Single Publication

Yesterday afternoon, firefighting resources assigned to the White River and Irving Peak Fires assisted Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue with controlling a new, 0.1-acre fire start near Hidden Lake, southwest of Lake Wenatchee.

Operations – Fire managers are refining a long-term strategy including the use of primary and contingency perimeter lines for containment. Tactics include completion and reinforcement of fire lines (roads and hand line) and planned burning operations to remove unburned fuel between fire lines and the edge of the fire. Smoke could be visible for the near future.

White River Fire
Acres: 1,089; 1% contained
Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA

The southeast corner of the fire was active yesterday, reaching Wenatchee Ridge in places. Ground crews were supported with helicopter water drops to check the fire’s movement. Fuel moisture remains high along the fire’s eastern edge, impeding growth toward White River Road. With the warming and drying weather and increasing winds, expect increased fire activity and spread. Engines and hand crews are working today near the southeast corner of the fire, continuing road and structure preparations. The Lakeview Interagency Hotshot Crew will continue using an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) today – a drone with infrared detection to better map the fire’s edge and find hot spots.

Irving Peak Fire
Acres: 1,829; 1% contained
Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA

Yesterday, crews burned fuels between the fire’s edge and the 6504 Road, near Lodgepole Creek. The fire’s southwest edge now aligns with the road system, which was prepared as containment line. Today, firefighters continue preparing mid-slope fire line between the fire’s south edge and Rainy Creek Road. This fire line will become the primary containment line. Small portions of the fire have crossed over Wenatchee Ridge near Panther and Canyon Creeks, but there is not substantial fire spread.

Weather and fire behavior- The forecast calls for increasing winds along with warmer and dryer weather today. The fires may become more active on steep slopes and along ridge tops. Expect more downslope fire growth on the Irving Peak Fire and possible torching (occasional burning of trees from the bottom up) on the White River Fire. Smoke production and areas of smoke accumulation near Lake Wenatchee and White River may continue, especially as interior fuel pockets burn.

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

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

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- Current Chelan County evacuation levels include a Level 2 evacuation (Be Prepared) for Sears Creek Road and Level 1 (Stay Alert) for White River Road and Little Wenatchee Road. https://www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/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.

Safety message- Warming and drying weather can lead to fire growth and the potential for new starts. There is still at least another month of fire season ahead. Please use caution with anything that could cause a spark and continue to be safe and aware of your surroundings.

Resources- Total personnel assigned: 363, including 2-Type 1 (Hotshot) hand crews; 2-Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) hand crews; 1-Type 2 hand crew; 2-heavy lift helicopters; 1-medium lift helicopter; 2-light lift helicopters; 13 engines; 1 dozer; 2 masticators; 6 water tenders; and 130 overhead personnel.

Follow us online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo
Estará disponible una traducción al español en: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/news/8329/