Single Publication

 White River and Irving Peak Fires Update 

September 3, 2022 - 9:00 AM 

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

Suppression Strategy – 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). 

Operations – A cold front will be moving into the area with slightly higher humidity, lower temperatures and very strong winds, gusts possibly up to 35 mph. Wind alignment with the topographical features near the fires could test the work on control lines completed to date. No structures have been lost due to these fires.  The increased local fire activity and smoke from Oregon fires pushing northward will bring additional smoke into the area. Smoke columns could be visible to the public as large amounts of fuels are consumed. 

White River Fire - Acres: 1,249; 1% contained 

Location: Sears Creek area of the White River drainage, approximately 14 miles NW of Plain, WA. 

Yesterday, the White River Fire remained active along the southwest edge and the fire burned over the top of Wenatchee Ridge. Roll out of burning material is anticipated resulting in uphill runs.  The fire was also active on the southeast edge. Helicopter water drops were utilized to cool some hotter fire areas. Temperatures did not reach predicted highs due to a slight smoke layer. Today, firefighters will continue monitoring the southern portion of the fire for increased fire activity and fire movement due to the predicted winds. Firefighting resources remain ready for initial attack on any new fire starts and back haul unused equipment. 

Irving Peak Fire - Acres: 2,829; 7% contained 

Location: Approximately 16 miles NW of Plain, WA 

The Irving Peak Fire moved southeast into a rock band.  The concern is winds could increase the spotting distance and blow embers across the band.  The completed burnout operations on a portion of the southeast perimeter along Forest Service Road (FSR) 6504 to FSR 200 held, increasing the total containment of Irving Peak to seven percent. Masticating and chipping along spur road 200 to the 311 continues. Today, firefighters will continue to improve control lines, clear debris and keep a watchful eye on any developing smoke from fire activity.   

Weather and Fire Behavior – A dry cold front moved across the region and will create cooler and windy conditions with higher afternoon relative humidity today. This is a watch-out for fire behavior to produce very active and erratic fire activity.  Today’s forecast calls for temperatures of 77-83 degrees in the valley and 63-68 degrees on the ridgetops; relative humidity of 35-45% in the valleys and 45-50% on the ridgetops; winds in the valleys will be NW 5-10 mph with gust to 20 mph throughout the day and ridgetops W/NW 10-20 mph with gusts to 35 mph. 

Air quality and smoke outlook – Smoke is moving north from multiple Oregon wildfires and blanketing the region. Smoke levels in the Lake Wenatchee area have a high probability to increase throughout the day. The current smoke outlook, along with information about air quality health recommendations during smoky conditions, is available at: https://outlooks.airfire.org/outlook/84d849be and at Washington Smoke Blog https://wasmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Closures – Several road and area closures are in place for the safety of firefighters and the public. Fire managers are asking people to please respect these closures while recreating in the area. An emergency closure, issued by the Forest Service, remains in place for the Little Wenatchee Road (Forest Service Road [FSR] 65) to include the section between the National Forest boundary and the junction of FSR 65 and FSR 6700.    

For additional information about current closures, please visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest - Home (usda.gov) .  

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 – Increased visitor activity is expected beginning today with the holiday week-end approaching. The public is asked to please watch out for firefighters and firefighting vehicle traffic in the area. 

Are you pulling a trailer or boat this holiday weekend? With the low humidity and high temperatures, a small spark from a dragging safety chain can quickly create a large fire. Please be responsible and take a moment to check your tow chains. 

Resources- Total personnel assigned: 310 including 2-Type 1 (Hotshot) hand crews; 3-Type 2 IA (Initial Attack) hand crews; 2-type 2 hand crews; 1-camp crew; 2-heavy lift helicopters; 1-medium lift helicopter; 1-light lift helicopter; 14 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/