Single Publication

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.

Suppression Strategy: Both fires are being suppressed with a combination of strategies and tactics that provide the highest likelihood of success while mitigating risks to fire fighters. There is no opportunity for firefighters to work safely and effectively at the fire’s edge in this extremely steep and inaccessible terrain. Instead, firefighters are constructing indirect fire line using existing roads that will more effectively contain the fire if conditions encourage its spread.

Operations: Firefighters have assessed over 430 structures near Lake Wenatchee, and continue structure preparation. Crews are putting incident objectives into action, creating indirect fire lines along the White River Road, Sears Creek Road, and Little Wenatchee Road. Chipper operators anticipate a few more days of work clearing brush along Forest Road 6404.

Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has issued a Level 3evacuation (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 visithttps://public.alertsense.com/signup/?regionid=1184.

Weather: Yesterday a round of thunderstorms brought scattered precipitation in the area with the greatest amount along the eastern side of the White River Fire. Firefighters are monitoring the sites of a few lightning strikes for potential new fires. Today, expect warm and dry conditions with a light wind. A humid and cool morning will give way to warm and dry conditions into the afternoon.

Fire Behavior: Fire activity should be low to moderate today. Persistent clouds and smoke will moderate fire activity. With warm and dry conditions at high elevations, the Irving Peak Fire has spread into the Panther Creek watershed along the saddles of Wenatchee Ridge.

Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire area:https://www.fs.usda.gov/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1054295.pdf
Additionally, it is recommended to avoid recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas.

Restrictions: Campfires are not allowed anywhere within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Stage 2 Restrictions are now in effect for the entire forest, including campgrounds and wilderness areas:https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/okawen/alerts-notices/...

Pacific Crest Trail: Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). While there is currently no impact to the PCT, hikers should be aware that Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT.

Safety Message: Firefighter crews and equipment are busy in and around the fire area. Helicopters and water-scooping aircraft are periodically active on Lake Wenatchee. Be prepared to clear areas of the lake and stay close to shore when scooper aircraft are operating. Please avoid all areas where people and equipment are working. Be cautious and continue to do all you can to prevent wildfires.

Smoke: The current smoke forecast outlook, along with information about air quality health recommendations during smoky conditions, is available at:https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be

Follow Us Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ andwww.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo and www.facebook.com/nwteam7A

Spanish translation available will be available at:https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8329/