Single Publication

Highlight: 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.

Operations: The Irving Peak Fire was active yesterday, primarily moving east along Wenatchee Ridge from the influence of westerly winds. The fire is slowly backing down the slope toward Forest Road 6500. Firefighters are working on and near the 6500, connecting a hand line and a dozer line below the fire’s edge on Forest Road 6504. Scooper planes and helicopters dropped water on the Irving Peak Fire to moderate fire spread and will continue this work today. Chipping and brushing will continue along the roads to the east and south of the White River Fire.

Weather: Today’s weather is expected to be a bit cooler with some afternoon sun and clouds. A slight chance of thunderstorms in the region is possible this afternoon. Variable winds are expected to increase later in the day.

Fire Behavior: Fire activity on the Irving Peak Fire is expected to increase today. The continued warm and dry weather and changing wind directions are expected to increase fire behavior. Fire activity along the White River Fire is expected to be lower today.

Closures: The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest has issued a closure order for the White River Fire and Irving Peak Fire area: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/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/?cid=fsbdev3_053600
Evacuations: Evacuation levels remain unchanged. 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).

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: Washington Smoke Information https://outlook.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be

Follow Us Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo and https://www.facebook.com/nwteam7