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White River (& Irving Peak)

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Unit Information

215 Melody Lane 
Wenatchee, 
98801 
215 Melody Lane 
Wenatchee, 
98801 

Incident Contacts

  • Fire Information Line
    Phone:
    509-557-0973
    Hours:
    M-F 8am-5pm

White River and Irving Peak Fires Update Sept. 12, 2022

White River (& Irving Peak)
Publication Type: News 09/12/2022

White River and Irving Peak Fires Update September 12, 2022

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11th. The Minnow Ridge Fire cause is currently undetermined. These fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.

Suppression Strategy – Due to rugged and steep terrain, fire managers continue to implement a long-term strategy to manage these fires, including the use of primary and contingency perimeter lines for containment. Tactics include completion and reinforcement of fire lines utilizing forest roads and constructed hand line.

Current Situation – A local Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fires on September 7th and is currently managing the White River, Irving Peak, Meander, and now Minnow Ridge fires. The Meander Fire is 6 acres with very minimal fire activity. Smoke may be visible over the next several weeks as interior fuels continue to smolder and burn out, and multiple fires burn region-wide.

White River Fire – Acres: 2,577 (as of 9/9/2022); 1% contained; Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA.
Fire growth primarily occurred on the south flanks of the fire. The fire footprint remains within the control lines and geographic features being utilized as containment lines. Firefighters continue to establish an anchor point, monitor activity, and maintain structure protection along Sears Creek Road and Windmill Lane.

Irving Peak Fire – Acres: 3,226 (as of 9/9/2022); 7% contained; Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA
The Irving Peak Fire has seen minimal growth over the last few days. Firefighters continue to improve roads used as containment lines, utilize strategic firing to establish control lines, and monitor fire activity.

Minnow Ridge Fire – Acres: approximately 350; 0% contained; Location: Chikamin Ridge, approximately 14 miles N of Plain, WA.
Minimal fire activity was seen yesterday. Fire resources continue preparation work around structures in the Chiwawa River area. Firefighters are scouting fire lines previously utilized during past wildfire activity to determine if they may be beneficial to the current strategy.  

Weather – Today, Monday, September 12th, will bring a chance of showers and thunderstorms with west winds of 6 to 8 mph and gusts up to 20mph through Tuesday. Temperatures will remain in the low 70s this week.

Air Quality and Smoke – Current information about air quality and health recommendations during smoky conditions is available on the Washington Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/

Closures – An emergency closure issued by the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest remains in place and can be viewed here: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/okawen/alerts-notices. The PCT remains open and is not directly impacted by these fires. Several trails in the Chikamin Ridge area are pending closure due to the Minnow Ridge Fire. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area.

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: 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. www.co.chelan.wa.us/emergency-management/pages/active-emergencies

Fire Information – Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm | Phone: 509-557-0973
Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo