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Highlights: The White River and Irving Peak Fires were started by lightning on August 11 and are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA. Both fires have burned approximately 676 acres combined with zero containment. Northwest Incident Management Team 7, led by Incident Commander Nate LeFevre, assumed command of these fires at 6:00 a.m. today.
Yesterday, firefighters worked to reopen Little Wenatchee Road, securing threatened structures, and dropping water and retardant from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to moderate fire behavior while containment lines are constructed. Operations: Today, crews will continue preparations along Little Wenatchee Road to secure the area with water and hose lays. Aircraft dropping water and fire retardant will be used to moderate fire behavior and keep the fire from long range spotting. Aircraft are not expected to extinguish the fire, but to assist fire fighters in keeping fire behavior in check until long term fire barriers can be established around the perimeter of the fires. Firefighters are scouting for locations where effective fire lines can be established with a high probability of containing the fires.
Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has issued a Level 3 evacuation (Go Now) for Sears Creek Road, White River Road is at a Level 2 (Be Prepared), and Little Wenatchee Road is at a Level 1 (Stay Alert). Emergency personnel are in the process of advising residents in the area. Residents of five homes were evacuated from the Sears Creek Area. For an interactive evacuation map of Chelan County, please visit https://tinyurl.com/whiteriverevacuationmap. To sign up for the Chelan County emergency alert system, please visit https://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184.
Fire Behavior: Fire has been spreading in heavy dead fuels with short range spotting. Downslope winds can potentially drive fire downhill as the week progresses with stronger northwest winds. Weather: High pressure is expected to build tomorrow, with 90 degrees in the valley bottoms and temperatures at the ridge tops in the lower 70’s. An inversion is expected to set in during the evening hours. Today will present a one-degree change in temperature from yesterday, with an inversion holding smoke in the valley bottoms during the evening hours. Closures: An area closure is pending. It is recommended that the public avoid recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. The Pacific Crest Trail is not affected by this fire. Restrictions: Campfires are not currently allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas.
Safety Message: Fire fighter crews and equipment are busy in the fire area. Air operations include helicopters dipping from Lake Wenatchee. Please avoid areas where people and equipment are working. Please be cautious and continue to do all you can to prevent wildfires.
Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ | https://www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo https://www.facebook.com/nwteam7 Smoke: Current smoke forecast outlooks are available at www.wasmoke.blogspot.com Inciweb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/