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Highlights: Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. They are burning on the Okanagan-Wenatchee National Forest, approximately 15 miles northwest of Plain, WA. Because of the inaccessible and extremely steep terrain, fire officials are managing both fires with an indirect strategy. Crews are cutting and chipping brush and small trees along existing roads to be used as fire line if needed, and constructing some hand line and dozer line away from the fire’s edge.

Operations: Crews yesterday finished work along the White River Road and chipping at Sears Creek and Windmill Lane. Structure assessments and preparations are complete and hose lays and tanks are in place for residences in the White River area. Firefighters will focus today on road preparation along FS Road 6500 and the road system near Irving Peak using dozers and a masticator. Helicopters will support firefighting efforts this morning. Firefighters responded to three new lightning fires from Monday’s isolated thunder storms. One small fire was detected east of White River Road approximately six miles north of the junction. A Hotshot Crew, three engines, and a helicopter dropping water on the fire provided initial attack. The fire is now completely lined and mop up will begin today. Crews also assisted with initial attack on two small fires near Cady Ridge, providing air support at the request of the local Forest.

Weather and fire behavior: Thunderstorms moved through the area yesterday with some pockets of lightning that may have caused additional fire starts in the area. Firefighters will patrol to check for new starts. The forecast for today is dry, hot weather which could enable fire growth on the White River and Irving Peak fires. The longer-term forecast calls for stronger and more sustained winds that could contribute to active fire growth.

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/.../FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1054295.pdf

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/...

Evacuations: Chelan County Sheriff's office has downgraded the evacuation order to Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road, White River Road is downgraded to Level 1 (Stay Alert), and Little Wenatchee Road remains at Level 1 (Stay Alert). https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emer.../pages/active-emergencies

Recreation impacts: In addition to the forest closure and fire restrictions, fire officials recommend avoiding recreating in the Little Wenatchee and White River Road (FS Roads 6500 and 6400) areas. Smoke is visible from the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by the fires. However, the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads are closed and cannot be used to access the PCT. The Buck Creek-Spider Meadow Loop is open and accessible but smoke and nearby fire activity may impact the area. Use the
links below for updated fire and air quality information.

Safety Message: The past two days have seen cooler temperatures and pockets of moisture in the region. However, it is forecasted to be hot and dry with increased winds in the coming days. These conditions can lead to fire growth and the potential for new starts. It is important to stay alert. There is still at least another month of fire season ahead. Please be careful.

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/ and White River and Irving Peak Fire Information and https://www.facebook.com/nwteam7/ 

Estará disponible una traducción al español en: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/832