Single Publication

White River and Irving Peak Fires Update

September 8, 2022 – 9:00 AM

Plain, WA – Lightning started the White River and Irving Peak Fires on August 11. The fires are burning on the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, northwest of Plain, WA.

Suppression Strategy – 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 using roads and constructed hand line.

Current Situation – A local Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fires on September 7th at 7:00 am. Smoke may be visible over the next several weeks as interior fuels continue to smolder and burn out. Fire updates will continue every other day; if a change in fire activity occurs, the frequency may change.
Last night’s overnight infrared flight could not fly; acreage does not reflect yesterday’s growth.

White River Fire – Acres: 1,576 (from 9/7/2022); 1% contained; Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA.
Yesterday, with Red Flag conditions and gusty winds, fire activity increased. Fire growth occurred on the southwest and southeast flanks. Two engines staffed a night shift last night to patrol and monitor activity. 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: 3,062 (from 9/7/2022); 7% contained; Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA
The Irving Peak Fire saw little growth over the last two days. Firefighters continue work along roads and containment lines and monitor fire behavior and spread utilizing ground and aerial resources.

Weather – A Fire Weather Watch is possible tomorrow, Friday, September 9th, due to a wind shift bringing easterly winds and gusts up to 25mph. Over the next few days, temperatures will remain in the 70s and low 80s.

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. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area. The PCT remains open and not directly impacted by the fires, but the Little Wenatchee Ford and White River Trailheads cannot be used to access the PCT.

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 – The White River Fire Information phone line has transitioned to the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Fire Info Phone Line: 509-557-0973 | Online: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8329/ and www.facebook.com/WhiteRiverFireInfo