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2023 Airplane Lake OWF

Unit Information

Incident Contacts

  • Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
    Phone:
    (509) 664-9200

Airplane Lake Fire Update 8-24-2023

2023 Airplane Lake OWF
Publication Type: News 08/24/2023

8-24-2023:  The fire is burning in the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area. Most of the fire’s growth over the last couple of days has occurred on the west side of the fire. The fire’s progression to the south has been limited due to the use of a large helicopter doing water drops in strategic locations to halt the spread. Fire personnel will continue to assess the situation and take advantage of opportunities to control the fire utilizing natural features (like rock escarpments, wet drainage bottoms and old fire scars) to contain the fire. Fire personnel will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation and adjust tactics as needed.

Cooler temperatures over the past couple of days have helped decrease fire behavior along the fire’s perimeter. Even though fire behavior has decreased, the fire is still actively backing in Amber Creek and the White River drainages.

The weather forecast is for a temporary warming trend to occur on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday followed by a storm system that may bring in some moisture. Saturday and Sunday temperatures are predicted to be in the 70’s near the fire’s location. A low-pressure system working its way in off the coast of Washington could also present the possibility of east winds through the weekend.

Forest Service road crews will be doing roadside maintenance work to address access issues along FS Road 6400, north of Tall Timber Ranch.

An area closure is in effect for public safety. Level One Evacuation remains in place (issued by Chelan County for the White Rive Road FS6400 to west of Tall Timbers). Visit Chelan County Emergency Management for more information regarding evacuation notices.

Information will be updated at least twice a week or after any significant event occurs. For more information contact the Wenatchee River Ranger District office at 509-548-2550.

We ask people to help do their part to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and follow campfire restrictions:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/?cid=fsbdev3_053600