: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4484/ An information phone line and email address has been established.

Information Office Phone:  (509)364-3369 Email:  cougarcreekfireinfo@gmail.com